Did you know that the Ancient Romans and Greeks used oyster shells and crushed bone to clean their teeth? Today, however, nylon-bristled toothbrushes and dental floss are available for oral care purposes, and an astounding three million miles of dental floss are purchased in the United States each year. Although toothbrushes and floss can help take care of teeth, cosmetic problems still often occur. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of teeth through a variety of helpful procedures.
1. Invisible braces. These types of braces help inconspicuously straighten teeth. Invisible braces are transparent, which is helpful to individuals who do not want the appearance of bulky metal braces. Additionally, invisible braces cost about the same as metal braces, so they are perfect for people who want to discreetly straighten their teeth. However, even though invisible braces cost about the same as metal braces, they sometimes need to be worn for longer than traditional braces.
2. Dental implants. This form of cosmetic dental surgery is used to permanently replace missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium devices that are inserted directly into the jaw sockets of missing teeth, and once the jaw sockets heal, the implants are able to support porcelain crowns that look and feel like natural teeth. Since dental implantation surgery has a 98% success rate, this is one of the most effective ways to permanently treat tooth loss.
3. Veneers. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain, and they are placed on the surfaces of teeth to cover a wide variety of minor flaws. Discolorations, chips, and cracks, for example, can all be concealed using veneers. Although porcelain veneers are not permanent, they can often last for several years before needing to be replaced.
Even with the creation of modern toothbrushes and floss, cosmetic dental problems still commonly occur. Fortunately, several cosmetic dentistry procedures can help improve the appearance of teeth, such as invisible braces, dental implants, and veneers. By choosing the right treatment option based on your individual needs, you will be able to smile with confidence again. For more information, read this website.