5 Different Types Of Dental Services To Improve Your Smile

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Dental services are broken down into several different categories, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re looking to improve your smile, replace missing teeth, or have your bite corrected, there’s a dental service out there for you. Here are 5 of the most common types of dental services and how they can improve your smile and overall health.

5 Different Types of Dental Services to Improve Your Smile

1) Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and attached to the front of your teeth. Ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-colored brackets and are less visible than metal braces. Lingual braces are placed on the back side of your teeth so they are completely hidden from view. Invisalign is a clear aligner that is virtually invisible and removable. Clear Braces use an innovative system of translucent, smooth, custom aligners that are easily removed when eating or brushing your teeth. Clear Braces can be used for adults and teens who want straightening without traditional metal wires, brackets, and unsightly hardware.

2) Bonding

Dental bonding is a conservative treatment used to repair chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth. The tooth-colored composite resin is bonded to the tooth using a special light. Bonding can also be used to close spaces between teeth and change the shape of teeth. It’s often done for cosmetic purposes, but it can also be used as a preventive measure against cavities. 

3) Veneers

Veneers are a type of dental service that can help improve the appearance of your smile. They are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, such as gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, and stained or discoloured teeth. Porcelain veneers are most often used because they offer durability, stain resistance, and realistic tooth colour. Other types of veneers include composite resin veneers (used for teeth with small imperfections) and porcelain laminate veneers (used for children).

4) Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are caps that are placed over teeth. They can be used to protect a tooth that has been damaged, to support a tooth with a large filling, or to hold a dental bridge in place. Bridges are false teeth that are used to fill in the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is secured onto existing teeth and then fitted with artificial teeth called pontics. The pontics will act as a new replacement for the missing tooth or teeth and oftentimes improve chewing ability. 

5) Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular dental services because it can drastically improve your smile. There are many different ways to whiten teeth, but the most common is using bleaching gel and a mouthguard-like tray. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the tooth enamel and bleaches the stains. Once you have applied the gel, you wear the tray with special cutouts that fit over your teeth for about 30 minutes. Some people will also brush their teeth before they put on the trays. You can repeat this process once or twice every day until you achieve desired results. When looking for a dentist who offers tooth whitening, make sure they offer it in office settings. In-office treatments tend to be more effective than at-home treatments.