Is Cosmetic Dentistry Permanent?

Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent way to correct dental imperfections and transform your smile. It also provides a massive boost in your confidence and overall quality of life. Whether your teeth are chipped, misaligned, broken, gapped, stained, or overcrowded, our Sugarland dentist can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

The ideal cosmetic treatment for you typically depends on factors like your condition, budget, preferences, and dentist’s requirements. After examining your mouth, the dentist may give you several options. Among these treatments, some can be reversible, while others can be permanent.

Please keep reading to learn more about reversible and permanent cosmetic treatments and whether they are right for you.

Reversible Vs. Permanent Cosmetic Dental Treatments

What are Reversible Cosmetic Treatments?

As the name suggests, you can reverse reversible dental treatments. Reversible treatments require minimal to no changes in the structure of the teeth or other parts of the mouth. In most cases, they involve adding materials to teeth rather than removing them. It means that you can restore the original appearance of your smile if you change your mind about the treatment.

Reversible treatments are suitable if you haven’t decided to commit to a permanent solution. For this reason, reversible cosmetic treatments often have shorter lifespans and are more susceptible to damage than permanent treatments.

Types of Reversible Treatments

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic treatment is a reversible, non-invasive, quick, and cost-effective solution for minor cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding entails applying a putty-like material to a tooth and shaping it to correct dental flaws. The bonding material is customized to match the color of your natural teeth. Dental bonding can fix minor issues like chips, cracks, stains, teeth gaps, and misalignments.

Composite Veneers

A veneer is a thin tooth-colored coating that’s adhered to the front of the tooth to repair or hide the damage. Some types of veneers, like Lumineers and composite veneers, are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers, meaning they require minimal to no tooth shaving.

It makes it possible to remove the veneer without compromising the tooth’s health. Composite veneers are ideal for minor tooth imperfections like tooth cracks, chips, stains, gaps, and misalignments.

Permanent Cosmetic Treatments

As the name suggests, permanent cosmetic treatments are permanent, meaning you can’t reverse them in the future. Often, permanent treatments are more invasive and involve altering the natural form of the teeth or gums. On the positive side, they are more durable and have a longer lifespan.

Types of Permanent Cosmetic Treatments

Porcelain Veneers

Traditional porcelain veneers are slightly thicker than Lumineers or composite veneers. Fitting a composite veneer requires trimming a significant amount of enamel, permanently changing the tooth’s structure.

Therefore, removing the veneer makes your tooth susceptible to infections and fractures. You’ll always need a veneer or another restoration, like a crown, to protect the tooth.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a common irreversible restoration for repairing moderate to severe dental imperfections like cracks, chips, breaks, decay, and stains. The treatment involves placing a tooth-shaped cap over the top of the existing tooth.

To fit a crown, the dentist must shave the tooth’s enamel. It permanently changes the tooth’s structure, making it irreversible. Crowns can also support dental bridges or cover a dental implant.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent way to restore your bite function and improve your smile if you have lost a tooth or teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post or screw, which is surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing teeth.

The bone heals around the implant, making it a permanent part of your mouth. Later, a dental crown is placed to protect and strengthen the implant. If you change your mind about the treatment, the dentist will have to perform another surgery to remove the implant. Visit our dental office for dental Implants in Sugar Land, TX.

Orthodontic Treatments

Moderate to severe teeth misalignments or teeth gaps can make you look and feel less attractive. The dentist can recommend traditional braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth for a beautiful and youthful smile based on your needs and condition.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry in Sugar Land, TX? Contact Bella Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for more information.