Today’s dental lingo can make it quite confusing to understand what your proposed dental treatment plan entails. Crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, fillings, bonding… and the list goes on. Dr. Hodges, Tulsa dentist, simplifies the most common dental procedures in 2026.
The 5 Most Common Dental Procedures in 2026
Dental Fillings/Bonding
Dental fillings, also known as dental bonding, are performed most frequently to treat dental cavities and minor chips in your teeth. A tooth-colored composite resin is placed to rebuild the tooth structure after decay is removed. Bonding can also be used as an affordable aesthetic alternative to veneers, but may require more frequent replacement.
Dental Veneers
Unlike bonding, dental veneers are a more permanent solution to creating a smile you love. Veneers are nonporous, making them highly resistant to stains from common culprits like coffee, tea, and red wine. Veneers are more conservative than crowns as they cover only one surface of your tooth and can reshape, straighten, and hide gaps in your smile.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from the same non-porous material as veneers, but they cover the entire visible portion of your tooth. Crowns are an excellent option for reconstructing your bite, protecting a compromised tooth, and providing 360° coverage for teeth needing extra protection from heavy chewing, grinding, etc.
Dental Implants
One of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth is to place dental implants. Unlike dental bridges, which are a nuisance to floss and keep clean, dental implants act and feel most like your natural teeth.
Invisalign
Straightening your smile no longer requires years of bulky metal braces. With Invisalign, you can wear a series of clear retainers to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. It is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign over traditional braces, so be sure to ask your dentist which option is best for your dental needs.
Questions about a dental treatment plan you received? Discover all your treatment options by contacting Dr. Hodges at élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dental FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What happens if I don’t get a dental filling?
If your dentist recommends a dental filling, you likely have decay in your tooth, known as a dental cavity. Unfortunately, decay doesn’t get better on its own. This is permanent damage that a dentist must repair with a filling.
Can I postpone my dental treatment?
It is not recommended to postpone dental treatment. Untreated conditions, such as dental cavities, a broken tooth, and dental infections, can advance quickly into a dental emergency, leading to more involved (and more expensive) treatment.
How do I know if I can trust my dentist’s recommendation?
Your dentist should thoroughly review your X-rays with you, explain all your treatment options, and ensure you understand why certain treatment is recommended. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion when needed.
Meet Dr. Hodges, Treating Dentist at élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Meghan Hodges is passionate about dentistry. Dr. Hodges received a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry after completing her undergrad in Human Nutrition and Pre-Med at Oklahoma State University. She has received advanced cosmetic dentistry training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). With nearly 20 years of experience providing patients with beautiful cosmetic dentistry procedures, Dr. Hodges’ passion for cosmetic dentistry and detail-oriented eye is the perfect combination to help patients achieve a more aesthetic smile.
élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry
10031 South Yale Avenue #104 Tulsa, OK 74137
(918) 528-3330
