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Cosmetic dentistry is a specialised branch of the dental profession dealing with the aesthetic aspect of the teeth and mouth. Cosmetic dental procedures are like the optional extras you get when you buy a new car, not really essential but they add that special touch of magic. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth to give you a brighter smile, then there is a procedure for you.
This article looks into some of the most common procedures and lays out some of the benefits people are seeking when they choose them.
Teeth Whitening
Changing diets and lifestyle choices mean that over time, teeth become stained, lose their bright whiteness and turn all shades of yellow. The most common culprits when it comes to food and drink being smoking, red wine, tea and coffee. The buildup of tartar also leads to permanent staining which no amount of brushing will remove.
Teeth whitening is a simple procedure and is the process of improving the colour of the teeth through bleaching. Your dentist or dental hygienist will first remove plaque, tartar and other debris from your teeth before applying the whitening agent (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide).
In most cases teeth whitening can restore your teeth to the original shade or even achieve a lighter shade than the original.
For you to get the best results, you should receive treatment from a registered dentist or dental practitioner. Over the counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits are not regulated and may have potential sides effects. Best case they may not work at all and the worst case is that they may cause damage to teeth and gums.
Dental Veneers
If you’re looking to instantly update your smile with a simple cosmetic procedure then dental veneers may just be what you’re looking for. Veneers are thin strips of porcelain (sometimes called ceramic) which are placed in front of your normal teeth using a dental adhesive. Porcelain veneers not only look like real teeth but they will offer stability and strength as well as working as a protective layer.
Veneers are an excellent option for covering up gaps between your teeth, heavy stains from food and drink or cracks and chipped teeth. Smaller teeth can be made to look larger by using veneers. This procedure is simple and yet the results can make a profound difference to your appearance and how you feel.
Implants
Implants are fitted in place of natural teeth after tooth loss. Losing teeth in adulthood means you are going to have a gap for the rest of your life. Missing teeth also affect chewing in some cases so the treatment is not just cosmetic for some people. However, implants are a permanent option to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants will work whether you want to replace a single tooth or several teeth. During the procedure a dental surgeon will fix titanium screws to your jaw bone. These screws will then support a dental crown, bridge or denture.
Dental technicians make implants to fit your mouth and existing teeth exactly. For that reason, this can be an expensive option and you commonly cannot get this treatment on a first visit. Once the implants are in place no one can really tell them apart from your normal teeth.
Composite Bonding
The shape and colour of teeth will change over time. Dental bonding is used to treat tooth decay, damage to teeth or discolouration. The treatment gives the teeth a nice even colour, matched to the rest of the teeth in your mouth.
This is an inexpensive procedure that can achieve great results, improving your appearance and changing your smile easily.
A dentist removes any tooth decay and applies the composite or resin to the surface. The resin is then sculptured into the desired shape and hardened using a high-intensity light.
Other uses of this procedure include enlarging small teeth, closing up gaps between teeth and matching the appearance of teeth for a dazzling smile. The process is reversible and the dentist can make changes over time.
Inlays and Onlays
This procedure is similar to standard fillings with subtle differences. Dentists sometimes refer to inlays and overlays as indirect fillings. An impression of your decaying tooth is taken to create the filling in a dental lab using a special resin. On the next visit the dentist then prepares the tooth for the filling before using dental cement to attach it.
Inlays and onlays are a popular choice if there is mild or moderate tooth decay or there lacks enough structure to support a traditional filling. For inlays, the filling is inserted into the cavity and onlays the filling goes into the cavity and the entire surface of the tooth as well.
Next Steps
Now that you know a bit more about the different types of common cosmetic dentistry procedures, perhaps you’d like to do something about improving your smile. The best way to proceed is to visit a specialist cosmetic dentist who will talk you through the different options available.
Talking to friends, relatives and colleagues to see if they have any recommendations may also help you to find a good cosmetic dentist. If you’d like to know more about your options at Vinci Aesthetics we’d love to hear from you.
