Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that involves altering the appearance of the teeth to address aesthetic issues. Through cosmetic dentistry, many of our clients are able to regain their confidence and feel like themselves again.
Discoloured teeth, misshapen teeth, or teeth that do not align correctly can all eat away at our well-being; but with the help of your dental specialist, you can reclaim your smile and, ultimately, ‘forget about it’.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are about abolishing self-consciousness and letting you be yourself with the knowledge in the back of your mind that your smile is just how you want it to be.
In this article, let’s outline a few of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. We’ll explain the problems they solve and how they work.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is an easy and simple way to make your smile brighter and whiter. It’s a great way to offset the effects of ageing, and to combat the natural process by which our teeth become stained or discoloured, commonly to yellow, brown or grey colours. Whitening is often best when there is no structural damage to redress, and it is the colour you are wanting to fix.
There are multiple methods for whitening your teeth, giving you options to find a solution that suits your circumstances. The first method is in-chair whitening, which can provide results within 60 minutes. Before in-chair whitening can go ahead, your dental specialist will assess your suitability for this type of treatment; and run you through the pros and cons, and what you can do to reduce sensitivity.
Then, your dental professional will put in a protective barrier over your lips for the areas that do not need to be cleaned, which will also hold the mouth open. Your dentist will then clean the teeth with a flour based pumice, then will dry the teeth and apply a protective substance over the gums around the teeth arches prior to the application of the whitening gel.
At this point, the dental specialist will then apply the gel to the teeth, using a precision tool. This gel will be activated by a curing light, if necessary, while the gel is allowed to sit. The gel is then removed, and the process repeated around 3 times, before the gel and the gum protection are removed and the process is complete.
The alternative to in-chair whitening is to use a take-home tray. Some people prefer to manage their whitening in the comfort of their own home, while still using a dentist-approved product that is effective and safe and is better for managing sensitivity of the treatment also. At-home whitening may sometimes be used in conjunction with in-chair whitening for a brighter, whiter smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular style of clear aligner that is used to straighten teeth that are misaligned, have gaps, or are clustered. It is effective in cases where more extensive orthodontic treatments are not necessary, and it is commonly preferred by adults for numerous reasons.
Firstly, there is no need for metal or wires to be attached to the teeth, and in fact the aligner can be removed at any time (allowing for eating, brushing and flossing with greater ease than braces). Secondly, clear aligners are by nature invisible and therefore, this treatment does not affect one’s appearance while it is in use. Thirdly, they are often found to be more comfortable.
The course of an Invisalign treatment at your dentist or other dental clinic is typically around 6 to 12 months, though length will vary depending on the severity and nature of the misalignment being redressed.
Many dental clinics have 3D scanners (including our iTero® Element™ Intraoral Scanner), because we’re committed to the comforts and the precision of digital dentistry! The Invisalign process starts with a scan of your teeth. This provides your dental practitioner with a precise image of the teeth, and to develop a map of how to progress, by stages, to the ideal smile.
It would not be possible to put on, straight away, aligners that were the shape of your ideal smile. Rather, Invisalign works by stages – reducing the discomfort and increasing the ultimate effectiveness by using a course of aligners that gradually progress to your ideal smile shape. Your progress to straight teeth is carefully planned, not at random, and it uses the minimal amount of force necessary, eliminating pain that you don’t need to feel!
Porcelain and composite veneers
your dentist will offer both porcelain and composite veneers. Both of these treatment styles work the same way – it is the material that differs. A veneer is a shell or surface material that is bonded onto the ‘smiling teeth’ at the front of the mouth. They are a useful tooth for addressing discoloured teeth, teeth with chips or superficial damage, teeth that are too narrow, and a range of other aesthetic issues.
Veneers usually require the removal of a small amount of the surface of teeth to ensure a good bonding surface and that the veneer does not project forward – remembering that this is all about improving the appearance of the smile. However, this is only as thick as the veneer, which is generally around 0.5mm in thickness.
Porcelain veneers are a slightly more expensive option than composite resin, but they do tend to be the most durable option, the most non-porous, and the least prone to staining.
What if I need different or more extensive treatments?
There are a range of other reconstructive dentistry procedures we haven’t mentioned above – including dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bridges at your dentist – which also have significant cosmetic benefits. These treatments are highly effective and are definitely worth considering when damage to your teeth is more extensive.
if you want to learn more, Haberfield dental practice can answer all your queries related to cosmetic dentistry.