Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It appears in job interviews, in family photos, in first dates, and in all conversations you have behind the counter at work. Once you're satisfied with it, you hardly notice it. When you're not, it can subtly influence how you conduct yourself in a room.
This is why cosmetic dentistry has become more than just a luxury. A great smile is an important social asset, according to research widely cited in the industry that suggests about 99.7% of adults believe this. Modern cosmetic dentistry services are intended to “bridge the gap” between your smile and the smile you desire, and in most cases, they will enhance your teeth's health and function as well.
This guide explains the various cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available today, what they involve, and how to determine which procedure is right for you.
Cosmetic dentistry is any treatment that enhances the appearance of your teeth, gums, or bite. It ranges from a basic whitening treatment all the way to a complete smile makeover with veneers and implants.
There is a fine line between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and that's a good thing. A dental implant fills in the gap where the tooth once was and allows you to chew again. An onlay is used to reconstruct a compromised tooth without it breaking. A tooth-coloured filling can treat decay and blend in with the natural enamel. That is, most cosmetic dental treatments can provide a health benefit in addition to their cosmetic benefit.
A consultation is the best place to start. A dentist will check your teeth, gums, and bite, talk to you about the things that are bothering you about your smile, and discuss what cosmetic dentistry is possible in your mouth and your budget.
A dental implant is a permanent solution to the problem of missing one or more teeth. It is stronger and more stable than removable dentures and bridges and will look, function, and feel like your natural teeth.
Equally as important, an implant helps to prevent the loss of bone that occurs after tooth loss. The jaw bone beneath the tooth is no longer stimulated when the tooth is removed and starts to shrink over time. Over time, this can change the shape of your face and create further aesthetic and dental problems. An implant post is placed in the bone and maintains its vitality.
The dental implant procedure typically takes place in several phases:
Implants can last for decades with good brushing and flossing and regular check-ups. They are among the most reliable long-haul cosmetic dentistry investments.
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth. Consider them as a fresh face to your smile.
Veneers are a versatile solution since they solve multiple issues simultaneously. They fix staining that won't bleach, fill in holes, close gaps, and hide slightly crooked or oddly shaped teeth. If the patient wishes for a significant improvement without undergoing orthodontics, then veneers may be the quickest way to achieve that.Veneers are a versatile solution since they solve multiple issues simultaneously. They fix staining that won't bleach, fill in holes, close gaps, and hide slightly crooked or oddly shaped teeth. If the patient wishes for a significant improvement without undergoing orthodontics, then veneers may be the quickest way to achieve that.
Porcelain is stain-resistant as well, which means that your smile will remain bright rather than yellowing like natural enamel. The material has the same light-reflecting characteristics as tooth enamel, making quality veneers look convincing and not fake.
One of the most common cosmetic issues is discolouration, and there is not much you can do about that. It is caused by diet, lifestyle, genetics, aging, and some drugs. In Australia, the usual suspects are coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.
Whitening can be done in the dentist's office or at home using a dentist-provided kit. Professional teeth whitening involves a peroxide-containing gel that penetrates the tooth structure to break down the stain molecules. The most popular method in-chair is the hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening treatment, as it is fast and the concentration of peroxide can be controlled by the clinician. Carbamide peroxide is used in take-home kits and is converted to hydrogen peroxide over a longer period of time and worn for a longer duration of time in a custom tray.
In-office whitening is often the most effective and quick whitening treatment. After just one visit, you'll be able to walk out several shades better, and your dentist will be able to keep your gums safe and watch for sensitivity the whole way.
Another advantage that a professional tooth whitening service can offer, which over-the-counter strips cannot, is assessment. Bleaching is not always effective against discolouration. However, if stains are due to trauma, decay or some medications, veneers or bonding may be required. A dentist will inform you of this before you waste money on a treatment that won't help you.
Inlays and onlays are a hybrid of both a filling and a crown. They are fabricated and typically constructed of porcelain or composite, and bonded into or onto a damaged tooth.
These are generally indicated for situations where an older filling needs to be replaced, but the remaining tooth structure is not sufficiently sound to support a filling and is not sufficiently compromised that it would require a full crown.
They both restore the strength and structure of a tooth so that you can eat and smile without issue. Since inlays and onlays are made in a lab or digitally milled before being placed, they fit snugly and are properly shaded to match the natural tooth. They are conservative in nature, leaving a healthier tooth than would a crown.
No more unsightly and noticeable metal fillings. Tooth-coloured fillings are constructed using safe, composite materials that are more similar to your natural teeth, and offer more predictable results.
Composite attaches directly to the tooth, resulting in less tooth preparation and a better final product. The materials are strong and durable enough to be used for standard fillings or for more extensive restorations. If you have any amalgam fillings that show in your smile line, they can be replaced with composite in the fastest cosmetic change possible.
There is no one best treatment; there is only the best treatment that your teeth can get. Start with the concern that bothers you most, and the shortlist usually becomes clear.
A dental implant is usually the most durable solution for a missing tooth. Bridges or dentures are still great options if bone volume, health, or cost make an implant inadvisable.
Natural teeth whitening is the first step if you have dull or stained teeth. Least invasive and most cost-effective. If the stain does not come out, then porcelain veneers can be applied to cover the stain.
If you have chips, gaps, or slightly crooked teeth, however, you can reshape the smile without orthodontics in a couple of visits with porcelain veneers or composite bonding.
Inlays and onlays are used to reconstruct a tooth if the old fillings are failing, but they don't remove as much natural tooth structure as a crown does. Tooth coloured fillings can be used to treat smaller repairs.
An onlay or a crown will help to keep a tooth from breaking if it has been weakened or cracked.
The majority of patients find that they need to use a mix of treatments. One of the most popular treatments is to whiten first, then bond or place veneers to the new shade. Your dentist can schedule the sequence so that it all ends up the same colour.
A better smile is within reach and doesn't always take dramatic intervention. From one tooth coloured filling to a complete set of porcelain veneers, the right cosmetic dentistry procedure can restore your appearance and your confidence.
If you're thinking about cosmetic dentistry, then Springvale Dental Clinic is here to help. We provide a complete cosmetic dentistry package using the latest dental technology and a caring, family-friendly approach, including dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, and tooth-coloured fillings. We'll discuss your cosmetic dentistry options with you candidly and assist you in selecting the option which is right for your smile, your health and your budget. Make an appointment online today and start your journey towards a smile you'll be proud of!
