What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Do For You ?

Dentistry is no longer just a case of filling and extracting teeth, as it was for many years. Nowadays many people turn to cosmetic dentistry, or ‘aesthetic dentistry', as a way of improving their appearance, much as they would use cosmetic surgery or even a new hairstyle. The treatments can be used to straighten, lighten, reshape and repair teeth.

An attractive smile can boost your self-esteem; give you the confidence to smile and make you feel good about yourself – so it's no wonder more and more individuals are investing in cosmetic dentistry to achieve the smile they've always wanted.

It is no longer the case that cosmetic dentistry is a term for the rich and famous. Every smile is different and therefore when looking for that perfect smile, an individual treatment plan is devised. There are a number of different procedures available that can be used to achieve the desired results and depending on your existing smile and the change you want to achieve, your dentist may use one or a number of procedures.

Teeth Whitening:

A simple procedure that can create brighter, whiter teeth and give your smile an instant lift, whitening is a great way to introduce yourself to cosmetic dentistry. Using a take home custom made tray for your teeth to apply the whitening gel.

Losing the colour of your teeth is part of the ageing process. Teeth start to change colour from teenage years. Genetics also play a part in white teeth. If your parents have yellow teeth, you are more likely to follow suit. Whitening is for people who suffer from teeth stained by food, drink - mainly red wine, coffee and tea - and tobacco - without harming their teeth.

Porcelain Veneers:

 A thin porcelain shell like material, a veneer is used as a simple way to create a beautiful smile. Permanently fixed to your own teeth, a veneer looks and acts like it has always been part of your mouth. Providing you with a straighter and healthier looking smile, veneers can be used on all your anterior teeth to improve your smile.

Veneers are a versatile technique used to correct crowding in the mouth, cover badly broken teeth, badly stained teeth, and reshape teeth or to close up gaps.

 Veneers are used to increase the dimension of the tooth, thicken them, and make them squarer or longer. Thin slices of porcelain called veneers are shaped and coloured to correspond to the existing teeth. The veneer is bonded onto the front surface of the tooth using a chemical bonding agent.

Tooth – Coloured Fillings:

For centuries, the standard fillings have been made out of a silvery-grey material called ‘amalgam'. This was considered one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials for fillings. However, many people find it unattractive and some are concerned about possible health risks.

White fillings are now a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. The new dental materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect match for the shade of a particular tooth. In most cases, it is quite impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling.

Dental Implants:

Ceramic or Titanium Implants can help people who have lost teeth through decay or gum disease, accidents or extreme wear and tear. As a long-term solution to replacing a single tooth or a number of teeth, implants are fitted into the mouth using a small titanium post. Over a period of four to six months bone will naturally graft around the implant, securing it in place. Once secure a crown is then fitted to the implant, replacing the damaged or missing tooth.

Tooth Bonding:

Resin bonding, also known as composite veneers is a technique where tooth coloured filling material can be permanently bonded to your teeth.  This is done by first etching you teeth with a special gel then building up thin layers of "resins" before adding the white composite material. Eventually a very bright light is used to make everything set.

Dental Bonding can be used to cover up areas of discolouration or surface defect in front teeth. It can also be used to close small spaces between teeth.

Crowns and Bridges:

A crown is an artificial structure that fits over a broken down tooth, taking on its shape and natural appearance with the shading carefully matched.

Crowns are used to strengthen and repair teeth which are severely decayed, brittle or broken. Also known as a cap, a crown can be used for a variety of reasons and should last for many years:

·         If fillings are discoloured - crowns can considerably enhance their appearance.

·         If you have had a root filling the tooth may darken and you may need a crown to improve the strength and appearance of the tooth or the tooth may be weakened and need a crown.

·         To support a bridge or a denture firmly in place.

·         If a tooth is broken, decayed or fragile and needs repair.

A contemporary bridge is made of ceramic. It is constructed by fixing crowns on the teeth either side of the gap; the crowns are then joined together by placing a false tooth in the space. The bridge is bonded into place with a special adhesive.

Gum Contouring and Teeth Reshaping

Cosmetic re-contouring of your teeth involves small, minimal adjustment of your teeth to reshape and level your smile. By altering the way your teeth reflect the light we can help to mask twisted or misshapen teeth without more invasive procedures.