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.
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.
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.
Comments
Post a Comment