Aesthetic Dentistry
When Seeking Aesthetic Dentistry Solutions
It’s important to be realistic. Dentists who focus on cosmetic procedures are enhancers. They can manipulate, shape and polish materials in a variety of ways to create smiles that are beautiful. What they can’t do is change the shape of your mouth, the colour of your skin or your overall appearance. In order for tooth restorations to truly look natural, they have to work for you. Cosmetic dentistry can improve your appearance and also your bite functions.
While new dental materials aren’t indestructible, new ceramic porcelain crowns, inlays and veneers are stronger and more durable than they used to be. They may not last a lifetime. They could crack or chip or the cement may weaken. If you’re 70 years old, there’s a good chance that the restorations will last longer than you will. Younger people, however, may have to repeat the procedures in 10 to 15 years.
It is essential that after cosmetic procedures are completed, you follow the home care programme recommended by your dentist and get regular check-ups and cleaning to maintain the dental work in good condition.
The following are procedures that can enhance smiles. It must be noted that they are only done on healthy teeth and gums. Any disease of the gums and teeth and other structures have to be treated first before starting cosmetic work.
Whitening
This is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure. While many whitening products are now available, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for brightening the colour of teeth.
Dental Crowns
are used to cover a decayed, damaged, discoloured or mis-shapened teeth. These can be constructed using a variety of materials depending on the condition of the teeth and functional needs.
Bonding
Bonding is an option for chipped or broken teeth. It is a process in which a tooth-coloured material – composite resin — is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished.
Clear Aligners
are a series of transparent, custom-made removable appliances that gently move teeth. They are an option to traditional braces for straightening teeth. They are suitable for adults and teens. As they do not have wires or braces, aligners are easily tolerated. The duration of treatment will vary according to the condition treated.
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth to improve colour or shape of the teeth. They are an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.
Dental Implants
combine both restorative and cosmetic dentistry by replacing one or more missing teeth or secure a dental bridge or denture with stability similar to a natural tooth root. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants preserves the adjacent teeth.
Enamel Shaping
The surface of the tooth has a layer of enamel. This layer can be contoured to improve the appearance of the tooth. Among other things, it can be used to correct a very small chip. The removed enamel is irreplaceable. It is also known as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, recontouring, or reshaping.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
replace older unsightly silver-amalgam fillings. Tooth-coloured filling leave your teeth looking natural and intact.