Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics of teeth, gums, and smiles compared to traditional dentistry; instead emphasizing healthy smiles that are more appealing as its ultimate aim.
Common cosmetic dental procedures include composite bonding, veneers, dental implants and teeth whitening – each procedure can significantly enhance the look of one’s smile.
Composite bonding
Composite bonding is a popular cosmetic treatment that is used to repair gaps, chips or cracks in teeth as well as conceal any discolourations. This process involves placing tooth-coloured resin directly on to each surface of a tooth before shaping and molding it until we achieve our desired look – typically without needing anesthetic! This simple procedure may even be performed at home.
Beginning with a shade guide, your dentist will select a composite resin color to complement your existing tooth’s shade. Next, they’ll roughen and lightly coat your surface tooth with conditioning liquid in order to help ensure the bonding material adheres securely.
Composite bonding material is carefully applied over each tooth before it is hardened with a specialist blue light, producing fully restored teeth that blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. As this treatment is less invasive than veneers or dental crowns, composite bonding can often be completed in just one appointment and its reversibility allows you to test it out first before considering more permanent options.
Inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are similar to composite fillings in that both use tooth-colored materials to cover an existing cavity, but differ by covering more extensive damage than can be covered by fillings but don’t yet require crowns. By choosing this method of restoration we are able to preserve more natural tooth structure than with conventional fillings while creating stronger and longer-lasting teeth.
Before beginning this procedure, we will numb the area with local anesthesia and then extract and prepare any decayed areas to make room for an inlay or onlay. A mold is then created (digitally or using putty-like substance), sent off to our laboratory for fabrication, and once ready we will arrange another appointment to fit and cement it onto your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are an excellent way to strengthen and protect teeth. Crafted out of gold, ceramic or composite material, inlays and onlays offer an alternative to metal fillings in terms of both longevity and functionality while being more aesthetically pleasing than their metal counterparts.
Teeth whitening
One of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening. A brighter smile can boost confidence, making you appear younger, healthier and more successful – while remaining safe, affordable, and effective for most patients.
Tooth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent directly onto the tooth enamel surface, usually hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents that penetrate deep within its porous outer coating and break apart stain compounds. Once this process has begun, special light is often used to speed up its progress – and many patients notice their teeth are several shades lighter after just one appointment!
Teeth whitening treatments may require repeat sessions to achieve their desired level of whiteness. Furthermore, most teeth-whitening procedures also include a dental exam so patients can get a clean mouth while also addressing any potential dental concerns. The best way to keep your smile looking its best and healthy is through practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing as well as visiting your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings on a regular basis.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin cap that dentists can install on top and sides of your teeth to make them appear natural and blend in seamlessly. A veneer is less invasive than crowns or inlays but non-reversible; you should visit your dentist every three to 10 years to have it touched-up or replaced as required.
As your dentist will need to remove some enamel before applying a veneer, it’s essential that you select an experienced provider for this procedure. He or she may numb the tooth prior to trimming off surface tooth structure; additionally a temporary veneer may also be provided as protection while waiting.
Once the dentist has prepared your tooth, they will take an impression and build a model to send to a lab to produce a veneer. Your dentist will then glue the veneer on using dental cement; follow-up appointments may be required in order to remove excess cement or check your bite.
Dental implants
Dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth that look and feel just like natural ones, helping preserve jaw bone density by preventing bone resorption and deterioration that would cause neighboring teeth to shift or fall out.
Implants are titanium posts designed to act as artificial tooth roots to hold permanent or removable replacement teeth that match your natural ones, giving more support than bridges and dentures which sit atop of gums.
People who are healthy enough for oral surgery, are committed to good dental hygiene practices and attend their dentist on a regular basis may qualify for implants. Heavy smokers, people who clench their teeth or those suffering from uncontrolled chronic diseases may not qualify.
First, prepare the site of an implant by extracting any existing teeth and performing a bone graft – this can be made using either synthetic material or natural bone from another part of your body. When your implant is ready, drill a pilot hole into your bone before inserting its “screw-like” implant into it slowly.