Advances in cosmetic dentistry now allow us to enhance and rejuvenate our skin and facial features, improve the appearance of our teeth, and address problems caused by ageing, such as missing or yellowing teeth. The blog explains that fear of the dentist is common and can stop patients from attending routine appointments or getting treatment when they need it. It suggests practical ways to feel more comfortable, including telling the dental team about anxiety, choosing a dentist who supports nervous patients, asking about pain control, using calming techniques and considering sedation where appropriate.
Revolutionary new techniques in cosmetic dentistry now enable you to change the colour, shape, and size of your teeth, rejuvenate your smile, and harmonise your teeth with the rest of your face to achieve a fresher, more youthful look.
Teeth Whitening
Perhaps more than anything else, most people long for sparkling white teeth. However, due to dietary habits (such as consuming large amounts of caffeine and red wine), lifestyle habits (such as smoking) and general ageing, teeth will gradually discolour.
Part of the reason for this is that the enamel covering the surface of the teeth is never replaced and it gradually wears thinner and thinner with age, revealing the dentine layer beneath. Meanwhile, the body repairs this dentine layer, but it becomes darker with age, leading to yellowing teeth.
The proliferation of teeth whitening or ‘bleaching’ products on the market can help people of all lifestyles and budgets. However, while some over-the-counter products may prove effective, if your teeth are seriously discoloured or you wish to ensure the job is done properly, it may be worthwhile booking in with a cosmetic dentist for a professional teeth-whitening treatment.
You may have microcracks in your teeth, which could lead to a “striped appearance” if the teeth-whitening treatment does not account for them. Alternatively, if you have crowns or veneers, they may not respond to the bleaching treatment like regular teeth. Learn to Love Your Smile.
Crowns
Time and ageing often result in weakened, structurally unsound teeth—perhaps due to lost fillings, decay behind fillings, root canals, improper bites, teeth grinding, and enamel cracking. All of these can lead to large-scale defects on the surface of teeth.
If this is the case—and the root system is still healthy—then it is possible to improve the appearance of the teeth by using a form of cosmetic dentistry called crowns. Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth and help strengthen and stabilise it, as well as improve its durability.
Several types of crowns are available in a variety of materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, bonded metal, gold, procera, and zirconium, which will affect the cost. For example, metal crowns are cheaper, but they are less natural-looking and attractive and can even appear grey around the gum line. Conversely, ceramic or procera crowns are very natural-looking and attractive but can be very expensive.
Veneers
Veneers also cover the tooth—in fact, they are similar to false fingernails. As an option in cosmetic dentistry, they are very effective for covering chipped, broken, misshapen, or discoloured teeth. They can also help to realign teeth or close gaps. Veneers are very strong and have a translucent appearance, which helps them look very similar to real teeth. Aventis Dental in the Cayman Islands is one of the most innovative practices when it comes to complete smile makeovers.
However, veneers may not be suitable for everyone. The procedure requires a small reduction of the natural tooth, and the veneer will probably need to be renewed 3 to 5 times over the course of a lifetime, as the natural tooth underneath the veneer darkens and the gum contours change with ageing.
In addition, veneers require a lifetime of care, just like natural teeth (e.g., flossing, brushing, regular dentist visits), and they are not as robust as many other cosmetic dental treatments.
Bonding
Bonding is a form of cosmetic dentistry used to improve the appearance of front teeth, either through repairing, reshaping, or restoring them. It is a good technique because it enables the dentist to reshape a tooth without resorting to drilling or damaging—and possibly destroying—the tooth structure.
Bonding is done by applying a white filling material to the tooth and then “setting” it using high-intensity light. This cosmetic dentistry procedure usually takes about 45 minutes per tooth, so it can be lengthy, but it is a good alternative to crowns or veneers for reshaping teeth or closing gaps.
Bonding usually lasts up to 5 years, but it needs to be checked regularly to ensure its colour and strength still match the gum contouring, as the latter will continue to change with natural ageing.
Teeth Implants
Teeth implants provide a good solution for those with issues in the root of the tooth. This involves using a titanium screw to replace the root of the tooth and then the tooth is restored, so that the patient is able to eat normally again with comfort and ease.
Simple implants can be done without any bone augmentation or sinus problems. In more complex cases, however, implants may be linked to a full-mouth restoration or soft-tissue complications, and in these cases, it may be worth seeking the attention of a dental specialist experienced in implants.
See
More
- mydentist: Advice for nervous patients
North of England dental provider offering practical advice for nervous patients, including talking to the dental team, asking questions and taking treatment at a manageable pace. - Synergy Dental: Nervous dental patients
North West dental group explaining support for dental anxiety, including calm appointments, reassurance and sedation options for suitable patients.
