Cosmetic dentistry exists to improve the appearance of your mouth and smile. In a lot of cases, cosmetic procedures on your teeth are not a necessity, but many of the methods have oral health benefits as well.
Cosmetic dentistry techniques range from the relatively simple, to more complex procedures. Here are a few options you can explore if you aim to improve the look of your teeth and bring back your confidence levels.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding involves drilling out tooth decay and then applying the composite compound to the surface of the tooth. The dentist then shapes and moulds the mixture into the correct shape. The material can also be coloured to take on the same shade as the surrounding teeth.
The damage to the tooth is no longer visible, and for all appearances, it looks like a normal healthy tooth. Composite bonding is an affordable solution for many patients with chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become stained and discoloured after years of food, coffee, and habits such as smoking. Some medications can also affect the colour of the teeth.
Teeth whitening is one of the most straightforward cosmetic dental procedures to return the teeth back to a more natural hue. Your dentist will usually perform the teeth whitening service after first removing plaque, tartar, and other debris which may have built up around the tooth.
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, and they may become stained again over time. However, it is possible to extend the results by using a tooth whitening toothpaste at home.
Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. A small screw created from titanium is inserted into the jaw to act as a replacement for the root. The new titanium “root” then becomes the surface which supports the crown.
Crowns are almost impossible to tell apart from real teeth, and due to titaniums ability to fuse with the bone, they are never at risk of falling out. Eating also becomes more comfortable after you get used to the feeling of your new implant.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a process whereby a putty-like resin is moulded onto the tooth and then hardened with ultraviolet laser light. The resin is created from a durable type of plastic which can be shaped, moulded, trimmed, and then polished.
Bonding is used to repair chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth and is often used as a cosmetic treatment in preference to amalgam or silver filling. It’s also a relatively fast procedure as it usually only takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are also referred to as indirect fillings and are used to fill decayed or damaged teeth using gold, porcelain, or other composite materials.
The dentist creates the inlays and overlays in the laboratory before bonding the material to your teeth. When the filling needs to cover the biting surface or one or more sections of a tooth, it is referred to as an onlay. Inlays refer to a filling which is packed into the centre of the tooth.
When considering cosmetic dentistry, you will need to discuss your options with your dentist as not all surgeries will provide every type of service.