A bright smile is always refreshing since it exudes self-confidence and happiness. However, there are some who, even though they have healthy teeth and gums, find it hard to smile. There’s just something that prevents them from fully expressing their smiles. It may be due to discoloured, misaligned or missing teeth or something else that they find less than satisfied with their smile.
This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in. Whereas traditional dentistry focuses on the health and well-being of a person’s teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry can help you have the smile you want.
Depending on what you want to improve, there are some treatments that dentists are able to provide:
Teeth Whitening
Smoking, tea, coffee, red wine, medicines, and other things we consume stain our teeth. This causes teeth to lose their natural brightness and a healthy lustre. Dentists can recommend take-home products or provide a teeth whitening service at the clinic. Teeth can be stained again unless staining substances are completely avoided – which is quite difficult with our modern lifestyles. Teeth whitening products are not a replacement for daily oral hygiene.
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin materials that are used to cover the surface of a tooth to hide discolouration that resist teeth whitening methods or improve the shape of the tooth. Veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth, even teeth height, or cover up chips and irregular shapes of teeth. Direct veneers made from resin/plastic bonded directly to the tooth. Ceramic veneers are custom-crafted shells that are then bonded to the tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and are an alternative to dentures. A biocompatible titanium fixture is first surgically implanted to replace the missing tooth’s root structure. A replacement tooth or crown is then attached to the implant. Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removable, but can still be sculpted to look like natural teeth.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are used when a tooth is weakened by trauma, dental decay, or root canal treatment. Crowns are also used to protect broken or worn teeth. The tooth is covered to prevent further damage and loss. The crown also strengthens the tooth by providing additional structural support.
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. A replacement tooth is held in place by crowns attached to the remaining healthy teeth on either side of the replacement tooth.
Orthodontic Braces and Aligners
Traditional metal braces and more modern clear aligners can be used to realign teeth and treat issues with spacing, crowding, and overlapping. Braces can also treat irregular bite and improve jaw positioning. With traditional metal braces, metal brackets are attached to the teeth and wire is threaded through them. The braces then exert pressure to slowly reposition the teeth. Since metal braces cannot be removed for a few months, regular oral hygiene becomes even more important.
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners use a series of custom-made aligners to slowly move the teeth into place. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable and more comfortable.
Not everyone can have naturally beautiful smiles. Cosmetic dentistry can provide you with the confidence and self-esteem to give the smile that is truly yours.