Cosmetic Dentistry
Options for Improving Smiles
Cosmetic Dentistry can generally be described as dental work which improves the appearance (but not necessarily the function) of person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improving the colour, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Professional Teeth Whitening using custom made bleaching trays is the least invasive cosmetic treatment available. Often it is all that is needed to rejuvenate your smile. Composite Bonding is one of least invasive ways of altering the shape of teeth. If teeth are worn they can often be rebuilt with little or no preparation. The main disadvantage of composite resin is that it stains more easily than porcelain. Porcelain Veneers offer a more durable aesthetic result but tooth substance has to be removed in most cases. Cosmetic adult orthodontics (eg Six Month Smiles, ClearSmile Brace) is becoming a more popular way of achieving a perfect smile. Teeth are straightened and if required teeth whitening and bonding or porcelain veneers (with minimal tooth reduction) will complete the perfect smile. In our opinion, the less invasive the treatment the better it is for your teeth.
Less invasive types of cosmetic dentistry
Here are some examples of cosmetic dentistry which preserve more of your natural teeth rather than cutting them down and placing pieces of porcelain on them. It is worth remembering that eventually all dental restorations are likely to fail however good the materials and technique. Therefore, if you are contemplating elective treatment (ie treatment that will improve aesthetics but is not strictly necessary) always consider the least invasive option first as tooth substance that is cut away will never grow back. It is worth asking your dentist whether he would opt to have that treatment on his/her teeth!
Professional Teeth Whitening with Trays
• Least expensive cosmetic option
• Safe, effective, proven
• Lightens natural teeth only
• Takes 2-3 weeks wearing trays 2 hours per day
• Can be topped up whenever needed
Composite Bonding
• An alternative to porcelain veneers
• Less expensive than porcelain veneers or crowns
• Performed in one visit, often without anaesthetic
• Can be used to alter shape, colour and perceived position of teeth
• More likely to stain than porcelain but can be repaired and polished
Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Veneers can be the most aesthetic option
• Very resistant to staining and discolouration
• Can be used to alter shape, colour and perceived position of teeth
• Multiple visits required, may need anaesthetic
• More invasive than cosmetic orthodontics and composite bonding and teeth may need root canal treatment in future
• More expensive than composite bonding