COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Cosmetic Dentistry is one of the catch phrases of the dental professional in the 21st century. But what does it really entail? What are the possibilities for the patient?
Cosmetic Dentistry or Aesthetic Dentistry is the broad heading describing dental procedures that improve the appearance of the teeth. In today’s age of improved technology and dental materials, there is a wide and varied range of options available to make your teeth look great. Stained, chipped, uneven, crooked, broken or missing teeth can be repaired or replaced. It need not be an “Extreme Makeover”. Sometimes just trimming the edges of the worn front teeth can make a dramatic cosmetic impact without costing anything. Or something as simple as replacing metal fillings with new ones made from a material the same colour as a tooth can make a significant improvement to one’s smile. However, in all cosmetic dental treatment plans, it is very important for the dentist to keep functionality, and not just appearance, in mind..
We feel that treatment plans for Cosmetic Dentistry should be dictated by the needs and wishes of the patient, rather than the profit figure for the dentist. We will outline all the treatment options available to you, with a reasonable estimate of various costs and life expectancy of the dental work. Be guided by your dentist in terms of what is feasible and achievable for your particular situation. However, ultimately, the final decision in any aspect of the treatment plan is yours. Some aspects of Cosmetic Dentistry can be expensive and it is important not to feel pressured into undertaking any procedure that you feel uncomfortable with.
If you are looking for the ‘Extreme Makeover,’ which may include reshaping the smile, repositioning crooked teeth, or replacing lost teeth, be careful which dentist you choose. Cosmetic Dentistry is like an art form and not all “Cosmetic Dentists” are good at what they do. Explore all your options with the dentist and request to see some before-and-after photographs of some of their work. You should always be shown a model of what your teeth could look like, so you have control from the start. Good “Cosmetic Dentists” keep copies of their work because they are proud of it and derive a great deal of pleasure from transforming smiles, just like a sculptor or a painter. Spending a little more on better materials or a better practitioner may end up costing less money in the long run, in the repair or replacement of poor quality work.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain
Veneers are akin to false fingernails, that actually cover the front surface of the teeth. The veneers are made from a strong and very durable ceramic (porcelain), that a dental technician builds up to match the shape and colour requirements of the patient.
Porcelain is used because it is a hard wearing and a non-porous material. A shade can be created to match the surrounding teeth or improve the overall colour of teeth. Porcelain veneers are often used in cosmetic situations and where the front teeth are heavily broken down and/or filled.
The porcelain veneers not only improve the physical look of the teeth, but can also improve the strength of the teeth, due to the ceramic used being able to be bonded to the underlying tooth structure. The bonding is literally super-gluing the ceramic to the teeth and the glue forms a medium between tooth and ceramic which adds strength both to the teeth but also to the porcelain veneer.
In preparation, a very small amount of tooth structure is removed. Impressions are then taken, which are sent to a technician to make the porcelain veneer. At the second appointment, the veneer is tried in and, if perfect in shade and fit, it is bonded to the tooth surface.
Using the Porcelain Veneers enables dentist to reshape, rebuild, straighten and modify teeth, without the need for orthodontics. If well maintained, they will last for many years.
Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns (sometimes referred to as Dental Caps) are single unit covers that are placed over heavily broken down or filled teeth. They look and feel just like real teeth. A crown literally wraps around the tooth just like a hat wraps around your head, thus strengthening the underlying tooth structure.
In certain situations, it is more preferable to crown front teeth rather than place porcelain veneers to achieve a desired cosmetic result. For example, Dental Crowns can be used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of a tooth, as they are able to cover colour irregularities.
A Crown may be recommended by your Dentist if a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost. This may be as a result of decay or trauma. The materials used strengthen the remaining tooth and will prevent any further damage. If the tooth has previously been heavily filled, then to avoid cracks and breaking, a Crown might be suggested by means of prevention. A crown may also be used to improve appearance and perhaps most importantly restore function.
Crowns are made in a dental laboratory buy a Technician who uses moulds of your teeth taken by the Dentist. Dental Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the tooth involved, its position in the mouth, and sometimes on the preferences of the patient. These materials include zirconia and porcelain, porcelain bonded to metal (this combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of tooth coloured porcelain), or even gold alloy.
Bridges
Bridges
are used to fill gaps permanently where teeth have been lost. I explain dental bridges as being just like a bridge across a river. There are two poles either side of a hanging structure. The poles are the teeth either side of the gap, which are crowned, and the hanging structure is the false tooth.
Depending on the size of the gap, Bridges are a very successful fixed (meaning not removable like dentures) restoration. The idea is that the gap is filled with a structure that is indiscernible form the other teeth surrounding the structure.
In certain circumstances, implants are a better alternative to Bridges. This may be because the gap is too wide. In this situation, too much force would be taken by the poles on either side, which could be detrimental to the longevity of the poles.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants
are a titanium screw that are placed into the bone where there are missing teeth. The screw then bonds to the surrounding bone and so becomes like having a root replaced in the mouth. After a healing period, a crown is then screwed to the implant.
Implant treatment is a highly specialised treatment process. It is for this reason that I have adopted a team approach to treatment plans involving Dental Implants. We have enlisted the skills of a highly skilled, professional and approachable implant surgeon by the name of Dr Luke Villata.
For more information on Dental Implants or Dr Luke Villata, please read our Dental Implants web page
Our Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry is about choices and personal opinion. It is important that you are equipped with enough information to make your own decision, based on what is right for you. |
