26 Oct Smile and Shine – The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry consists of the treatments and procedures dentists use to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. These treatments consist of teeth whitening, white fillings, veneers/crowns, implants, cosmetic bonding and Orthodontic Treatment for aesthetic results. Cosmetic dentistry can ensure teeth look beautiful while remaining healthy. In many ways, all dentists operate as cosmetic dentists, so it is vital that you understand what work you want done, how it will affect your teeth and smile, and who is doing the work.
TEETH WHITENING
Teeth naturally darken with age and their appearance can be affected by the build up of surface stains acquired from the use of tobacco products and the consumption of certain foods or drinks, especially coffee, tea, and red wine. Teeth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Although teeth are not naturally completely white, the use of teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental treatments because its can greatly improve the aesthetic display of teeth.
WHITE FILLINGS
White composite fillings are a welcome alternative to dark, unsightly amalgam fillings. Composite fillings come in various tooth colored shades designed to match existing/natural tooth structure in colour and therefore only barely distinguishable from surrounding teeth. Additional advantages of swapping dark fillings to white composite is the long life of composite restoration, less tooth structure of the is lost as smaller more conservative preparation is required, no ‘ down- time’ as Composite filling material is hard at the completion of the procedure, so it can be chewed upon immediately after leaving the dental office, not to mention and how much safer it is than mercury-based amalgam restorations.
VENEERS
A Veneer is a very thin piece of Porcelain that is bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile and can be an alternative to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many aesthetic dental concerns. Like Crowns, Veneers are Porcelain restorations made in a Dental Lab. Veneers can improve the overall aesthetics by blending in seamlessly with your natural teeth with the benefit of changing the colour, shape, angle and/or spacing of your smile.
CROWNS
Dental Crowns, or caps, are non-removable casings that cover your natural tooth. When damage occurs through decay or trauma, Crowns can restore strength, form, and function while returning teeth back to their once healthy structure and beautiful appearance. There are several types of dental Crowns including state-of-the-art ceramic/ porcelain Crowns. Ceramic/porcelain crowns create a natural looking appearance and are often used for cosmetic enhancement. Crowns similarly to Veneers can improve the overall aesthetics by blending in seamlessly with your natural teeth with the benefit of changing the colour, shape, angle and/or spacing of your smile.
IMPLANTS
An implant is a replacement for a lost or damaged tooth, and an alternative to a partial or bridge procedure. Implants are made of titanium and are inserted directly into the jawbone using an artificial anchor to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth – identical in look and feel to a natural tooth – is attached to the implant, which acts as an anchor to hold the tooth in place.
COSMETIC BONDING/COMPOSITE VENEERS
Cosmetic bonding, also known as Composite Veneers, is an effective and painless way to change the shape of a tooth, close space between teeth or repair slightly chipped, discoloured, or crooked tooth/teeth. Cosmetic Bonding/ Composite Veneers use composite resin, a tooth-coloured material, which is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve one’s smile. Cosmetic Bonding/Composite Veneers is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike porcelain veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings manufactured in a lab, Cosmetic bonding/ Composite Veneers are done in one office visit with very minimal tooth structure removed. Also, unless the tooth has an area of decay/ a cavity to fill, anesthesia is usually not required when Cosmetic Bonding or Composite Veneers are being done.
ORTHODONTICS
When teeth are crooked or not connected properly, they may over time lead to dental problems and even tooth loss. For this reason alone, it is important to correct the position and orientation of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth so they look and work better. Braces are used to put pressure on your teeth to gently move them into a straight and symmetrical position over the course of months. People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
The basis for healthy teeth and gums is good oral hygiene. Keep teeth clean by flossing regularly, brushing at least twice a day, using mouthwash, and maintaining regular dental appointments. For corrections to teeth, there are many effective and pain-free treatments available to achieve that perfect smile of brilliant and balanced white teeth.
True Dental is a full service Dental Office. We practice a comprehensive care, focusing on optimum health, functionality and aesthetic appeal of your teeth. We strive to make our patients feel at home, especially the little ones. We want kids to want to go to the dentist and our entire approach works towards them feeling comfortable and safe in the dentist’s chair.
If you’re curious about what cosmetic dentistry options are available to you, please contact us today.
778-755-2577