Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more popular, and less and less expensive.
Advances in natural-looking materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments vastly
superior to those of a few years ago. But be warned, cosmetic dentistry is not regulated like
medical dentistry, almost anybody can call themselves a cosmetic dentist.
If you choose to have cosmetic dentistry, check the credentials of the person carrying it out!
Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
Inlays/Onlays:
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite materials. They are used to conceal
minor tooth decay and tooth damage. They are created in a dental laboratory and are then
bonded into place by your cosmetic dentist.
Composite Fillings:
Chipped or broken teeth may be repaired using a procedure called composite bonding.
A dental composite material is applied onto the surface of a tooth. It is then sculpted into
shape,
and hardened with a high-intensity light.
Teeth Whitening:
Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure.
See our section on Teeth Whitening for more information.
Advances in natural-looking materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments vastly
superior to those of a few years ago. But be warned, cosmetic dentistry is not regulated like
medical dentistry, almost anybody can call themselves a cosmetic dentist.
If you choose to have cosmetic dentistry, check the credentials of the person carrying it out!
Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
Inlays/Onlays:
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite materials. They are used to conceal
minor tooth decay and tooth damage. They are created in a dental laboratory and are then
bonded into place by your cosmetic dentist.
Composite Fillings:
Chipped or broken teeth may be repaired using a procedure called composite bonding.
A dental composite material is applied onto the surface of a tooth. It is then sculpted into
shape,
and hardened with a high-intensity light.
Teeth Whitening:
Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure.
See our section on Teeth Whitening for more information.
Dental Veneers:
Composite or porcelain laminates are bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair
chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discolouration. Veneers
may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success
with teeth whitening.
Dental Bridges:
Dental bridges are false teeth, which are connected to existing teeth, to fill in areas left by
missing teeth. This is a much lower-cost option than dental implants. This procedure is the
most common method of permanently replacing missing teeth, but the reduced cost of
dental implants in recent years is making bridge-work less popular than it use to be.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic
dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced
smile, but also a younger appearance, as missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making
you look older.
Smile Makeover:
Smile make-overs involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile in order to improve its
overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental
veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening, will be required to achieve the look you want.
Full mouth reconstruction:
In conjunction with a smile make-over, this treatment may be used to correct functional
problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure.
Choosing a cosmetic dentist.
Obviously, cost is a major consideration - but don't be lured into looking for bargains!
This is your health - and it is not worth risking serious problems just to save money.
A good cosmetic dentist is a specialist - an expert in his/her field. And his/her time will cost
a lot of money.
It is also very difficult to ascertain just how experienced and "expert" a cosmetic dentist
may be.
Useful Tip
Ask the clinic/cosmetic dentist if they carry out Full Mouth Reconstructions or Full Smile
Makeovers.
These areas of cosmetic dentistry are the preserve of genuine experts. Only the best
dentists do them.
If your chosen clinic does not offer this kind of treatment - they may be using inexperienced
dentists.
The last thing you need is some novice messing about with your teeth! So choose your
clinic carefully!
Composite or porcelain laminates are bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair
chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discolouration. Veneers
may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success
with teeth whitening.
Dental Bridges:
Dental bridges are false teeth, which are connected to existing teeth, to fill in areas left by
missing teeth. This is a much lower-cost option than dental implants. This procedure is the
most common method of permanently replacing missing teeth, but the reduced cost of
dental implants in recent years is making bridge-work less popular than it use to be.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic
dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced
smile, but also a younger appearance, as missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making
you look older.
Smile Makeover:
Smile make-overs involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile in order to improve its
overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental
veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening, will be required to achieve the look you want.
Full mouth reconstruction:
In conjunction with a smile make-over, this treatment may be used to correct functional
problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure.
Choosing a cosmetic dentist.
Obviously, cost is a major consideration - but don't be lured into looking for bargains!
This is your health - and it is not worth risking serious problems just to save money.
A good cosmetic dentist is a specialist - an expert in his/her field. And his/her time will cost
a lot of money.
It is also very difficult to ascertain just how experienced and "expert" a cosmetic dentist
may be.
Useful Tip
Ask the clinic/cosmetic dentist if they carry out Full Mouth Reconstructions or Full Smile
Makeovers.
These areas of cosmetic dentistry are the preserve of genuine experts. Only the best
dentists do them.
If your chosen clinic does not offer this kind of treatment - they may be using inexperienced
dentists.
The last thing you need is some novice messing about with your teeth! So choose your
clinic carefully!
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| Cosmetic Dentistry - What should you know? |