COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Cosmetic dentistry is about improving the appearance of your smile.  Imagine altering the appearance of a physical feature with regards to your teeth or gums.  Commonly, by direct application, the color, shape and spacing of your teeth can be modified.  Cosmetic dentistry can also enhance your smile through a periodontal procedure used to “sculpt” your gums.  This can add symmetry and is usually done in conjunction with porcelain crowns or veneers.      The most common treatments are for teeth, and are easily accomplished in just one or two appointments.

White fillings are called composites.  While restoring a chip or cavity with a white filling is considered necessary to maintain dental health, it is also cosmetic.  Insurance companies should cover the service in this case.  Composite fillings can also accomplish purely cosmetic procedures that may or may not be covered procedures.

Diastema is a space between the upper front teeth.  If one prefers to close that space, a layer of composite with a similar shade is applied.  This filling is cured with a light wand, and polished to a smooth high gloss.  The restoration should look perfectly natural.

Amazing cosmetic changes can be had with dental veneers.  Dental veneers are used to improve the appearance of the upper front teeth most often.  They can be of porcelain or composite, and your dentist requires little preparation.  A minor rotation of a tooth can be concealed without orthodontics.  Dental technology has made advances in the materials and cements, improving the longevity and appearance of composites and ceramics.

Cosmetic procedures are either direct of indirect.  Direct restorations are placed and adjusted at one dental appointment.  Indirect restorations generally require two or more visits.  An impression is sent to a dental lab, where a technician creates the restoration by the dentists’ instruction.  At the next dental appointment the restoration is cemented and adjusted.

Composites are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium.  Composites are made in a variety of natural shades and one restoration can be blended with different shades to produce a natural effect.  These can withstand moderate chewing pressure and have good durability.  The cost is moderate and depends on the size of the restoration and the technique used by the dentist.  They are subject to wear and do stain or discolor over time.

Porcelain or a ceramic restoration is created at the dental lab from a dental impression.  This material can produce a variety of dental restorations including crowns and veneers.  These restorations can possess the most natural color and translucency.  Their strength depends on the thickness of the porcelain and the bond to the tooth.  They have excellent wear and longevity.  They do not stain or discolor.  Porcelain can wear on opposing teeth.

Composites can be indirect, or created at the lab, and bonded in the mouth at the next appointment.  Composites do not wear on opposing teeth but are prone to stain or discoloration and not as durable as porcelain.

Cosmetic dentistry often involved tooth whitening or bleaching.  (refer to link)

Bleaching leads to a whiter smile and can remove stains or discoloration acquired from food, beverages and tobacco.

Enamel shaping is when your dentist recontours the shape of a tooth slightly.  This is usually combined with composites.

Orthodontics can straighten crooked tooth, close gaps and give you a stable beautiful smile.  Braces are not just for kids.  Invisilign can do this with transparent trays that can be removed for photos or just for eating.  It doesn’t even look like you are wearing anything on your teeth unless you look closely.  Orthodontics can take time but it can give you the cosmetic benefits without the need for restorations.  Straighten your teeth and keep them the way nature made them.