Cosmetic Dentistry - What Is It and How Can It Improve My Smile?

Posted by Dental Studio on February 1st, 2017

It's been a long time since the Etruscans tried to hide, whiten and replace their decayed, broken and missing teeth with sea shells, ivory and bone. Even back then they knew that a healthy smile was vitally important.

Today it is a well-recognized, scientifically studied and accepted fact that teeth and their appearance can affect a person's self-image. It is unfortunate that a poor dental appearance can also negatively affect how others may view us.

Today, we don' have to rely on wiring some seashells to our teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is an advanced science with new and exciting materials and techniques for restoring not only the esthetics of a smile, but often simultaneously correcting important related dental functions.

General dentistry focuses on treating dental decay, prevention and function of the teeth, toothaches and surrounding oral structures.

Cosmetic dental care is specifically directed toward enhancing a patient's dental and facial appearance.

In this article, we'll discuss modern cosmetic dental treatments and why they might be of interest in improving your own dental appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments and Techniques

Cosmetic dental procedures can be grouped into several specialized areas.

1. Dental crowns and bridges (caps) are used cosmetically to whiten severely discolored or decayed teeth. In some cases, dental crowns can be constructed to correct mild cases of misaligned or crooked teeth.
2. Dental veneers cover the front sides of teeth with a thin layer of porcelain or plastic. They are used to whiten the appearance of the teeth, cover discolored areas, correct gaps between teeth and improve the general tooth shape if needed.
3. Dental bonding is a procedure where tooth colored filling material is "glued" to the tooth surface to cover discolored areas, correct gaps, replace silver fillings and in some cases, reshape a tooth.
4. Teeth Whitening is a popular procedure today. Dental whitening kits are available over the counter, but tooth whitening at a dental office uses stronger bleaching solutions and special lights that result in faster, whiter and longer lasting results.
5. Inlays and Onlays are tooth colored porcelain or plastic fillings made in a dental laboratory and used to replace a decayed portion of a tooth rather than placing a full crown.
6. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, and restore facial relationships. Implants have other uses including anchoring dentures to the jaws.

Some patients select a purely cosmetic "Smile Makeover". Think "Hollywood" smile.

Full mouth reconstruction involves cosmetic and general dentistry involving all teeth.

Stanmore Bay Dental Studio offers the latest in cosmetic dentistry treatments. You have questions about your smile? We have the answers. Check us out!