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Cosmetic dentistry is popular with those looking to improve the aesthetics of their smile. There are many different procedures available that can transform your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Here are five best smile cosmetic dentistry Dental procedures you may want to consider if you’re interested in enhancing your smile:
1. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments. It can dramatically brighten your smile by removing stains and discolouration from the enamel. Professional whitening treatments use concentrated bleaching gels along with laser technology or LED lights to whiten the teeth up to 8 shades brighter. At-home whitening kits are also available, but professional whitening tends to produce better results, especially for severe stains.
Professional in-office whitening provides the fastest and most dramatic results in just one 30-60 minute session. A protective barrier is placed over the gums to isolate the teeth before applying the whitening gel. The light source activates and enhances the whitening process. Some sensitivity or gum irritation may occur, but this resolves within a few days. At-home whitening kits from your dentist contain custom-fitted trays and lower-concentration whitening gel to be used for 30 minutes to an hour daily for 1-2 weeks. Over-the-counter whitening strips or paint-on gels may also be used, but it takes longer to see results.
Consider professional whitening if you have severe discolouration or want immediate results. Repeat touch-up treatments may be needed annually to maintain the effect. Whitening works best on yellow stains; grey or brown stains may not improve as much.
2. Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Veneers can cover stains, chips, gaps, and other imperfections. They create a natural-looking, beautiful white smile. Veneers resist stains better than natural teeth enamel.
Some reasons you may be interested in porcelain veneers include:
- Disguise discoloured, stained, or chipped teeth
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Improve the symmetry and alignment of the teeth
- Correct teeth that are uneven, irregularly shaped or crooked
- Strengthen and protect worn-down or damaged teeth
- Increase the fullness of thin lips by adjusting the length of front teeth
The veneering process involves minimal removal of tooth enamel—usually 0.5-0.7mm—to allow room for the veneer to be bonded onto the front of the tooth surface. An impression is taken to fabricate the custom-made veneers that precisely match the colour, shape and size of your other teeth. The veneers are bonded in place for a seamless, natural appearance.
Veneers provide dramatic, instant smile transformation. The results can last 15-20 years with proper oral care. Porcelain is stain-resistant, but veneers may eventually need replacement due to chipping, discolouration or damage over time.
3. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the application of a tooth-coloured resin material to the tooth surface to repair chips, gaps, discolouration and other flaws. The material is shaped and polished to look like natural teeth. Bonding is a quick and inexpensive fix for minor imperfections. However, bonding material stains more easily than other restorations like veneers.
The bonding procedure is simple and can often be done in one office visit. The tooth surface is roughened before applying the bonding resin. The resin is hardened with a special dental light. The material is sculpted into the desired shape and smoothed for a seamless appearance. A polishing treatment can be done to further enhance the sheen.
Bonding is suitable for small chips and cracks, closing gaps between teeth, fixing discolouration and reshaping uneven teeth. Results are immediately visible. However, the bonding material is not as strong or durable as other materials and may need occasional replacement. Good oral hygiene and avoiding biting hard foods can help bonding last longer.
4. Dental Crowns
Also known as caps, crowns completely cover the visible part of the tooth down to the gum line. Crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth, cover dental implants, or improve the appearance of discoloured, misshapen or heavily filled teeth. The crown restoration is custom-made to match your natural teeth and placed over the prepared tooth. Crowns are more expensive than other procedures but provide long-lasting results.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys or a combination of materials. The appropriate crown type depends on factors like location in the mouth, amount of tooth visible and desired aesthetics. Porcelain and ceramic crowns better resemble natural teeth while allowing more light transmission for a more lifelike appearance.
The tooth is prepared by removing the outer enamel to allow the crown to fit over it securely. An impression of the prepped tooth is made and sent to a dental laboratory to create the custom crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth during this period. Once fabricated, the permanent crown is cemented in place. With proper oral care, crowns can last 15-30 years or longer before needing replacement.
5. Dental Bridges
Bridges are prosthetic teeth anchored to the natural teeth on either side. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth and close the gap left behind. Traditional bridges involve filing down the adjacent teeth and placing crowns over them to hold the prosthetic in place. Newer adhesive bridges use wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth instead of crowns, so less tooth reduction is required.
Conventional bridges have an artificial tooth fused between two crowns placed over the neighbouring teeth. Adhesive or “Maryland” bridges use a metal framework with resin teeth bonded to the back of surrounding teeth. Bridges help prevent tooth migration and bone loss from missing teeth. Modern materials like zirconia allow bridges to be strong yet inconspicuous. Proper care helps bridges last 10-15 years or longer.
Bridges offer an option for replacing missing teeth without dental implants. However, bridges rely on support from adjacent teeth, so they are not recommended for teeth with decay or gum disease. Poorly fitting bridges can increase plaque buildup and decay risk for abutment teeth. Regular dental visits are needed to maintain bridge health.
Cosmetic dentistry offers many different options to transform your smile. Consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine which procedures are right for you and your dental needs.
