Cosmetic Dentistry Overview

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Smile

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Cosmetic dentistry has made enormous advances in recent years and Jodi Theissen explores the options.

Modern technology has had a huge impact on cosmetic dentistry, taking it from visible dentures to realistic looking veneers and implants. Often a combination of different cosmetic procedures is necessary to gain the optimal final result.

Bleaching

One of the least invasive procedures, it can be of benefit to almost anyone; 80% of women and 50% of men would like whiter teeth. Power bleaching can be done in the dentist's chair to kick-start the procedure. A mold is made of the patient's teeth and a special tray made to fit snugly around the teeth. The patient goes home with the tray and syringes of the bleaching agent. Each evening the bleaching material is injected into the plate and the patient sleeps their way to whiter, brighter teeth.

If one tooth is discolored, this is often due to nerve damage. One technique to bleach this tooth is sealing a bleaching agent into the back of the tooth, which results in internal bleaching.

Gum Lifting

It is generally considered a more attractive smile to have large teeth and little gum showing. If the gum extends down the tooth, teeth can look small and stunted. Gum lifting is a simple procedure done by a specialist (periodontist) who removes the gum at the top of the tooth. It is a single visit procedure. If more restorative work - such as bleaching, veneers, crowns or implants - is needed, it can be done afterwards.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are used for front teeth only,as they are used to close spaces, straighten teeth, change color and shape of teeth. To get an overall effect, usually a group of veneers is used. They are basically a thin sheet of porcelain bonded to the front of existing teeth. It is usually a two appointment procedure - the teeth are prepared, and an impression is made. At the second visit the veneers - which have been made in a laboratory are put on the teeth.

Crowns

Crowns do all the same things that veneers do, but can be put on teeth that are weaker or more brittle. A crown goes all the way around a tooth to give more strength. Earlier crowns had a metal thimble underneath, which resulted in a dark line around the tooth. Porcelain is a lot stronger now and no metal is used.

Implants

Implants are used to fill a space when adjacent teeth are healthy or have existing crowns. The procedure takes about six months, as the bone has to grow over the implant (usually made from titanium) before the artificial tooth is attached. The result is a natural-looking tooth, colored to match your existing teeth. Modern cosmetic dentistry makes it within everyone's reach to have an attractive smile without traumatic surgery or the need for braces.

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