More and more people are becoming curious about cosmetic dentistry and what it has to offer them. Essentially it is any aspect of dentistry which improves your appearance.
Once the domain of actors, models and the very wealthy, advances in the field have made cosmetic dentistry available to everyone.
I’ll list some of the options below and in later issues go in to more detail with each one.
Tooth Whitening – Essentially a hydrogen peroxide gel is placed on the teeth. This doesn’t damage the teeth and can have a dramatic effect on your smile. Weaker concentration of hydrogen peroxide gels are used at home or stronger, faster acting gels in the dental practice. This is one of the most common treatments giving stunning results.
Sculpting – One of my favourites though not commonly done. This is a short appointment to enhance the outline and shape of the teeth giving the teeth a much more youthful, balanced look. For many, this with whitening is all that is needed for a great smile.
White Fillings – More than just replacing silver or black (mercury) fillings. With careful technique and material selection, white fillings can make teeth look brand new and brighten the over all affect of the smile. Sometimes we use it to reshape and characterise the teeth to suit the person giving an “X” factor to your smile.
Crowns – These are like a porcelain cap that fits over badly worn, broken or root filled teeth.
Veneers – Like instant orthodontics! Here a thin layer of either porcelain or white filling material is placed over the visible surface of the teeth. This strengthens the tooth and allows for a dramatic change in the colour and shape of smiles.
Gum Lift – Sometimes people have a lot of gum showing. This can make their teeth look short, or simply the gum is at uneven levels. I prefer using a laser for this treatment as it is quick, heals fast and has minimal discomfort.
Orthodontics – This involves moving teeth into a better position, sometimes with braces and in cases with a short term straightening appliance. Sometimes tooth bonding is used instead to make crowded teeth look straight.
The first stage is to determine which options are best suited to the smile you’d like and then work out a plan. Treatment can be done immediately or over a period of time to suit your circumstances. Quality cosmetic dentistry is a combination of experience, artistic flair, planning, and the careful selection of materials and technology.
The personal, social and professional benefits for many are amazing and for some can be life changing.
Make an appointment for a FREE cosmetic consultation today with Dr Bywater at The Dental Experts in Takapuna on the North Shore, or in Auckland’s CBD.
