Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile is probably one of the most eye-catching features on your face. Discolored, chipped or missing teeth can mar an otherwise attractive smile. With so much of emphasis on looking younger and prettier, it is little wonder that modern dentistry offers so many treatments and procedures to improve your 'face value'. Cosmetic dentistry involves dental procedures that are carried out for aesthetic reasons so as to improve the appearance of a person. This type of aesthetic dentistry is carried out by a cosmetic dentist who specializes in straightening teeth and reshaping them or whitening them. This includes veneers, crowns, whitening treatments and smile restructuring.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you suffer from chipped teeth or crowded teeth or even a case of space between the teeth, a cosmetic dentist can rectify it for you. In some severe cases, orthodontic treatment is required. It is carried out by specialized dentists who correct jaw and teeth misalignments. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers varied treatments for persons seeking to enhance their smile. The first stage for a cosmetic dentist when planning a corrective procedure for a person's smile and teeth is to decide on what type of action to undertake. This is dependent on many factors:

• The face shape of the person is an important element in deciding the kind of teeth alignment. The cosmetic dentist must take into account the best features of the person and try to complement it.
  
  
• The age of the person and type of teeth also play no small role in the kind of treatment that the cosmetic dentist will undertake. Whiter teeth make a person appear younger. A flatter smile or more subdued teeth color gives a mature appearance.

Teeth-Whitening

The process of teeth whitening is used to remove brown and yellow staining on teeth. It can range from chemical whitening, mild acid whitening to abrasive teeth brightening or even laser teeth whitening. The cosmetic dentist makes plastic trays that mould to the shape of your teeth.

This must be carefully prepared so as to ensure proper exposure of teeth to the whitening solution. Some teeth whitening treatments can be carried on at home over a prescribed period of time. Usually, the teeth lighten significantly in around two weeks. However, this treatment won't work on teeth with discolored enamel or on fillings.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain laminate veneers are placed on the teeth to enhance their appearance and hide any damage. A veneer is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can change a person's smile dramatically. Many a dazzling smile that stares out of fashion magazines or the silver screen is the result of cosmetic dentistry. A temporary veneer protects the tooth until the permanent one is crafted.

Not only does it improve the appearance but it also helps in strengthening an affected tooth. The cosmetic procedure involves removing a thin and outermost layer of the enamel. A veneer is only around half a millimeter thick, and is glued to the front of the tooth. To make sure the thickness of the tooth remains the same, the equivalent depth of enamel will need to be ground away first.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics involves straightening or spacing teeth or even repositioning them. This form of cosmetic dentistry treatment involves closing of gaps and even corrective action to rectify crowding of teeth. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate the need for extractions to rectify any problem of misaligned teeth. Orthodontics involves diagnosing conditions of overbites, under bites and use of corrective appliances such as braces or retainers to correct them.

Tooth contouring and re-shaping

Tooth contouring and re-shaping are cosmetic dental procedures to change the size or shape of the teeth so that slightly damaged or out- of -proportion teeth are brought back into alignment with the rest. Reshaping can also be used to correct minor problems with bite and function.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures can range from simple teeth whitening to smile makeovers. Not all of us are blessed with teeth that are in perfect shape and condition. Sometimes lifestyle can also affect our teeth, smoking or drinking coffee can stain teeth. With improved dental procedures, you can look forward to a younger looking smile and healthier teeth. A cosmetic dentist can help you keep your best smile on - the way you want it.