Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry was created to make you feel good about yourself and show off that beautiful appearance of yours with a fresh smile or improving the quality of your life.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is primarily concerned with keeping mouths healthy and functioning, cosmetic dentistry is more focused on improving the look of your smile. While dentists always put the health of your mouth first, having cosmetic procedures done may not necessarily improve how well your mouth works as much as how it looks.
Both restorative and cosmetic procedures can be done in the same mouth. Often, restorative dentistry will fix any major issues, such as missing or broken teeth, then cosmetic measures can be taken, such as reshaping, to put the finishing touches on a new smile.
Modern dentistry offers a wide range of services to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great.
These procedures include:
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are usually porcelain shells, but can also be plastic, and they are placed to cover the front of the tooth. They are fitted to each tooth and cemented on, changing the colour and shape of the tooth and providing a more permanent change than whitening or bonding. This procedure is very popular even with celebrities as it is an easy way to gain a perfect smile.
Bonding
Small chips and minor discolouration are easily fixed with bonding. It is a tooth-coloured putty that can be molded to fill in holes or chips in teeth and can even be used to fill small cavities. Bonding can last for a few years before needing to be replaced but has been known to chip easily before then. If this should happen, the bonding would just need to be reapplied by a dentist.
Teeth Whitening
Having your teeth whitened involves bleaching them in order to get rid of any discoloration or stains on the enamel of the tooth. There are a variety of teeth whitening procedures that can be done in the dental chair, at home, or with a mixture of both, depending on the patient’s preferences and budget. Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, however, so any implants, fillings, crowns, or veneers will not be bleached and may end up being a different shade.
Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Utilizing the adjacent teeth next to a missing tooth, a porcelain and/or metal bridge is fabricated by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth, while the missing teeth are replaced by artificial teeth of porcelain and/or metal, that is fused to the crowns. This prosthesis is cemented permanently.
Crowns and Bridges need to be kept clean by tooth brushing flossing and using a water pick in order to maintain its function and longevity. Regular dental checkups and cleanings will ensure these prostheses last a lifetime.
If you think that a crown or bridge could be solutions for you, make an appointment to discuss the options.
Crowns
A crown is a shell that is made out of porcelain and/or metal. This covers and seals the tooth and enhances the structural durability of the tooth and therefore prevents you from breaking the tooth and eventually losing the tooth. You might consider a crown when you have a large filling that is breaking down, a tooth that is cracked, heavily worn or if the tooth has had a root canal.
Crowns and Bridges need to be kept clean by tooth brushing flossing and using a water pick in order to maintain its function and longevity. Regular dental checkups and cleanings will ensure these prostheses last a lifetime.
If you think that a crown or bridge could be solutions for you, make an appointment to discuss the options.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial replacements for your natural teeth and gums. If an accident, a disease or poor oral health care has left you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all, your dentist might suggest dentures to replace your missing teeth. There are 2 types of dentures: partial and complete. For both types of dentures your dentist or specialist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions. The models are used to custom-make your dentures.
Types of Dentures
Partial dentures are also called “removable partial denture prostheses” or “partials.” They may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. You can take the partial denture out yourself, for cleaning and at night.
A partial denture
Complete dentures are what we most often refer to as “false teeth.” They are also called “full dentures” and are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are removable as they are held in place by suction. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to. There are 2 types of complete dentures: immediate dentures and conventional dentures.
A full upper denture
Immediate dentures are made before your teeth are removed. Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaws during your first visit. Once your teeth are extracted, your dentist inserts the immediate dentures. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you are not without teeth during the healing period, which can take up to 6 months. During the healing period, your bones and gums can shrink and your immediate dentures may need to be relined by your dentist for a proper fit.
When to Visit the Dentist
Many people only go to the dentist when something is wrong. That is truly a shame, because they are missing out on so many preventive services that can save discomfort — and expense — down the road. Regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems — from tooth decay to oral cancer — are detected and treated in a timely manner. Some individuals may need to see the dentist more often than others to stay on top of problems like plaque buildup and gum disease, but everyone should go at least once per year.
Your regular dental visits will include a thorough oral exam to check the health of your teeth and gums; and oral cancer screening to spot any suspicious signs early; and a professional cleaning to remove stubborn deposits and make your teeth look and feel great. So don’t miss out on the many benefits general dentistry offers you and your family!