Any dental work that leads to a change in the appearance (not always the functionality though) of teeth, gums, and/or bite generally falls under the radar of Cosmetic Dentistry. Aesthetics in shape, size, color, position, and alignment, and overall smile improvement is what the major focus of this field all about.
Cosmetic dentistry, also regarded as Aesthetic Dentistry, has not been evidently defined by the American Dental Association (ADA). This method of dentistry is usually described by dentists as bettering self-image and boosting confidence in patients. Not only visually, but having strong teeth and a pleasant smile are related to essentials in overall health as well. Moreover, a smile is considered as the first noticeable feature in a person’s looks.
Although cosmetic dentistry is not medically required, it can help in fixing discoloration, missing, broken, or misaligned tooth and chips, significantly affecting the outwardly visual appearance of a person altogether. Dental veneers and Teeth whitening come under major aesthetic procedures, while dental implants, dental bridges, dental bonding, dental crowns, inlays and onlays, and dentures are all categorized as restorative dental treatments.
Predominantly, there are two fields of specialty in dentistry that focus on Dental Aesthetics, namely Prosthodontics and Orthodontics. With this in mind, there are many different types of these “smile makeover” treatments available as per individual needs which are:
- Whitening
- Reshaping
- Bonding
- Bridging
- Veneers
- Implants
- Gum Lifts
- Straightening
- Bite reclamation
In yesteryears, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were done with gold, amalgam, and other metals, some of which were veneered with porcelain too. Now, these materials have become a thing of the past and many composite and compatible materials have taken precedence, rendering the appearance of natural tooth structure. Resin adhesives are used to bond these tooth-colored materials with the underlying tooth structure, and above all, they are entirely devoid of mercury, like the previously used silver fillings (amalgams). Evolution in cosmetic dentistry has led to the introduction of many new procedures and dental materials and is still undergoing constant change and enhancements.
Everyday brushing and flossing are in most cases enough to keep teeth white, bright, and in good condition. But over time, this sparkling smile appears faded and changing color, giving rise to the search for a solution. There are some reasons due to which teeth become yellow and start appearing unpleasant visually.
Now, teeth whitening is a rather uncomplicated process, wherein the whitening products contain one or two tooth bleaching chemicals, namely hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents get the work done by breaking stains into smaller pieces, which in turn results in brighter teeth by reducing the concentration of color in them.
Moving on with the subject, whitening does not work on all teeth equally as well, as whiteners may not be effective in covering all types of discoloration. That is why it is extremely important to consult a dentist before going ahead with the decision of whitening the teeth. For example, yellow teeth will likely bleach well, brown teeth on the other hand might not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not give any desired results at all. Moreover, whitening will not work on veneers, crowns or fillings, and caps, also it will become useless if tooth discoloration is due to any tooth injury or medications.
Whitening Options: There are many options to achieve that desired bright smile, but make sure to have a word with a dentist beforehand.
Lastly, some people may experience tooth sensitivity after using teeth whiteners. For most, it is temporary so you can wait for some time and then try again. This happens when the nerves in the tooth get irritated as the peroxide present in the whitener gets deeper through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin.
Be sure to talk to your dentist and follow directions as overuse of whiteners can induce damage to the tooth enamel and gums.
It is said a smile is contagious, can positively impact mood, mend emotional state and raise confidence too. Amazingly, a smile affects the brain as it has the ability to measure moods and emotions in its left frontal cortex. But not everyone can express happiness by smiling due to some dental concerns they have been facing. A smile makeover in this case provides the answer to all such problems. Over time, Cosmetic Dentistry has gained a huge following and popularity by giving people beautiful smiles and impactful makeovers.
A smile makeover, may constitute one or a unique combination of different dental procedures, varying from patient to patient. Some may need one treatment, while others may need a few more to attain that desired look.
Various Issues that are addressed by a smile makeover are:
Smile makeovers do not essentially require smile reconstruction surgery, but some cosmetic proceedings do need it. Such as, in teeth whitening there is no involvement of surgery, except when there is missing teeth condition, a smile reconstruction surgery becomes relevant.
Every smile is special and so are the dentist needs to restore it. After examination, a dentist chalks out a treatment plan to accomplish a happy satisfied smile. Enlisting some common procedures used for smile makeovers:
With around multiple disciplines under one roof, our specialists collaborate to ensure a clinically sound plan along with matching execution for a quick recovery.
Each clinical team comprises of members from various disciplines who collaborate and have close symbiotic relationships to ensure world-class service delivery.