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Current Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry |
Aesthetic Dentistry is an art with a scientific background. When the appreciation of art works hand-in-hand with the biological science of dentistry, a masterpiece of a smile can be created.
A glowing smile can light up a room. A smiling person exudes self-confidence and sends out a subtle image of assurance. It is now possible for you to have such a smile. Recent advances in techniques and materials offer the practitioners of aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry the armamentarium to sculpt a beautiful smile.
However, you have to first decide whether you need cosmetic dentistry. Not everyone should have a new smile! We see many people with crooked, stained or spaced teeth, who are perfectly happy with their appearance. These people are not candidates for cosmetic dentistry. But if you are not confident about smiling in front of others or you put your hand up to cover your smile, then maybe it is time you got yourself a new smile! Whether your perception is real or imagined, the end result is the same: a lack of total satisfaction with your smile.
The first step is a thorough examination, x-rays and an evaluation of your needs and wants. Possible alternatives can then be discussed with your dentist. The following are a list of possible procedures used by your dentist to achieve the desired result:
Polishing is the simplest method used to get rid of stains on teeth, the origin of which may be excessive drinking of tea or coffee, or smoking. The first step to treat stained teeth is a professional cleaning to remove tartar and calculus. The teeth are then polished with a brush or rubber cup in conjunction with a polishing paste.
Aesthetic Recontouring is reshaping the front teeth to give a more pleasing appearance. This procedure can be used to correct jagged, chipped or slightly uneven teeth.
Bleaching is a relatively recent method to eliminate unattractive dark colours from teeth. It is a highly effective method of whitening teeth. What makes bleaching work is a strong oxidizing agent. This procedure is simple and safe. A customized tray is fabricated for the application of gentle whitening agents at home. Bleaching will whiten teeth in 75% of selected cases and causes little if any discomfort. In those who do experience some discomfort, this subsides within a few hours
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Bonding was the technique that gave birth to the branch of aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. It is suitable for correct broken, decayed or badly shaped teeth, but is not as durable as veneers. It is a constantly evolving innovation in modern dentistry. It basically involves adding a composite material to the existing tooth structure to cover stains, build-up lost tooth structure, or fill decayed teeth. The advantages are the good colour matching achieved as well as the conservative nature of the treatment. The procedure derives its name from the fact that the composite material is chemically bonded to tooth.
Laminating a tooth with Ceramic Veneers offers a dramatic transformation in mal-aligned, broken, discoloured or badly shaped teeth. A thin shell of a ceramic material is fabricated and then chemically bonded onto your existing tooth to act as a laminate. The main advantage is the strength and beauty of ceramic. Minor crowding and spacing can also be corrected, but they are not recommended in cases of severe crowding or malocclusion. The results can usually be achieved within a week. This technique requires less reduction of healthy tooth structure than full crowns, and the result can be equally long lasting. A skilled practitioner can make a tremendous difference in your appearance.
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Crowns & Bridges are an alternative to veneers when the teeth are badly broken down, and are also used when posterior teeth have to be built-up or replaced. It is a long-lasting solution and requires shaping the tooth and then covering the remains with a laboratory fabricated crown.
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Periodontal (Gum) Sculpture is the art of performing plastic surgery techniques on gums and bone to achieve a more pleasing contour of the gums.
