Cosmetic dentistry offers ways to improve your appearance and self-confidence through your smile. From tooth whitening to complete smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry can change the color, shape and even the alignment of your teeth to five you the smile you always wanted. Cosmetic dentistry can include whitening (or bleaching), porcelain veneers, orthodontics, and even more common dental work such as fillings and crowns. As is true for all dental work, home-care with your brush and floss is essential for the success of cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth darken with age and also as a result of the food and drink we consume. Although excellent home care with over the counter products like whitening tooth paste and regular visits to the hygienist can help, sometimes a stronger bleaching agent is needed to brighten your simle. With take home bleaching and in -office bleaching agents, your teeth can be 2 to 4 shades whiter in a few hors to a few weeks. A strong hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide is placed in trays which cover the teeth and allow them to whiten. This process is safe and effective and can be repeated often to achieve the desired color. Some patients experience some minor sensitivity during the bleaching process which resolves after the bleaching is discontinued. For teeth that have had root canal treatment but have turned dark internal bleaching can be used when other whitening options are not effective. Bear in mind bleaching teeth is similar to coloring hair & will need to be repeated to maintain the results. Furthermore, restorations like crowns and bridges will not change color.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very think tooth colored material which are cemented to your teeth. In limited cases prep-less veneers are possible which do not require the teeth to be reduced in preparation for the veneers and allowing the process to be reversable. Traditionally, veneers require perminante prepration of the teeth. Using veneers we can change the shape and color of your teeth creating a more beautiful smile. Veneers are an effective way to treat teeth that are resistant to bleaching such as with tetracycline stains. Veneers can also be used in some cases to treat worn or chipped teeth without the need for a crown.
Esthetic Restorative materials
Often by simply replacing older fillings and crowns wit newer more esthetic materials, you can restore your smile. newer martials are more translucent allowing the transmission of light in a way more like natural teeth. However, these materials can stain over time causing them to become darker than the surrounding tooth structure. Composite materials are now available in many shades to match teeth. Older crowns can show dark lines around the gums where the metal substructure shows over time. With newer all porcelain crowns or zirconia crowns these dark lines can be eliminated while providing the strength needed for normal chewing function. New crowns can also be used in conjunction with porcelain veneers to completely change your simle.
Soft Tissue Treatment
Occasionally, soft tissue problems are the major isue affecting a persons smile. Some cases may requie tissue grafts to cover root exposure and shorten the amount of tooth visable in the smile. Others may need removal of tissue to lengthen teeth and improve their "gummy" smile. Orthodontics with or without surgery may even be utilized to improve soft tissue aesthetics as well as tooth position.