All You Need To Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

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There has been observed a great deal of interest in cosmetic dentistry lately. No matter whether you want to make your smile better or your teeth look more aligned, this medical procedure has a solution for you. 

Cosmetic dentistry became a booming business about 20 years ago and today you have a large number of options to choose from when it comes to cosmetic dentistry procedures. In this article, we are going to discuss all you need to know about this unique medical procedure so stay with us till the end.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry involves procedures that can enhance the beauty of your teeth in particular and your face in general. According to some experts, these procedures are non-essential since they don’t necessarily improve the health of your teeth and are only meant to make them look better.

However, many patients who have undergone such treatments report that they find regular cleaning easier after these. Cosmetic dentistry procedures have also been found to enhance the confidence of patients and reduce Bruxism.

Cosmetic Dentistry VS General Dentistry – Main Differences

The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to amplify the beauty of your smile and teeth. These treatments are not effective if you are looking to improve the health and life of your teeth.

On the other hand, general dentistry involves preventive as well as restorative dental treatments. Common preventive treatments include teeth cleaning, oral exams, and X-rays while restorative treatments include dental fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.

General dentistry treatments are essential and that is why they are fully covered by the insurance you have. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry procedures are not covered by insurance since they do not have anything to do with the health and safety of your teeth. 

Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized speciality in various colleges like the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. Still, many dentists also refer to themselves as cosmetic dentists since during their training they also come across various cosmetic dentistry tools and techniques.     

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?

People who have the following conditions can use cosmetic dentistry and benefit a lot from it

  • Misaligned or misshapen teeth
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Teeth with wide gaps and spaces
  • Staining or discolouration of teeth

5 Main Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Following are some of the main types of cosmetic dentistry that most people prefer

  1. Teeth Whitening

This is done to remove stains from your teeth that come from using dark-coloured foods and drinks. This procedure takes about one hour if done at the clinic. At home, it can take a couple of weeks before you can observe significant improvement.

  1. Composite Bonding

In this process, a dentist uses tooth-coloured resins to conceal cracks, discolouration, and craze lines from your teeth. Composite bonding can make your teeth look longer, wider, and more uniform. This procedure is repeated after every five to seven years.

  1. Tooth Contouring

This process involves the removal of a small amount of enamel from your teeth in order to give these a better shape that suits your mouth. Due to a limited amount of enamel in your teeth, this procedure cannot be performed a great many times. 

  1. Gum Contouring

Some people have excessive gum tissues which affect their smile making it unbalanced or gummy. Gum contouring is a process where these excess tissues are removed and the gum line is slightly reshaped which makes it look more balanced and symmetrical.

  1. Porcelain Veneering

Porcelain veneers are made from medical-grade ceramic and they have strong shell-like structures that stick to the front of your teeth. They can hide chips, cracks, and discolouration making your teeth appear fresh and healthy.

The application of veneers requires you to remove a least some of your natural enamel which means this treatment is irreversible. You need to replace these after every 10 years for the best results.

What Should I Keep In Mind Before Getting a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

There are many things that you need to know before getting into any cosmetic dentistry procedure. Make sure to ask all the necessary questions about the procedure before signing up. You need to follow every instruction of the cosmetic dentist before and after the procedure to avoid complications.

Cosmetic dental procedures can be painful and it can take about 10 days before you properly heal. So try to be patient and tread very carefully when it comes to your eating and teeth-cleaning habits. Follow the prescribed recovery regime to the letter in order to get the best results.

Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

  • It enhances your facial aesthetics and the beauty of your smile
  • Eliminates dullness from your teeth
  • Improves the shape of your teeth
  • Boosts your confidence and self-esteem
  • Makes your smile more balanced and symmetrical

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Since these are non-essential procedures, so, their costs are not covered by insurance
  • Some treatments such as porcelain veneers are irreversible and you need to replace these every few years.
  • These procedures can limit the ability of your face to function properly for some time.

What is The Recovery Time After a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

The recovery period depends on a lot of factors like the number of teeth you need treatment for, the type of treatment, etc. Some treatments deliver instant results and you don’t even have to wait for a day to start using your teeth like you normally do.

For example, dental bonding treatment requires you to wait for only a few hours. On the other hand, gum or dental contouring takes a day or two to heal properly. The exact recovery timeline is usually given to you by your dentist.

Final Thoughts    

So, this is all you need to know about cosmetic dentistry. The purpose of these dental treatments is to enhance the appearance and aesthetics of your teeth. There are a large range of treatments available and the one you need is based on your personal preference and teeth health.

This is why it is always a good idea to consult your dentist about which procedure to go with and the possible effects that you can expect.   

Contact Specialist Dental Services to learn more about cosmetic dentistry in London. 

Dr. Narinder Dhadwal

Narinder is a Specialist Periodontist based in private practice. She qualified from St. Bartholomew’s & The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London in 2007. During her studies she was awarded the Harold Fink Prize for outstanding academic achievement.

Posted On : March 3, 2023

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