Cosmetic Dentistry

The possibility for cosmetic dentistry began quite recently. Cosmetic dentistry is the oral treatment to improve dental health as well as to improve the facial appearance of a person. With the increasing importance of media the number of celebrities opting for such treatments nowadays is widely known. Yet even for those of us who are not so much in the limelight, cosmetic dentistry can help someone considerably by adding to his or her confidence and self-esteem. The makeover and reality shows on television have increased everyone’s awareness about what cosmetic dentistry is and how to access it.

Cosmetic dentistry has different categories for specific problems concerning the teeth. The main treatments in cosmetic dentistry involve, but are not limited to:

• Teeth whitening

Otherwise known as tooth bleaching, tooth whitening is a quite common procedure today. Here, discoloured or stained teeth are brightened and are made to look whiter.

• Veneers

Applying dental veneers is the procedure for transforming teeth that are worn out, crooked or damaged. Veneers are thin shells or laminates that are tooth coloured. They are attached to the front side of teeth to improve their appearance.

• Crowns

Crowns are meant for teeth that are cracked or broken down. Crowns are applied right on top of the existing teeth, thus the name “crown”. Dental crowns increase the functionality of the weakened teeth by fortifying them. Crowns are made of either gold or porcelain. Tooth coloured porcelain is better for a natural appearance.

• Contouring

Contouring is the procedure for correcting teeth that are crooked, chipped, cracked or overlapping. Contouring is the part of cosmetic dentistry that alters the length, shape or even position of the teeth.

• Gum reshaping

Gum reshaping involves the reshaping of the tissue underlying bones to give the impression of symmetrical or longer teeth. The gum line is raised or sculpted here by removing the extra gum using a scalpel or laser device. Gum reshaping is mainly to remove gums that cover too much of the teeth making them look short.

• Dental bridges

Applying dental bridges involves false teeth, also known as pontic, that are filled in the area where teeth are missing. In this category of cosmetic dentistry the false teeth is kept in place by the two crowns on the both sides of the false tooth. The dental bridges are necessary not just to improve the appearance but also to prevent gum diseases and reduce the strain on the neighbouring teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is widely known to be quite expensive. However, the cost depends on a variety of factors:

• Place where the dentistry is done
• Materials used in the treatment
• Experience and qualifications of the doctor

Another factor you need to take care of is that there are some procedures in cosmetic dentistry that are risky and need special attention and care. Hence, it is important to get your required dentistry done in a place of first-rate quality. After all, cosmetic dentistry is not simply a matter of dental health but is also concerned with appearance changes that can affect your confidence and relationships. Make sure that you take time to choose your cosmetic dentist carefully.