Have you ever admired the bright and beautiful, perfectly white teeth of Hollywood stars? Or the straight alignment of celebrities’ teeth? These are all the works of cosmetic dentistry.
Although the term “cosmetic” may seem relatively superficial, these types of dental work are beneficial in the long run. Restoring teeth requires not only aesthetics but also functional rehabilitation. If you want to improve your smile, you should visit a cosmetic dentist.
Is a Cosmetic Dentist Different from a Regular Dentist?
The short answer is no; a regular dentist has all the necessary skills to perform basic cosmetic dentistry. However, some dentists choose to supplement their credentials with additional training and education. Regardless, you can still choose a regular dentist to help you get a better smile.
Some dentists offer a “smile makeover” or a complete treatment plan to address all of the dental imperfections that a patient wants to fix. Cosmetic dentistry is minimally invasive, which means there is no surgery required. Patients can feel relaxed knowing that the procedure won’t need any incisions or extensive aftercare. However, because most restorations are created in a dental laboratory, it may take several visits to complete the entire makeover.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments
These are the procedures that dentists use to perform a smile makeover. Depending on your current dental condition, you may need more than one of these services:
- Teeth Whitening. In-clinic whitening takes about an hour but promises up to 8 shades of whiter teeth. Professional teeth whitening is safer and more effective than over-the-counter options.
- Veneers. These prosthetics are made of a thin porcelain material bonded to the tooth’s front surface. Veneers are perfect for front teeth because of their aesthetic appeal and minimal application. You won’t even notice that it’s not a real part of the tooth because of the natural colour.
- Crowns. For teeth with cracks, deep cavities, and extensive structural damage, crowns are the best option. These are placed on top of the original tooth and fit perfectly within the patient’s mouth.
- Bridges. A bridge has one false tooth in the middle of two crowns. This is best applied for single missing teeth between healthy teeth.
- Bonding. For tooth damage that can’t be fixed with regular dental fillings, dentists use bonding. The material is the same as a filling, but the bonding process requires a more extensive coverage and longer curing time.
- Inlays and Onlays. Similar to dental crowns, inlays and onlays have a smaller range and preserve more natural tooth structure.
- Dental Implants. An implant is made of a titanium screw that is embedded into the gums and jaw bone. This serves as the tooth root upon which a dental crown will be placed. Dental implants can also be used to hold complete dentures for better structure and chewing power.
When Should I See a Cosmetic Dentist?
Anytime! Since cosmetic dentists are regular dentists, they may not always recommend cosmetic procedures, but they will ensure that your oral health is in top shape. Visiting the dentist twice annually will help you maintain a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Visit Springvale Dental Smiles for Cosmetic Dentistry
Do you live around the Springvale area and neighbouring suburbs such as Dandenong and Keysborough? Springvale Dental Smiles is the best cosmetic dental facility that you can find nearby. We have state of the art facilities and equipment that follow the latest trends in the field of dentistry. We will ensure that your beautiful smile will last a lifetime!