Say cheese! Feeling insecure about your pearly whites? Rest assured that you are not alone. Beauty is a topic adopted with an occasional delicacy, what with its varying views and opinion on the matter.
Regardless of that, one thing unanimously agreed on is that the appearance of perfect teeth is a catalyst for lasting, and often positive, first impressions. With the help of cosmetic dental surgery, achieving that picture-perfect smile is no longer a far-fetched dream.
Cosmetic Dentistry
As a whole, cosmetic dentistry encompasses the work done at enhancing the appearance of one’s smile all while maintaining its natural charm. So, what makes it different from general dentistry? Dental services that are for preventive and restorative purposes fall under the domain of general dentistry. Be it on matters of optional procedures such as the colour, shape, size or position of the teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer you’re looking for.
Albeit emphasizing on aesthetic concerns, make no mistake that any aggravating aches could also be taken care of. For instance, if you find yourself prone to increased experiences of discoloured teeth or perhaps even cavities, you might be thinking about opting for crowns or caps. This would prevent further damage while seemingly restoring the tooth to its original glory.
The Breakdown
Be it minor or major repair involving the teeth, gums and bite, an effortless look of having undergone years of orthodontic work can easily be achieved. Here are a handful of the concerns typically adopted by clients of cosmetic dentistry:
- Misaligned teeth or gaps between
- Darkened of yellowed teeth
- Worn teeth that has resulted in cracks or chips
- Excessive gingival (gum) display
- Microdontia (small or short teeth)
What Are The Procedures Available?
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Dental bonding
- Dental bridges
- Crowns
- Teeth whitening
- Clear aligner
- Dentures
If you find this medley of procedures confusing, we have taken to compiling some basic information on what entails each process.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured coverings fitted on the front part of the targeted tooth. These custom-made shells are placed with the intention to eliminate any dissatisfaction accompanying the original tooth—even if only for aesthetic purposes such as changing one’s tooth shape, size or colour. Amidst the wide array of choices, make sure to discuss what options would work best for you with your local dentist.
Here are some of the three regularly made selections to give you a head start:
- Porcelain Veneers. Leaning on the pricier side of things, with proper care, this popular style of particularly thin coverings, also known as the ‘Hollywood smile’ would be able to last up to 13 to 15 years.
- Ceramic Veneers. This common selection is loved for its natural appearance and durability which could last around 4 to 8 years. However, keep in mind that the formation of this variety would come with a longer waiting time and even some sensitivity following the procedure—if only for the first few days.
- Composite Veneers. This budget friendly option does not come with a waiting time but would unfortunately hold a shorter lifespan than the previous varieties, ranging to about 5 years at best.
Dental Implants
The replacement of tooth roots is conducted to provide a strong foundation to a missing tooth using titanium screws that would eventually fuse with the jaw bone.
Dental Bonding
Pliable composite resin is used to attend to fractured or chipped teeth, ultimately “bonding” the mould in recreating the tooth.
Dental Bridges
Compared to implants, this procedure is recommended in order to ‘bridge’ the gap considering a series of consecutively missing teeth instead of a singular tooth.
Crowns
Thicker than a veneer, this method would restore a tooth to its normal shape, size and function. It is also otherwise known as a ‘Cap’, and in fact similar to donning one as the whole tooth would be covered.
Teeth Whitening
Despite being cheaper, at-home whitening kits could risk in causing damage by sensitising your teeth if not handled correctly. Leave it to the professionals who would be able to effectively eradicate visible stains or discoloration without the cost of your comfort.
Clear Aligners
With a shorter treatment duration when compared to braces, this procedure would allow for the realignment of your teeth without any visible consequences due to its almost transparent appearance.
Dentures
This removable prosthetic device is fitted in replacement for missing teeth is a non-invasive procedure. Otherwise known as ‘false teeth’, this affordable option could be chosen as an alternative to dental implants. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to bear in mind that dental implants would present a more comfortable experience when chewing food.
What Works For You?
Now that you have been imparted with some knowledge on the options available in the market, it is vital that you take this with a grain of salt. These selections may be accompanied with its own advantages as well as disadvantages beyond what was discussed depending on the particulars or complexities of the case presented.
Knowledge is an armour designed to protect not only yourself but also any of your investments. For further details, head on to your local specialist where you will be able to make consultations on matters pertaining to your circumstances while still working around the budget that you hold.
With aesthetics painted to hold a league of its own in the recent decades, oftentimes we tend to fixate on finding remedies to issues that we have mistakenly attributed to hold much weight, resulting in the abandonment of the most impressionable physical features like one’s teeth. Visit your local dentist and allow your inner beauty to shine through as they give you a set of teeth worth boasting through a smile. Remember, the sexiest curve on your body is your smile. So, drop in and get your smile makeover today!
