What exactly is cosmetic dentistry?

Although you may well be aware of certain aspects of cosmetic dentistry and how it can help improve the aesthetics of your teeth, do you know precisely what treatments are available and how they are implemented? Cosmetic procedures are used to improve the appearance of parts of your body, and in this instance, your teeth. Read on for a greater understanding of some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and learn how they could benefit you.

White fillings

Yes, white fillings do come under the title of cosmetic dentistry and usually, via the NHS, you can only receive silver-coloured fillings when they are required. Something as simple as a white filling can make a patient feel much better about receiving a filling as they are not noticeable like silver fillings and are the same colour as your tooth. The materials used to create white fillings can vary, but they are usually made using resin, glass particles and a setting agent. Your dentist can administer this simple treatment, or you can receive it at a private dental clinic should you wish.

Teeth whitening

Discolouration can occur for many different reasons, including eating and drinking habits, smoking, and even genetics. Teeth whitening procedures allow patients to transform the colour of their teeth to a natural white appearance. There are many teeth whitening kits that patients can use at home, but for a longer-lasting treatment, it is recommended that you visit a qualified dental professional for this treatment. An impression will be made of your teeth which is then used to make a mouthguard. You will then be instructed how to use the tooth whitening gel and mouthguard at home. Patients can also opt to use laser whitening treatments which use a gel painted on the teeth and a laser light to bleach the teeth. It is important that you do not receive this treatment anywhere else, including at beauty salons, as not only is it illegal for them to do so without a dental professional present, but they are not adequately trained to carry out teeth whitening treatments.

Porcelain veneers

This treatment helps with numerous dental problems, including stained or chipped teeth, and filling gaps between teeth. The thin porcelain veneers are placed over the existing teeth and bonded in place. Before the veneers are put in place, your real teeth will have their outer layer of enamel removed to assist with the bonding process. This is a popular procedure that can help with discolouration and small gaps between teeth. Patients can choose to have just one or two veneers fitted or may opt for a full set of veneers over all visible teeth.

This treatment helps with numerous dental problems, including stained or chipped teeth, and filling gaps between teeth. The thin porcelain veneers are placed over the existing teeth and bonded in place. Before the veneers are put in place, your real teeth will have their outer layer of enamel removed to assist with the bonding process. This is a popular procedure that can help with discolouration and small gaps between teeth. Patients can choose to have just one or two veneers fitted or may opt for a full set of veneers over all visible teeth.

Invisalign

Renowned for its fast teeth-straightening properties, Invisalign is probably the most famous method in this field. Unlike childhood braces that can take several years to work, Invisalign provides patients with the opportunity to gain straight teeth in a matter of months. Advanced methods mean that patients no longer need to endure the mess of dental impressions, as 3D scans provide all the necessary information required to create retainers and aligners for each individual patient. The teeth straightening process will be assessed every couple of months so that new aligners can be made and at the end of the process patients are given either fixed or removable retainers depending on their requirements.