Enhancing the Teeth
Within cosmetic dentistry there are a number of procedures designed to help enhance the look of the teeth, including:
Teeth Whitening
There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Some peoples teeth are more naturally discoloured than others, but most of us will find that our teeth get stained over time. Some of the main culprits for staining our teeth include tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. However, teeth whitening can remove stains and make our teeth look whiter.
Teeth whitening can be performed at home or by a cosmetic dentist. It is generally done using bleaching gels or strips, after which the dentist will shine a laser on the area to help remove stains below the surface of the tooth. These same gels are available for home use, but at a less effective concentration.
These whitening techniques are generally very quick to apply, though they are not permanent. Stains can continue to build up with everything we eat, so the process may need to be repeated in future.
For more information on this procedure, please see the teeth whitening information website.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin coverings applied to the outside of the teeth, helping to correct their colour or position. This procedure is extremely popular with actors and other celebrities.
The procedure usually takes two visits to a cosmetic dentist, and as a quick way to improve the look of the teeth and is done by gluing the veneer onto the surface of the teeth.
Before this is done, a small amount of the existing tooth's surface will be removed to ensure the layer fits comfortably. Then an impression of the teeth will be taken, and on your second visit the veneers will be ready to apply.
Veneers can be applied very quickly and can last for up to 15 years. However, they typically last for around 5-10 years and may need to be replaced in future. It is possible for the veneer to become damaged with chewing or biting, though in general the veneer helps to protect the surface of the teeth. If you tend to grind your teeth then a crown will be a better option for you. Ask your dentist for advice.
Bonding
This procedure means that a material will be fixed to the existing teeth, creating a bond. The material works similarly to a filling, though is used to change the way the tooth looks and other cosmetic treatment, as well as helping to repair breaks in the teeth. This is good for those who want to make their teeth look more straight.
The main problem with bonds is that they stain just as your original teeth will, though they can benefit from polishing. Like veneers, they can be damaged by aggressive biting, though they tend to last for less time than veneers.
All of these improvements to the teeth can be expensive, and all will need to be repeated after a certain period of time.
