From Aligners to Whitening: A Brief Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry refers mainly to procedures that improve the appearance of a persons smile and their teeth as a whole. Although these procedures are not often important for the overall health of your teeth, they are usually more so important for your self-confidence. Dentists require specialist training to be able to carry out cosmetic procedures, and there are some who are recognised as specialists within the field.

Who Qualifies for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is often elective, and so there aren’t really many criteria you have to meet. So, for example, if you want a procedure and have the money to pay for it, you can have that procedure. That being said, some issues would benefit from cosmetic dentistry than others.

There may not be anything too noticeably wrong with their teeth for some people, but they don’t feel confident smiling. Unfortunately, in today’s society, people are often judged by their appearances first. A cosmetic procedure can act as a confidence boost.

Common Procedures

Some procedures have become increasingly common within the cosmetic dentistry industry. There are several forms of tooth bonding or crowns. Most people want their teeth to be perfectly straight, and in line, so aligners are very common. Clear retainers are used to straighten teeth subtly over time.

There are inlays, and onlays are made to treat tooth decay when there is little to no tooth cusp left. They are made from a composite resin and are attached using dental cement. They restore the shape of the tooth whilst preventing further deterioration.

Composite bonding is somewhat similar to inlays and onlays in that they are affixed to damaged teeth. However, these are used for more severely damaged or discoloured teeth. The decay is drilled out before the composite is applied to the tooth’s surfaces and moulded into the right shape before being set with a high-intensity light.

Veneers, on the other hand, are often used to cover every tooth. They are made from medical-grade ceramic, and they are designed to resemble a patient’s natural teeth. They are applied to the front of every tooth using a dental adhesive.

However, dental implants are made to replace missing teeth both for aesthetics and prevent further periodontal issues. They are made to blend seamlessly in with the other teeth. They do require more upkeep to maintain them.

Finally, whitening procedures are also incredibly common to remove stains and plaque. Dental bleach is used to gently lighten the teeth. Although this is not a lasting procedure, it often has to be redone as the stains do come back over time.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry is is important that you do your research and pick the right dentist to carry out your procedure. Looking at reviews and other customers experiences can be incredibly useful when trying to decide. For example, Oracle Dental features patient feedback on its website, allowing potential clients to make an informed decision. They also have locations in Shrewsbury and Staffordshire. I recently visited a private Dentist in Glasgow for a consultation and it’s given me a far better idea of what I actually need.

In Conclusion

Cosmetic Dentistry can have far-reaching effects from an improved self-confidence to an improved mental and physical health. However, if you are considering a cosmetic dental procedure, it is important that you do your research and know your budget, as some of the treatments can be pricey – although who can put a price on self-esteem?