Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving the aesthetics of your smile. Many people don’t feel confident about smiling in photographs, and feel wary of showing their teeth in social interactions because they’re discoloured, crooked, or have unsightly gaps. Fortunately there is a safe and easy solution available through your cosmetic dentist - known as the ‘smile makeover.’
This article on cosmetic dental surgery is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.
A smile makeover – another term for cosmetic dentistry – involves one or more of a range of dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, white fillings, orthodontics, gum reshaping, and dental bridges. In fact, many cosmetic dentists also offer facial rejuvenation such as Botox. Together, these cosmetic dental surgery treatments can transform the shape of your smile, bringing huge psychological and relationship benefits.
The British are known for having “bad teeth”, but it is a stereotype we’re fast outgrowing. Famous Brits who’ve undergone cosmetic dentistry include Anne Robinson, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher, and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. But these days, cosmetic dentistry is not limited just to the rich and famous. More and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their looks and help their self-esteem.
Below is a list of popular cosmetic dentistry treatments and a brief outline of what they involve.
Bonding involves coating the teeth in a special composite agent to restore shape and colour.
Botox injections help recreate a more youthful appearance on the face, reducing expression lines around the eyes, forehead, lips, and cheeks, as well as correcting facial scars. The results last up to four months.
Bridges are used in cosmetic dentistry to replace missing teeth. Under a local anaesthetic, the two surrounding teeth are trimmed away at the top, and a mould is made of the gaps. A bridge – made up of one whole tooth and caps for the two supporting teeth – is cemented in place and will last for up to ten years.
CEREC is a hi-tech alternative to dental putty (which is used to make impressions of your teeth). A sophisticated camera sends a 3D image to an onsite milling machine, which produces a new crown or veneer from a ceramic block. CEREC is fast and eliminates the need for dental moulds and temporary fittings.
Crowns strengthen damaged or broken teeth to preserve their function. They are also known as caps because they sit over the existing tooth.
