Cosmetic dentistry definition - Everything You Need to Know
With so many people now wanting to find out more about the cosmetic dentistry procedure we thought it would be a good opportunity to create a blog post explaining how the procedures work, what’s available and what are some of the more affordable cosmetic dentistry options.
What are cosmetic dentistry procedures?
The cosmetic dentistry definition is usually defined as any dental treatment which focuses on improvement of the appearance of your teeth and smile. However, our opinion is that all dentistry should be beautiful!
Typically, cosmetic dentistry procedures fall into a few different categories:
Straightening crooked teeth
This can involve some or all of the following:
Dental Bonding - often used to straighten up a single crocked tooth by building the front surface of the tooth forwards using a tooth coloured resin. This is the same material that is used for tooth coloured dental fillings, inlays and on lace.
Dental veneers - used in a similar way to dental bonding but when there is more tooth to restore, dental veneers are usually made from high-strength ceramic in a dental laboratory, making them more durable than dental bonding.
Tooth braces - usually the preferred option as all of your natural tooth structure is retained, can often be used in conjunction with bonding to reshape teeth whitening to whiten teeth.
Whitening dark teeth
This can involve some or all of the following:
Tooth Whitening - a quick, simple and easy way to whiten discoloured teeth. It's important to know that teeth whitening can't be used over restorations such as bonding, veneers or crowns.
Dental veneers - sometimes used as well as whitening, veneers are able to cover up incredibly dark teeth as well is restore the shape and size of teeth.
Reshaping teeth
This can involve some or all of the following:
Trimming - simple reshaping of the tooth with the dentists drill can often have quite a dramatic effect. However, this is always reducing the amount of tooth tissue so is often avoided.
Dental bonding - used to replace chips in teeth, cover-up dark areas and rebuild teeth to a more aesthetic shape.
Dental veneers - used in the same way as dental bonding but when a more long-lasting or extreme result required. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite materials.
Replacing missing teeth
This can involve some or all of the following:
Dental Implants - usually the preferred option as no reduction of adjacent teeth is required, they may be often the most expensive option in the short-term but work out the best value in the long-term.
Dental bridges - the tried and tested way to replace missing teeth, they do however often require reduction of healthy teeth either side of the gap.
Dentures - disliked by many people due to their removable nature, they can however be made to look extremely cosmetic and the very comfortable to wear.
How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease
If you are concerned about losing your teeth and requiring cosmetic dentistry then this question becomes really important. Periodontal disease is the more severe form of gingivitis.
Gingivitis affects the gum and is often recognised by bleeding gums which can look puffy and read. As the infection spreads down underneath the gum towards the root of the tooth it turns into periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease happens over 4 distinct stages with the final stage meaning you have approximately 50-90% chance of tooth loss. Unfortunately it's only at this final stage the periodontal disease will become apparent, if you are not visiting the dentist regularly.
Treatment can be extremely effective as long as it's undertaken quickly.
Can you Have Crowns with Gum Disease
Before you have any form of cosmetic dentistry we will always recommend that any gum disease is under control first. The last thing we want to happen is you have a crown fitted and then you lose the tooth due to gum disease progressing to the more serious periodontal disease.
Replacing Teeth Lost through Gum Disease
If you visit your dentist regularly you should never have to replace teeth due to gum disease, your dentist will ensure that the gum diseases It under control. If, however teeth are lost due to gum disease you typically have 3 options.
dentures
bridges
dental implants
Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Options
Dental bonding is very often considered the most affordable way to change your smile with cosmetic dentistry. It can usually only be used with fairly minor adjustments to the shape of your teeth, or to rebuild chipped edges.
Totally change your smile from around £300.