The Complete Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry and How to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry addresses more of an aesthetic demand than a traditionally medical one. A cosmetic dentist works on improving the appearance of one’s teeth and smile by removing stains, whitening the teeth, reshaping them etc. Cosmetic dentistry is rising in popularity, with people being more conscious about achieving the oral appearance they have always wanted through their smiles.

They have the option to select from a variety of treatments the one that caters most to their demands. When it comes to choosing a cosmetic dentist, it is important that one chooses the only best cosmetic dentist available.

Cosmetic dental treatment includes a variety of treatments that one can select. The following are just some of the treatments:

• Veneers
• Bonding
• Implants
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Caps
• Braces/retainers
• Whitening
• Fillings

Dental Veneers Procedure and Benefits

Veneers are ideal for dealing with chipped, cracked, naturally yellow or grey teeth in order to turn the person’s smile white. Generally, there are two types of veneers: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. In either case, a custom-built covering in accordance with the patient’s teeth is manufactured and placed over the teeth. Apart from providing a white smile, they also protect the teeth themselves.

Veneers often lead to a fresh new aesthetic look, leading to improved confidence, better self-esteem, even a more natural looking smile, and don’t require a lot of ongoing maintenance.

The procedure involves an initial consultation with a trained cosmetic dentist, who typically takes the time to listen carefully to your concerns and ask any questions. He/she may then take x-rays and impressions for the veneers. Then comes the prep where the cosmetic dentist will shave off approximately a half millimetre of enamel of your tooth (or teeth if required). The impressions taken will then be used to create the veneers according to your specifications. This can take up to several weeks, but can be quicker. It’s worth asking your cosmetic dentist about the length of time.

Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will then proceed to prepare your tooth for them by cleaning, finishing and preparing the surface to help make the bonding stronger. A special adhesive is then applied on the teeth and the veneers are placed. Your cosmetic dentist will make the final adjustments and may call you for a follow up a couple weeks later.

Dental bonding is ideal for addressing small aesthetic issues with your teeth, for example gaps, chipped teeth, stains and the likes of these. It involves application of a thin layer of composite on the teeth to restore chipped areas and to fill gaps and cover stains after which it is coloured and adjusted as per the patient’s specifications for a natural look.

It is a quicker and cheaper treatment in cosmetic dentistry when it comes to dealing with minor oral aesthetic issues. Once again, it must be stressed that your cosmetic dentist is the ideal person to consult before you proceed with making decisions. They will guide you the best when it comes to treatment options and to make it appear natural and long-lasting.

Teeth whitening, as the name indicates, is a cosmetic dental treatment that helps whiten the teeth and removes stains and discoloured areas. It must be noted though, that while over the counter shortcuts are available for this, they may be as productive and you may not see results for a while. It is therefore advisable to consult a trained cosmetic dentist when it comes to the question: how to easily whiten teeth? A qualified cosmetic dentist can assess tooth shades and suggest the best course of teeth whitening treatment. They can also suggest the best teeth whitening products that will suit you optimally.

Yet again it starts with a consultation when one wonders about whether to choose between DIY home teeth whitening kits or professional teeth whitening. Your cosmetic dentist and may either provide the treatment in their clinic or give you a take home product with instructions on how to apply it. Gums are off limits which is why one has to either use a tray or in the case of ‘in-chair’ appointments, gums are covered prior to the teeth whitening treatment.

When it comes to badly diseased, beyond repair, or altogether missing teeth, dental implants are usually the preferred option. They appear much more natural and are composed of elements that are compatible with the human body, therefore helping avoid complications later on. Dental implants are anchored in place of natural tooth roots. They have been used for years in both the upper and lower jaws. Since they are anchored in place of the tooth root, that means they are attached to the jawbones which makes them very stable for other types of cosmetic dental treatments like dentures, crowns etc.

They can be used to replace one, multiple, or all teeth and do not require adhesives or any form of dental cement to hold them in place. Depending on your budget, it’s generally best to obtain the best dental implants available to you. Since the procedure is a bit more detailed, it is advisable to consult a cosmetic dentist to determine whether you are eligible for this form of cosmetic dental treatment. It is a step by step process in line with the body’s natural functions, for example, at first the implant is inserted into the jaw and screwed shut over the top to prevent food debris from accumulating.

After that you have to wait for several months for the implant to properly fuse with the jawbone naturally before proceeding to the next step. That will involve attaching an extension after which another waiting period follows for the gums around the area to heal. After that the extension and the implant collectively form the foundation for your new tooth or teeth.

Finally, your cosmetic dentist will construct a crown that will look most natural in your mouth and put them in place. It is imperative that one must avail the option of the best dental implants around since they have to be melded with your jawbone and can result in serious complications if one uses cheaper or second grade ones. Dental implants cost considerably, yes, but if the decision is made then the best product should be used. It’s worth have a series of discussions with a trained and qualified cosmetic dentist near you for thorough planning.