About Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any work done by a dentist that is not for the health of the teeth. It is purely for cosmetic reasons to make the teeth whiter or straighter or to have teeth where there are none. Some of the procedures performed by cosmetic dentists include bleaching, bonding, lifting the gums, veneers, reshaping, braces or implants.
A Brief Description of Cosmetic Dentistry
Bleaching. Bleaching is a process used to whiten the teeth by bleaching out the discoloration or stains on the teeth. It involves using a bleaching solution that you wear in a tray over the teeth. This can be done in the dentist’s office or you can use the tray and the solution at home. It usually takes about 6 weeks for the teeth to whiten, but you can continue using it until the desired whiteness is reached. The dentist can also apply laser treatment using a bright light to whiten your teeth.
Bonding. This process involves using a tooth colored putty, called resin, to form a tooth or to replace a broken or chipped tooth. The resin is also used to fill cavities or to fill in spaces between teeth. Unlike a filling, the dentist smoothes and polished the resin after it dries and hardens.
Veneers. These are shells that the doctor makes to cover your teeth with a covering that looks just like your own teeth. They can be used to whiten the teeth, or to repair or reshape the teeth. In this process, the dentist has to remove a thin layer of the tooth enamel and take an impression to make the veneer. Before applying the veneer, he/she will coat it with an acid solution and paint the resin on the tooth. The veneer is then applied and a bonding light is used to harden the resin before polishing takes place.
Reshaping. Some enamel is removed so that all the teeth are in line.
Dental implants. These are false teeth thatare attached directly to the jaw to replace missing teeth. They are very secure and look like your own teeth, but the procedure can require many visits of several hours each.
Gum Lifts. If you have excess gum extending down over your teeth, the dentist can remove part of the gum to make it seem as if your teeth are longer. This hides any of your gums when you smile.
When you have one of these techniques preformed by a cosmetic dentist, you will still need to make periodic visits to ensure that everything is fine. Bleaching procedures may need touch –ups every six to twelve months. It is possible to chip the resin that is used in bonding when you bite on something hard and have to return to have repair work done. Veneers usually last about ten years and then they have to be redone.
There are risks involved with cosmetic dentistry. After teeth have been whitened, they stain more easily. Some patients experience tooth sensitivity to cold foods and drinks, but this usually disappears after a short period of time. The materials used in bonding can also stain and chip easily. Any reshaping of the teeth or the enamel is a permanent process. In veneers, some of the enamel of the tooth is removed. If you opt to have this procedure performed, you cannot change your mind after a few years. You have to keep the veneers for the rest of your life.
No matter which of these procedures you have done, you still have to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing after each meal. They are for appearances only and will not prevent cavities from developing.
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