The world places a lot of importance on a good smile. A good smile can get you a job and even the man or lady of your dreams. Good oral health is also good for your health and for your self-confidence.
Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving your smile and the function of your teeth. Although the world generally regards cosmetic dentistry procedures as elective (desired) as opposed to necessary dental/oral procedures, the functional and restorative benefits of some procedures and treatments make them a necessity. Here are the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials that cover the front surface of your teeth for an improved appearance. They are bonded to the front of discolored, chipped, and misaligned teeth. The most common materials for dental veneers are composite resins and porcelain. Other than giving your teeth a vibrant natural look, veneers are also popular because they offer strength and resilience that is comparable to the enamel of your natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are damaged. They restore the shape, function, and appearance of the damaged tooth. Dental crowns are hollow caps that cover the damaged natural tooth. This protects the damaged tooth from further damage. You can also use dental crowns for discoloured and misshapen teeth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges replace missing teeth. They span across an area that has no teeth. A bridge is usually made of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns or other adjacent dental implants. Dental bridges are permanent.
Dental Fillings
If you have cavities, dental fillings can be used to fill the cavities. Dental fillings can be replaced depending on your teeth’s decay. The different types of dental fillings include:
- Dental amalgam fillings, also called silver fillings, are silver in colour and are used to fill the teeth at the back of your mouth. They are made of a mixture of such metals as silver, copper, tin, and mercury. They are inexpensive and last long, but they do not look very natural.
- Cast gold fillings are made of a mixture of gold and other metals like copper and silver. Just like porcelain veneers, they are made in the lab and then cemented into your mouth by a dentist. These fillings are stronger than amalgam fillings and last longer, but they also do not have a natural look.
- Composite fillings, also called white or plastic fillings, are not as durable as the metallic fillings, but they have a more natural look. They can also be installed more easily and quickly.
- Glass ionomer materials are used in teeth that do not bite down hard. They have a natural colour and contain fluoride to help with recurrent tooth decay. However, they are not very long-lasting.
- Porcelain materials are hard and brittle and are popular with most dentists. They are made of a combination of porcelain and metal. They combine both a natural look and longevity, but they cost a bit more.
Dental Amalgam Implants
Dental implants are an alternative to bridges or dentures for patients with missing teeth. They are used to replace the missing natural roots so they can support the new artificial teeth. The support from the jaw gives a comfortable feel and natural look. The most common material for dental implants is titanium.
Dental Tooth Whitening
The natural colour of a tooth is a light greyish-yellow shade, but stains from the foods we eat and what we drink (as well as smoking) alters their colour with time. Tooth whitening is a process of restoring the smile by removing the stains. Surface whiteners and bleaches are used to achieve this.
Your choice of cosmetic dentistry procedure should be based on your particular problem. Other factors like age and cost will also influence the decision. At Smiles on Queen Dentistry, we have an experienced team of dentists, led by Dr. Lawrence Hung and Dr. Hedy Norsen, that will look at your teeth and advise you on the best course of action. Other than cosmetic dentistry, we also do root canal therapy, oral cancer screening, gum disease treatment, and emergency dental care.
We serve Woodbridge, Nobleton, Kleinburg, Caledon, and Brampton from our Bolton dental office. Are you new to Canada? Other than English, we also speak French, Italian, Spanish, Cantonese, Farsi, and Tagalog. Call us today at 905-533-2030 to book an appointment and to enjoy our attractive rates. We serve everyone, including seniors and children.
