Cosmetic Dentistry

 People seek cosmetic dentistry for a variety of reasons. Some people simply want to look younger, and cosmetic dentistry is like a dental facelift that can quickly "reverse" the natural aging process of the teeth. Others, the majority, have had unattractive teeth their whole lives and have always felt self-conscious because of them. They will rarely smile, which can often hide a warm side of their personality.

Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options for people seeking to enhance their smile. Dr. James Medlock explains the many different techniques available in the field of cosmetic dentistry. If you have ever thought about cosmetic dentistry, this guide can be extremely helpful in understanding what is possible.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Laminate Veneers, or simply "veneers", are custom-made porcelain covers that the dentist places over the fronts of the teeth to enhance their appearance and also to repair damage. Veneers can dramatically change a person's smile and help improve their self-confidence. Veneers are what give many Hollywood movie stars that dazzling smile we see on the silver screen.

Veneers can be used to improve a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. They can whiten stained or discolored teeth, close gaps between teeth, "correct" a crooked smile without the need for braces, repair chips and imperfections, and create a more attractive or youthful looking smile. The procedure usually involves removing only a thin amount of the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel. Dr. Medlock then takes molds (impressions) of the mouth. Temporary veneers are then placed for the patient to wear while the permanent veneers are being made. The procedure usually takes between one and a half and two hours.

Next, the laboratory carefully crafts the porcelain into veneers. In about two weeks, the veneers are ready for Dr. Medlock to bond to the fronts of the teeth. This process improves the teeth's appearance and strength.

Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening involves the use of peroxide-based materials to whiten teeth. Before tooth whitening, the patient must get all cavities filled, and the gums must be healthy. The tooth whitening system uses a hydrogen peroxide gels coupled with a high intensity light to whiten the teeth. The gums need to be protected with some systems, and then gels are placed on the teeth. A laser or plasma arc light source activates the peroxide to oxidize stains on the tooth surface. In about an hour, the teeth become four to six shades lighter.

Tooth-shaping

Tooth shaping involves removing a small amount (generally 1 to 2 millimeters) of the enamel of the teeth. Tooth shaping can shorten long teeth, round off pointed teeth, and help create a pleasing smile that gently follows the contour of the lower lip. The procedure is quick and painless (the enamel has no nerves), and is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. A small minority of patients get slight sensitivity after tooth shaping. The procedure does not appear to cause any long-term damage to the teeth.

Resin or Tooth Colored Fillings

Resin fillings, also referred to as composite, white fillings or bonding, can make a substantial improvement in the appearance of the teeth in a short period of time. Resin is what dentists use to repair small cavities or chips in front teeth, as well as fill cavities cosmetically in back teeth. Resin can do virtually the same thing as porcelain veneers with respect to improving the appearance of the teeth. Using resin instead of porcelain veneers for cosmetic dentistry saves time and money, however there are disadvantages with resin. They are not as strong as porcelain veneers, and require repairs every few years. Resin can discolor over time, and does not have as much natural beauty as porcelain veneers.

Bonded-Bridge

A bonded-bridge can replace a missing tooth in far less time and for less money than a porcelain bridge or an implant. It is basically a resin or porcelain tooth with resin or metal wings on each side of it. It is ideal for a missing tooth in the front of the mouth, where biting forces are not that strong. The procedure involves removing a small amount of the inside of the teeth on either side of the missing one and then taking an impression or mold. The laboratory makes the bonded-bridge, which can then be adhered to the backs of the teeth surrounding the missing one.

I prefer the all resin bonded bridge because it is more esthetic (no metal shows through and "grays" the surrounding teeth) and does not fall out and have to be re-cemented nearly as much as a metal bonded-bridge.

Conclusion

 Cosmetic dentistry is really more of an art than a science. Dr Medlock will often use a combination of the above methods to get the results that the patient is looking for. Training and experience matter and should be considered when choosing a dentist for cosmetic procedures. The most important thing to remember is that we should talk about what outcome you expect before you begin treatment, and you should explore all the alternatives available in the exciting area of cosmetic dentistry before starting treatment.