A healthy smile is a symbol of good oral health and confidence. Cosmetic dentistry is the most common and effective method of making improvements to what our smile looks like. Whether it is discoloured teeth, gaps, chips, or alignment, there is a whole host of modern cosmetic methods that can be used to address your smile in order to achieve your individual needs and goals.

The term ‘cosmetic dentistry’ encapsulates a variety of procedures that improve the appearance of teeth. To help you gain an understanding of the options available, we have compiled a list of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you that confident smile. That way, whether you are having treatment or just considering it, you will have a better understanding of the treatments and terminology involved.

Teeth Whitening

The most popular cosmetic dental treatment is teeth whitening. A lifetime of smoking, drinking coffee, or sipping wine can take its toll on the colour of our teeth. The procedure of whitening teeth is quick and non-evasive and usually only requires a single treatment session, making it one of the most sought-after treatments before big events, such as weddings. We will refer you to  a group that specialises in tooth whitening to attain an optimal result.

Veneers

Dental veneers are a versatile cosmetic treatment option that can be used to address a variety of imperfections. Issues may include gaps between teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or worn-down teeth. Veneers are thin shells made from either porcelain or composite resin, which are custom-made specifically for you and fit over the existing surface of your teeth.

The process of getting veneers can take a few months as it involves a number of steps between the initial consultation and the attachment of the crowns (veneers) themselves. Despite the length of treatment time, dental veneers are highly renowned for their durability, natural appearance, and longevity.

For more articles on veneers, see our article on Composite vs Porcelain Veneers. If you are considering veneers, you can find more information here.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a more substantial way to replace missing or lost teeth and help restore an individual’s smile. Being ‘dental hardware’ that has to be professionally made and fitted unique to the patient, they are the closest thing to a tooth that has been lost from trauma, disease, or tooth decay. Fitted by a prosthodontist, they provide individuals with a strong bite, improved speech, and enhanced confidence in their overall appearance.

Dental implants are a specialist area of cosmetic dentistry, and whilst the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has not restricted who can perform such treatments in Australia, it is highly recommended to visit a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist who is a specialist prosthodontist. A prosthodontist will refer you to an Oral Surgeon or Prosthodontist for the surgical procedure but still co-ordinate and manage all aspects of the overall treatment plan.

During the procedure, your specialist dentist will need to assess the condition of your jawbone tissue before placing titanium posts into the gums where natural roots were once located. The process requires several months of healing time before custom-crafted porcelain veneers are attached to the posts to complete the cosmetic procedure.

For more articles on veneers, read our article on Dental Implants – Leave Them to a Specialist. If you are considering dental implants, you can find more information here.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are another popular cosmetic dental procedure that is used to transform your smile. Crowns are caps of either porcelain or composite material that sit on top of the whole existing tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. Ceramic is typically used as it closely resembles your natural teeth.

A series of appointments is usually required for dental crowns. After an initial consultation, you will have an appointment to prep the tooth and take impressions, followed by another visit to cement the crown into place using a bonding agent.

For more articles on dental crowns, read our article on What am I being offered? If you are considering dental crowns, you can find more information here.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gingival contouring, is a dental procedure that involves removing or reshaping the gum tissue to improve the appearance of a person’s smile. It is commonly done to treat issues like a ‘gummy smile,’ where excessive gum tissue is visible above the teeth, or to create more even gum lines.

There are two main types of gum contouring. The first is known as cosmetic gum contouring and focuses on the reshaping of the gumline for aesthetic reasons. It is mostly used to improve the balance between tooth display and gum display.

The second type is medical gum contouring, which looks to address oral health issues, such as removing gum that is caused by gum disease or any overgrowth due to medication. The purpose of this treatment is to restore a healthy gumline and prevent infection.

The procedure is carried out either by a laser or a scalpel.

Orthodontics

The long-standing dental treatment of braces is a conventional option to straighten crooked teeth or correct a misaligned bite. They work by placing constant pressure on each tooth to move them in a certain direction.

For some adults wanting to fix their smile, braces may be the only option available in the first instance. While veneers may help address the aesthetic look of your teeth, braces are designed for serious engineering issues such as overbites, underbites, and overcrowding that can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Braces, therefore, aren’t just a cosmetic fix but also a long-term dental health treatment.

As dental specialists in prosthodontics, we often work with other specialists, such as orthodontists, to provide the best health option for you as the patient. So, it’s not uncommon for a patient to have some orthodontic treatment to fix the alignment or bite before fitting veneers. The long-term results mean a healthy bite and the smile that you have wanted for a long time.

Inlays & Onlays

An onlay is a cap that covers the cusps (pointy part of a molar), while inlays fill the area between the cusps. Inlays and onlays are both made from porcelain or composite resin material using dental impressions of the tooth.

Inlays are pre-moulded fillings that fit into the grooves of a tooth but don’t go over the tooth’s cusps. The tooth may need an inlay because of decay or injury. 

Onlays are like partial crowns used on the back teeth when there is damage to one or more cusps. The cusps are the pointed part of the molar used for crushing and tearing food as you chew. If the damage to the cusps is too significant, then a crown is needed that covers all four or five cusps. However, an onlay is suitable if there is enough undamaged tooth to support the partial cap. An onlay helps conserve a tooth and protect it from fractures while eating. 

Second Opinion

Getting a second opinion is important for any cosmetic dental treatment. Most people who are organising a tradesperson to undertake a large project on their house will get two quotes, but when it’s medical or dental work, they make the mistake of accepting the first quote and not questioning if it’s the right treatment method for them.

While there is time and expense involved in getting a second opinion, most people agree it’s worth the investment. A second opinion usually costs a fraction of the overall cost of the treatment and may save you money and deliver a better outcome.

Obtaining a second opinion gives you the confidence that your dental treatment is being completed by an experienced practitioner at the right price. Everyone has the right to make an informed decision about their dental health. You should understand the risks and benefits of each treatment, as well as the differences in types of treatment and costs.

All of us only have one set of adult teeth, and unfortunately, poor dental treatment can leave you with repercussions that last a lifetime.

If you would like a second opinion for a dental treatment you’re considering, contact us online or call 9321 1632.