People choose cosmetic dental procedures for various reasons, including:
- to repair a defect such as a malformed bite or crooked teeth
- to treat an injury
- to improve their overall appearance
Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshaped, discoloured, chipped or missing teeth. It also can be used to change the overall shape of teeth — from teeth that are too long or too short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped.
Some examples of cosmetic dental services we offer are:
- Crowns and Bridges
- Restorative Bonding
- Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
Crowns and Bridges
A crown is the recommended treatment when there is little solid tooth structure remaining, due to either a fracture, a large cavity, or a large filling that is breaking down.
These are custom made to fit over-top the tooth, holding it together, and are cemented in place. Most commonly done in porcelain, a crown is colour matched to adjacent teeth.
A bridge is a series of crowns used to replace missing teeth. Such crowns are made being connected together, and are cemented into place over two (or more) natural teeth. The crowns replacing the missing teeth fit precisely over the gum tissue, looking very natural.
Restorative Bonding
The treatment of cavities by the removal of decay and the placement of restorative materials ("fillings") is a common procedure that most patients undergo at some time. The usual material used is tooth-coloured "composite" which is bonded onto the tooth.
The result is a very durable, long-lasting filling, especially if it is of a smaller size (if the filling is too large, we may recommend a crown; ultimately, the decision is up to you).
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain bonded onto front teeth to improve appearances. They would be comparable to the placing of a 'false fingernail.'
Veneers are very effective in closing gaps between teeth, or changing very discoloured or misshapen teeth, but their use is limited in certain bites. During your appointment, we will go over options so you can make an informed decision about your treatment and choose the best one that you are comfortable with.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is probably the most common form of cosmetic dentistry. A simple way to change the colour of natural teeth, but one that is long-lasting.
Using a custom-made tray a whitening gel is provided and used for an hour or over-night, on a daily basis for a week, at which time the benefits are easily seen.
A one-day touch-up use is usually recommended every 6 months to maximize the effect, particularly if you drink caffeine drinks or red wine, or using any smoking products (including vapes).