Today, dentistry is no longer merely a case of extracting and filling teeth like it was for many years. Nowadays lots of people are turning to aesthetic dentistry as a technique of enhancing their facial appearance, very much as they would make use normal cosmetic surgery. Frequently used dental procedures include bonding, crowns, bleaching, veneers and contouring and teeth reshaping.
Which is the Best Procedure for You?
Your dentist will be able to answer any questions which you could be having about available techniques to perk up your smile. If you are interested in further reading, the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry could also guide you on what is the best procedure for you as it contains comprehensive notes on cosmetic dentistry.
If you are contemplating a dental treatment, there are several questions you could ask your dentist prior to deciding if a specific procedure is suitable for you. Some of the questions could be:
– How will the changes on me look like?
– What should I be expecting throughout the treatment course?
– How long will the treatment take?
– What kind of maintenance will be needed?
– What are the costs involved?
How Can I know one is a Good Cosmetic Dentist?
To confirm that your dentist is skilled in aesthetic dentistry, the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID) advocates that before agreeing to undergo treatment, you ask him or her for the following items:
– Ask to be shown several before and after photos. These types of photos allow you to opportunity of examining the results of the other patients who have been treated by the same dentist to ensure that his or her work fits well with your dental needs.
– Let him or her show you some references which will allow you to have a sense of the quality of care that is being provided.
– Seek evidence of continuing education. Dentistry is a dynamic and growing branch of health care. Ascertain that your dentist has been taking continuing education courses and trainings to remain up-to-dated with the most recent techniques in clinical aesthetic dentistry. For example, a dentist who is an active member of the Australasian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA) is likely to be very up-to-date because the AADFA is known for offering regular training courses for dento-facial surgeons.
Depending on your particular dental needs, the following methods are available:
Bleaching or Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening or bleaching happens when your discoloured teeth get bleached with a safe whitening agent.
Dental Fillings and Teeth Bonding
Dentists are now using porcelain materials and composite resins to replace teeth. These materials naturally ape the feel, look and function of your natural teeth. Through advanced bonding techniques, your natural tooth enamel and artificial dentin get fused to produce a strong dental structure which reacts and looks much just like the original tooth.
Dental Implants, Crowns and Veneers
A dental implant replaces your missing tooth and helps in maintaining the bone support of your adjacent teeth. Crowns or dental caps cover your tooth to restore its appearance and normal shape. Veneers, which are thin pieces of plastic or porcelain, are placed over your front teeth to modify the shape or colour of your teeth.
Dental Braces
Also known as orthodontics, they are performed by orthodontists to bring your teeth back to their original position in case they might have shifted or had some injuries which made them move. For the latest regarding Orthodontics, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) website would be a good resource for you to visit.
