Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Beautiful smile and white teeth of a young woman. Matching the shades of the implants or the process of teeth whitening.

With all the TV shows about makeovers, you probably have heard of cosmetic dentistry. And if you are interested in improving your teeth, then you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to talk about everything that you want to know about cosmetic dentistry.

Basically, cosmetic dentistry is the term we use in the industry to describe procedures that can improve the look of teeth but not necessarily make them healthier. So they are not necessary, but they do offer various benefits including boosting a patient’s confidence, reducing teeth grinding, and making cleaning much easier.

What is the Difference between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

We use the term collectively to refer to common procedures like extractions, cleanings, root canals, and fillings which are all available at Pickering Square Dental. These procedures are performed often because they are needed to address dental problems or to keep one’s teeth and gums healthy.  Cosmetic procedures, like we have mentioned are options for patients who want a better looking smile.

How Cosmetic Procedures Have Improved

We have seen improvements in the field of cosmetic dentistry that have resulted in quicker, more effective, and sometimes even pain-free procedures. For example, laser teeth whitening and gum treatments do not require anaesthetic because they are painless. There are also more complicated procedures like implants where we use state-of-the-art lasers to make accurate incisions and the patient is sedated. All the improvements take us one step closer to achieving the perfect smile without pain and anxiety!

Here some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures:

Whitening Treatments

There are a number of forms of whitening treatments that include bleaching and laser treatments. The most advanced ones can make your teeth up to 16 shades lighter!

Veneers

These are porcelain shells that are securely bonded to the front of the tooth or teeth. They are often used when a tooth or a few teeth are discoloured or sometimes as an alternative to orthodontics. Over time, veneers have improved so much that they can match your real teeth so that no one can even tell you’re wearing veneers! The procedure requires that a part of the tooth be shaved. If you are considering getting veneers, know that they will eventually need repair or replacement because porcelain wears away.

Orthodontics

Traditional braces and Invisalign are available to those who want to straighten their teeth. Depending on what you need, we can recommend the best approach for you when you come for a consultation.

Bridges and Crowns

Large gaps or missing teeth can be improved by bridges. They are a more affordable and much less invasive procedure than implants or orthodontics. Crowns can cover and repair cracked or chipped teeth and restore their normal shape.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace decayed or damaged teeth. Advancements in dental implants have resulted in products that can closely match the rest of a patient’s teeth so they’ll blend naturally.

Cosmetic dentistry and all the other procedures we offer at Pickering Square Dental can help give you the smile you have always dreamed of. Visit us for a thorough check up and you can tell us what you want. We’ll discuss your best options so you can achieve the perfect smile.

Answering Common Dental Implant Questions

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

Today, no other treatment can match the promise of dental implants when it comes to tooth replacement. If you are considering getting implants, there are probably a lot of questions on your mind that you want to be answered – What does it feel like to wear implants? How long do implants last?

Because we want you to know as much as you can about implants, we listed down some of the most questions our patients ask us, and our answers to those questions.

What are implants made of?

Implants are made of medically pure titanium alloy or titanium. This material is the same one that has been used in hip implants for years. It is not known to result in any type of rejection.

Should I be worried about complications and infections?

During the surgery, we do everything to keep a completely sterile field to minimize any potential post-operative infection. As a precautionary measure, appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed. Of course, once the implants are engaged in your prosthesis, you should ensure that you’ll maintain a good oral hygiene.

What do I need to do to receive dental implants?

The first thing you need to do is to schedule a consultation with us. We will do a thorough check-up and set up the perfect care plan for you. We will also give you instructions regarding the procedure, including the visits you need to make.

How long will the dental implants last?

In general, dental implants can last you forever. There won’t be any need for a replacement or repair. Just remember to follow our suggestions on how you should care for your oral health.

Will it be too obvious that I’m wearing dental implants?

Unless, you tell them, no one will know that you are wearing implants! They’re not noticeable at all!

Will the implants be uncomfortable? Will they feel like my real teeth in time?

Dental implants are comfortable. In truth, after a short period of adjustment, you will actually forget that you’re wearing them at all! Because an implant will replace your tooth’s entirety (and a restoration will replace the tooth crown), you get to enjoy the same stability that you got from your natural tooth. You need not worry about anything because all your activities like speaking, eating, and of course smiling, will all return to normal quickly.

Get all your questions answered and gain all the information you need to consider dental implants through a consultation with our practice. Contact Pickering Square Dental today!

Great Looking Fixes for Your Teeth

Having great-looking teeth is important to maintain one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Not a lot of people can pull of having missing teeth, and going about life normally. If this is a problem you are currently struggling with, maybe it’s time to have a visit at our office.  Before coming to visit us, you might want to know of some options:

1.     Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most common (and inexpensive) fixes to achieve that beautiful smile.  Tooth whitening can be accomplished at home with professionally made and monitored products from our office.  Another option is our in office whitening system.

2.     Composite Bonding

If a chipped tooth (or teeth) is your main concern, you might opt for a tooth-coloured composite resin.  Attached to the teeth, this can improve the strength and the appearance of chipped teeth.  This usually requires the dentist having to prepare your teeth for the bonding.

3.     Dental Implants

Nowadays, dental implants are usually made of titanium. It is used to replace not just the missing tooth, but the actual root portion of a missing tooth which makes them extremely strong.  Dental implants are fitted with a crown to have that natural-looking feeling and appearance.

4.     Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Tooth fillings used to be obvious in earlier times because of their different colours.  Thanks to modern technology and innovation, tooth fillings now have the same colour as that of natural teeth and are barely noticeable!

5.     Clear Orthodontic Aligners

Just like the old tooth fillings, metal braces are slowly fading from the picture. All thanks to another new trend: clear orthodontic aligners! Many adults, and some teenagers, are already going for this alternative to straighten crooked teeth.

6.     Tooth Contouring

Do you wish to have a different shape for your teeth? That’s not a problem! Cosmetic dentists have the ability to smoothen or reshape teeth with the use of a laser or small drill.

7.     Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are designed to substitute for tooth enamel.  They are made of hard, thin shells of tooth-coloured material that can mask a variety of dental imperfections.

8.     Porcelain Crowns

Heavily damaged teeth are still teeth that can be saved with natural-looking porcelain crowns. These replace more natural tooth structure than veneers.

 

Dental treatments depend on the different and individual needs of each person.  A trip to the dentist will determine the best option for you.