We all want to look our best, let’s face it, we care what others think and appearance really does matter. One aspect of improving your appearance is cosmetic dentistry and this field has progressed a great deal since the turn of the century, with non-invasive treatments and new materials.
In this short article, we take a look at some of the top cosmetic dental treatments that you would find at your local practice.
- Teeth whitening – We are not all born with ultra bright teeth, but not to worry, we have laser teeth whitening treatment; how does it work? The dentist prepares you with protective layers and a gel made with hydrogen peroxide is applied to the tooth enamel and a fine laser is directed to the target area and that activates the hydrogen peroxide and that makes the tooth enamel whiter. Prior to treatment, you sit down with the dentist to decide on a shade of white and it might take numerous sessions to achieve the desired shade. The treatment usually consists of multiple sessions and it might also include at-home kits that you apply as directed by the dentist.
- Clear aligners – Forget wire braces if you have slightly crooked teeth; some of us embrace our imperfections, while others strive to make improvements and clear aligners can straighten your smile. How does it work? The aligner tray is carefully shaped by the dentist and it puts pressure on specific points; over time, the growth direction can be altered. The great thing about aligners is the device can be removed when eating, which is more hygienic than a mouthful of wire! The device should be worn at all times and once in place, it is not visible, which is perfect if you work with people. Treatment could last a few months or a couple of years, depending on the severity of the misalignment; if you would like to learn more about how to get the perfect teeth, check out this free dental resource hub.
- Porcelain veneers – The best quality porcelain is used to make dental veneers and with the exact same shade, a set of veneers can transform your smile. If you would like to explore the possibilities, contact your local dentist and make an appointment to discuss cosmetic treatment. There are no age restrictions with this treatment; middle aged people can enjoy a perfect smile just as easily as a teenager. How does it work? Your teeth are prepared and each veneer is carefully attached to the front of targeted teeth. Your dentist can enlighten you regarding this treatment and if he or she thinks you are suitable, an appointment can be scheduled. It is usual to have the teeth deep cleaned by a hygienist prior to the treatment. Check out the informative articles on oral care at https://www.beseenhub.com/, a leading hub for information on all things dental.
- Dental implants – Implants have been around for a few years and they revolutionised cosmetic dentistry; a permanent solution to missing teeth, from a single tooth to a complete set of uppers and lowers. How does it work? The dentist examines you for suitability; this involves X-rays to determine whether or not the jawbone is adequate to support the titanium pin(s) that are inserted. In some cases, a bone graft is required. Titanium is used because of its unique properties; this metal bonds with human tissue and bone and that provides the essential support for the prosthetic. The treatment extends to several visits and temporary prosthetics are fitted until the bonding is complete, then the prosthetic tooth is fitted. Many elderly people prefer implants to dentures, as they are not removable and look exactly like the real thing! A full set of implants is called ‘all on 4’, as the complete set of upper teeth is a single unit and is anchored in 4 places. The same for the lower set and you should treat them much the same as regular teeth with regular brushing; if fitted correctly, dental implants will last a lifetime. On rare occasions, it is not possible to use the jawbone as an anchor, rather the prosthetics are anchored by a thin wire frame that sits on the gumline.
- Dental braces – This is a traditional way to treat misaligned teeth; steel wire is used to put pressure on specific points and these braces cannot be removed; some also have elastic attached to the back of the teeth. When you visit your dentist, he or she will be able to advise you on the best treatment; there are usually options and the healthcare professional can make a recommendation. Some braces are attached to the back of the teeth, again, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
We tend to take our good health for granted and regarding oral hygiene, you should adopt best practices, such as:
- Brushing and flossing after every meal and before and after bed.
- Regular use of antiseptic mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up.
- Avoid food and drink with high sugar content
In the event you have dental issues, the sooner you see a dentist, the better. Tooth decay, for example, begins with a tiny pinhole and over time, this quickly becomes a cavity. Prompt treatment is always the best solution, which is why you should have an oral examination every few months.
To conclude, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way since the turn of the century; more and more Australian people are realising that they can improve their appearance with cosmetic dental treatment. From teeth whitening to clear aligners, there are many ways you can improve your smile and if you visit your local cosmetic dentist, he or she can carry out an examination and you can discover what treatments can improve your appearance.
