Cosmetic Dentistry - An Overview

Teeth Whiteningused to cover the front side of the tooth. They
Generally speaking, teeth whitening/bleaching canare made from tooth colored materials in most
be achieved in a variety of ways. It is used tocases porcelain and are used on chipped, worn,
correct discoloration of he teeth and a number ofpermanently stained, poorly shaped or crooked
techniques can be used for this procedureteeth. The dentist uses a wafer like piece of
including: chemical whitening, mild acid whitening,porcelain that is placed over the tooth for repair
abrasive teeth brightening and the newestas well as cosmetic appearance. If you are after
technique, laser teeth whitening. A basic teeththe look of that "Hollywood smile" then veneers
whitening procedure can be done in the surgeryare what you need. They are expensive though
or at home, with the patient being given materialsand a full procedure will cost many thousands of
and instructions to complete the proceduredollars.
themselves. Either way, you will find good resultsTooth Shaping
from both in surgery and at home techniques.In this procedure, a small amount of the enamel
on the tooth is removed. Tooth shaping can
If your teeth are cracked, chipped, broken andshorten and round off teeth, creating a nice even
showing signs of staining, then bonding (resincontour. The procedure is very quick and painless,
fillings) is a very good procedure to consider. Withbeing done within half an hour. The cost can be
bonding, tooth colored materials are bonded toupwards of $100 per tooth.
the tooth surface. It does a similar thing toBraces
porcelain veneers but is cheaper and does notBraces are used not only on children, but adults as
take as long. However, resin is not as strong aswell. They are used to straighten crooked and
porcelain and requires repairs within a few years.crowded teeth and also if your teeth do not
Also, over time, resin can discolor.meet properly. You will be referred to an
Enamel Shapingorthodontist for this type of procedure.
This process normally combined with bondingGum Lifts
involves modifying teeth by removing orThis procedure involves the removal of gum to
contouring enamel. This is a very quick proceduremake teeth appear longer and to make the gum
and has immediate effects.line appear more even. The dentist will numb the
Veneersregion and remove the excess gum.
Veneers are like custom made shells that are