COSMETIC DENTISTRY & SMILE DESIGNING

Sculpting   a   New Smile

Think of the last time you posed for a picture. Did you flash your pearly whites or did you hide your teeth? Today, many people benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry. A wide range of techniques are available that can enhance almost any smile. Gone are the days when you had to settle for Chipped, stained and crooked teeth. A revolution in newer technology and materials ensure that cosmetically enhanced teeth now look more natural and last longer than they did in the past. Skillfully blending science and art, your dentist can “sculpt” a more attractive smile for you.

A smile is a powerful way for you to communicate. A new smile will help you make a great impression-both personally and professionally.

 Take this simple test:

If your answer to any of the following questions is “yes”, then you need to get a cosmetic evaluation done by your dentist.

Do you lack confidence when smiling?

Do you wish you had a smile as pretty as the models?

Do you wish your teeth were whiter?

Do you have any stained or discolored teeth or fillings?

Are any of your teeth crowded, overlapping or crooked?

Are any of your teeth missing or do you have gaps between any of your teeth?

Do any of your teeth have uneven shape due to chips, fractures or rough edges?

Do your teeth seem out of proportion because they are uneven in length?

Are you dissatisfied with the way your gums look?

Are your gums red, swollen, receding or bleeding?

  COSMETIC OPTIONS

A variety of options are currently available to suit most conditions. Some of the commonly used cosmetic options available include:

Bleaching : As the name implies, teeth bleaching-or teeth whitening, as it is often called is a process of lightening the colour of teeth. It is used to erase stains that come from coffee, tea, red wine, cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco. Bleaching will also lighten teeth that have darkened because of age or are naturally yellow or dark. The effects generally last for many years depending on personal habits. The process is simple, effective and produces few side effects.

A word of caution: avoid use of readymade, over-the-counter bleaching systems available.

Consult your dentist for more information.

Bonding: Over time, little things can conspire to damage your smile-a chip, a crack, discoloration, noticeable filling in your front teeth, small gaps between teeth, teeth that are uneven or fractured teeth.

Fortunately, there is a simple, pain-free, long-lasting and cost-effective dental procedure that can restore the beauty of your smile. Bonding is a direct, chair side procedure involving tooth coloured composite material.

Indications for bonding:

Close small gaps between front teeth.

Repair chips and cracks.

Conceal discoloration.

Protect exposed roots caused by gum recession.

Restore decaying teeth (the tooth-coloured bonding material is an excellent and undetectable filling).

Seal and protect children’s teeth from cavities.

So, if there are any minor imperfections in your smile, ask your dentist about tooth bonding. Most         procedures can be completed in a single sitting.

Crowns:  Crowns, or “caps”,are covering that fit over your teeth and restore each tooth to its normal shape and size, while both strengthening and improving its appearance. A crown could be made of natural looking porcelain/ceramic, metals, acrylic or composite resins or a combination of any of these.

Indications for placing crowns:

To restore fractured teeth.

To protect weak teeth from fracturing.

To support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth material remaining.

To conceal badly shaped or discoloured teeth.

To strengthen teeth following a root canal.

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