Whilst regular dentistry solely improves the function and health of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve dental aesthetics to give you a confident smile by working on the colour shape, size, alignment and positioning of your teeth.
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your smile but are unsure of which procedure is best for you, we’ve created a guide to explain the ins and outs of cosmetic dentistry – keep reading to find out more.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics are used to prevent and correct any irregularities of the jaws and teeth caused by thumb-sucking, crowded teeth, tooth decay, irregularly positioned teeth or trauma/accidents.
There are many benefits of using orthodontics as cosmetic dentistry, including an improved appearance, great self-confidence, reduced chances of diseases and decay, improved bite and a lower risk of accidental injury from protruding teeth.
With orthodontics, there are several treatments to choose from based on your preferences and desired end-result. These treatments range from Invisalign, lingual braces, ceramic braces, Damon braces, Six Month Smiles and invisible braces.
If you’re looking for a flexible solution to straightening your teeth without the rush, Invisalign is likely to be the best option. Promising to not interfere with your day-to-day life, Invisalign retainers are worn for three-week intervals and can be taken out at any time. The clear aligners are customised to fit the shape of your teeth and gradually move them to the desired positioning over an agreed course of time.
White Fillings
Fillings are used to protect affected teeth from the damaging effects of tooth decay, however fillings are typically metallic in colour and are often noticeable when you open your mouth.
An increasingly popular option to improve the appearance of fillings is to have white fillings fitted instead. White fillings are identical to the tooth colour making it virtually impossible to distinguish.
Our cosmetic dentists have treated many patients with white fillings by removing tooth decay, removing the metal filling and then replacing this with the tooth-coloured filling, which is a solid substance designed to withstand hard pressure.
A benefit of having white fillings (in comparison to metallic fillings) is the natural appearance it gives the teeth without a metallic glint when you smile.
Porcelain Veneers
If your teeth are chipped, stained or unaligned, you may have already considered having porcelain veneers.
Known to be preferred by many celebrities, porcelain veneers appear similar to natural teeth without needing a major procedure. Porcelain is formed into the shape and size of your natural teeth to improve the general appearance.
It’s worth understanding that with porcelain teeth, you don’t always need to have a full set, as there is an option to have just one veneer fitted. When fitting one single veneer, the porcelain is matched to the exact shade of your natural teeth to seamlessly fit in with your surrounding teeth.
If you have a gap between your teeth but prefer not to use orthodontics to align your teeth, porcelain veneers can be used to close these gaps.
Teeth Whitening
Stained teeth can make us sometimes feel insecure and self-conscious to smile, with approximately 40% of us considering teeth whitening. With many common factors staining our teeth, including food, drink, smoking and certain medications, it’s a problem that millions of us face throughout our lifetime.
Teeth whitening lightens the colour of your teeth using a dental bleaching agent, however, this requires you to visit your dentist for a safe and effective procedure. Whilst our own set of teeth are unique to anyone else’s, teeth whitening results do vary from person to person, meaning that professional care is advised.
Over the years we have been frequently asked the same question by our patients – is teeth whitening safe? The safest, most effective and long-lasting means of teeth whitening is through the services of professional care. DIY teeth whitening kits often contain dangerous elements that do more harm than good, including the use of peroxide which increases the sensitivity of your gums and teeth and dangerous abrasives which wear down the protective layer of enamel.
Inlays & Onlays
If you have cavities, porcelain inlays and onlays can be used to restore your affected teeth. Inlays are a smaller filling that are carefully fitted into the biting surface, whereas an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth to treat bigger cavities.
After your London dentist takes an impression of your teeth, the inlays or onlays will be created in a dental laboratory. During this time your dentist will fit temporary fillings, until the inlay or onlay is ready to be fitted with a special adhesive.
Perfect Your Smile Today
If you’re lacking confidence in your smile, cosmetic dentistry could be the answer for you. We take the time to talk through your insecurities to discuss a suitable cosmetic dentistry treatment to suit you.
We will spend the extra time to discuss all these options with you so that you are able to make an informed decision on your dentistry treatment.
Hermes Dentists London are an award-winning dental clinic with experience and a proven track record. If you want more reasons to smile, then simply get in contact today – we’d love to help. Book an appointment with us today to see how we can help you.
