What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry (or smile makeovers) includes several different procedures, with the single aim of creating a perfectly shaped, perfectly white, movie star smile.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures are: full mouth reconstructions, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and gum augmentation.
We believe great cosmetic work begins with healthy teeth and gums.
Can I benefit from cosmetic dentistry?
Are you embarrassed by your smile? Are your teeth stained, crooked or uneven? Do you have gaps between your teeth? Is your gum line uneven? Do you have a gummy smile? Cosmetic dentistry may be just what you need to regain your confidence.
What is involved?
A complete smile makeover uses any number of dental techniques – such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening to give you a brilliant movie star smile.
A full mouth reconstruction goes one step beyond making over your smile. We can use dental implants, perform gum lifts to give you the supreme confidence boost. This usually takes multiple visits.
Teeth whitening is a chemical process that is used successfully to treat stained or discoloured teeth. We use the Zoom! 45 Minute In-Chair Tooth Whitening System. The result can be dramatic. There is also a take-home whitening alternative.
Porcelain veneers and crowns can be used to correct crooked, chipped, uneven teeth, or gaps between teeth. They can also correct teeth that have tetracycline staining and hyperfluorosis which appear as opaque white specks. Parts of the affected teeth are removed to accommodate the veneer.
A gum lift is surgical procedure that changes the shape of the gum tissue or underlying bone structure to give you an even gum line, longer, more symmetrically-looking teeth, or to fix a gummy smile. This is done in-chair.
What other things do I need to be aware of?
The various methods used in a smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction may need to be repaired or replaced periodically.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. The procedure will need to be repeated every few months depending on how quickly your teeth become stained through everyday use. If you have existing fillings and restorations, these may need to be replaced after whitening so as to maintain the colour consistency. Some sensitivity is to be expected after each treatment.
What are the alternatives?
For a more natural look, Aesthetic Restoration can be a less invasive and more cost effective alternative to cosmetic dentistry.
What is the next step?
If you think you can benefit from cosmetic dentistry, please make an appointment with us so we can review your situation and devise the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
More information
See the Cosmetic Dentistry Fact Sheet for more details.