Cosmetic dentistry is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on improving a person’s teeth, gums, and bite appearance. To enhance the smile’s aesthetics, a number of procedures are used, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. Cosmetic dentistry aims to make teeth more aesthetically pleasing and to enhance oral health.
Depending on the condition of teeth and gums, a combination of treatments may be needed to help you get your dream smile.
What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures We Offer
We offer a variety of cosmetic dental procedures depending on what you need. Book a consultation with one of our leading dentists to get your personalised recommendations.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the use of products or techniques to lighten the colour of your teeth and improve their appearance. There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home treatments.
In-office teeth whitening is performed by one of our dental professionals and involves the use of a strong bleaching agent applied to the teeth. This type of treatment is typically more effective and quicker than at-home whitening (Can be done during your lunch hour!), and results can be seen immediately.
At-home teeth whitening involves using custom-fitted trays that are worn for a specified amount of time each day. This type of treatment is less expensive than in-office whitening but may take longer to see results and is typically less effective.
It’s important to note that teeth whitening is not permanent and the results will slowly fade over time. Regular touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired level of whiteness. It’s also important to consult with a dental professional before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment to ensure that it is safe and effective for you.
See some of our teeth whitening cosmetic dentistry before and after pictures.
Orthodontics
At Signature Smile we offer a variety of different orthodontic treatment options depending on what you require. Your dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to determine the position of your teeth and decide what treatment option is best.
Braces
The most common orthodontic treatment is metal braces, and it is still the go to option for major correctional work. The other braces option we have are ceramic braces, which are usually teeth coloured and less noticeable than regular braces, and lingual braces, which sit on the back of your teeth and are generally unnoticeable.
You may still require some minor cosmetic dentistry after braces, such as teeth whitening as sometimes there is some discolouration of your teeth after braces are removed.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of clear trays custom fitted to move your teeth and are used for minor to moderate corrections. These aligners are replaced every 2 weeks and work best for older teenagers and adults.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers, or porcelain veneers, are thin shells of porcelain that dentists place over the front part of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are most commonly used to correct cosmetic issues such as chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth.
The colour of the porcelain veneers are matched to the colour of your teeth, so they look as natural as possible. The process of getting veneers takes about 2 to 3 visits and for most people, the results can last many years with proper care.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used as a replacement for missing teeth. They are made up of artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are attached to crowns on either side. The crowns are then placed over the natural teeth adjacent to the gap caused by the missing teeth, and the pontics fill the gap to restore the smile.
Dental bridges are best for when the impacted teeth are very noticeable, such as your upper front teeth. A dental bridge is custom fitted to your mouth to match the shape of your other teeth and colour matched so they look as natural as possible.
In some cases bridges are used to replace missing back teeth to improve bite function and to prevent teeth opposite the gap from growing into the space. Your dentist will discuss which materials are best suited for your case.
Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that are placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of misshapen, chipped or discoloured teeth.
Caps are generally made of porcelain or ceramic and are custom-fitted to the individual tooth and coloured to look natural with the rest of your teeth. Sometimes metal is used as it requires less removal of tooth structure and still has the same strength.
Wish to be the ‘after’ from cosmetic dentistry before and after photos? Book an appointment with one of our leading dentists today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The longevity of cosmetic dental treatment results depends on a variety of factors such as the procedure, the type of materials used, patients oral hygiene, and their lifestyle habits. On average, the average estimated life spans for common cosmetic dentistry procedures are as follows:
- Teeth whitening: 6 months to 2 years
- Dental porcelain veneers: 5 to 15 years
- Dental crowns: 5 to 15 years
- Dental implants: 25 to 30 years or more with correct management
- Orthodontic treatment: permanent if the patient follows proper maintenance
It’s important to keep in mind that these are only estimates and the actual lifespan may vary for each individual. Regular dental check ups and proper oral hygiene are important to maintaining the results of cosmetic dental treatment.
Can You Have Cosmetic Dentistry After Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is an infection that damages the gum tissue and bones in the jaw. If left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and compromise the integrity of the mouth.
It is possible to have cosmetic dentistry procedures after having periodontal disease, however it is important to ensure that any underlying diseases have been addressed and fixed.
There are various procedures you can have after periodontal disease to help fix any missing teeth or teeth affected by gum disease. These include:
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
Your dentist will recommend the best treatment for you, based on the health of your teeth and gums.
Book a consultation with one of our leading dentists to get you started on achieving your dream smile!
