What cosmetic dentistry achieves

Healthy teeth and gums may not always appear perfect. This is quite normal. But for patients who would like their appearance to reflect their oral health, cosmetic dentistry or aesthetic dentistry offers procedures that can help. Here is a snapshot of some of the more common options in cosmetic dentistry.

To improve the appearance of teeth

Teeth may appear less white due to genetics, aging, diet and smoking, among other factors. Lifestyle changes can prevent further staining, but teeth whitening may be necessary to remove existing stains. In cosmetic dentistry, your options range from whitening dental care products to professional whitening sessions. Your dentist is best positioned to assess the severity of staining and identify the most appropriate product or procedure.

Teeth crowding and misalignment are another common issue in cosmetic dentistry. Braces were the traditional treatment but clear aligners, like Invisalign and Angel Align, are increasingly popular as they are not visible and easier to manage for both patient and dentist.

Other procedures in cosmetic dentistry that can improve the appearance of teeth are, among others:

• dental veneers to fill gaps and correct the appearance of crooked and damaged teeth. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from porcelain or resin composites to cover the front of teeth.

• dental crowns to strengthen and improve the appearance of decayed, damaged teeth. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps to fully encase teeth and are made from porcelain, resin, zirconia or porcelain-covered metal.

To improve the appearance of gums

Gum recession is triggered by a variety of factors, most often by gum disease. It exposes tooth roots, which increases the risk of tooth decay and loss. Gum grafts is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that aims to stop gum recession and improve the appearance of the receding gum line.

On the other end of the spectrum, some patients may be uncomfortable with a ‘gummy’ smile, where teeth appear to be too short, or the gum line is uneven. A procedure can be performed to reshape the gums by removing a small amount of tissue to expose more of the teeth for a more natural appearance.

A smile makeover

A smile makeover involves a combination of techniques to correct teeth and the gum line for a more natural smile. The process must be carefully individualised to each patient, based on the issues that require correction. Consult your dentist to understand what the process may look like for you.