Cosmetic Procedures

As people become more aware of cosmetic dental procedures now available, many are eager to reap the benefits. Before you consider any type of cosmetic dentistry, however, you must have a healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene habits. You also should have a clear picture of the result you are seeking before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. This can be done with computer imaging or diagnostic casts of your mouth.

Whitening
The most common cosmetic procedure is tooth whitening. Many people are unhappy with the colour of their teeth. Discoloration may result from use of tobacco products, drinking coffee or tea, aging, injury or illness, excessive intake of fluoride. It is now possible to whiten your teeth at home with an over-the-counter product or at the dentist's office. Whitening, or bleaching, in a dentist's office takes 30 to 60 minutes. During that time, a chemical solution is painted onto your teeth and a special light may be used to activate the solution. Another option is nightguard bleaching. This process involves a custom mouthguard that your dentist gives you to hold a bleaching gel against your teeth. You wear it for three hours a day for about two weeks. Your dentist will be sure that your mouth does not come into too much contact with the bleaching ingredient, carbamide peroxide. Over-the-counter tooth whiteners may allow more of your mouth to come in contact with the peroxide, which can damage your teeth, gums or mouth. Regardless of how you whiten your teeth, your teeth may be sensitive following treatment.

The results of whitening will depend on the colour of your teeth. You are most likely to have success if your teeth are yellowish, and you may have some success if you have brownish teeth. People with greyish teeth may not have much success at all. Your dentist can give you advice on whitening. He or she may suggest dental bonding or porcelain veneers instead. A new whitening technique involves lasers, but it has not been thoroughly evaluated by the British Dental Association so it's not clear at this point whether it's completely safe.

Bonding
Bonding is another type of cosmetic dentistry. It is used to fill in gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth or change the colour of teeth. Bonding is done by applying a special tooth-coloured plastic compound, called a composite resin, to a tooth. During the procedure, the dentist prepares the tooth and etches the surface. He or she coats the tooth with a bonding liquid and then puts the resin on the tooth. A light is used to set the material. You should know that the resin can stain, chip or break over time. Bonding usually lasts between three and five years.

Veneers
A veneer is a custom tooth-coloured covering that is bonded to a tooth. A veneer is used to cover up discoloration or fix a damaged tooth. Less can be done to change the shape or size of your teeth with veneers. To make a veneer, about 1 millimeter to 1.5 mm of the front and sides of a tooth are removed, and an impression of the tooth is made. Then a temporary veneer is created to match the colour and the shape of the tooth. A custom porcelain shell is then made (usually by a dental laboratory technician) that is attached to the tooth to get a natural-looking result. Veneers require a commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. They can be damaged by habits such as biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects, such as pens. Overall, veneers are stronger and more stain-resistant than bonding. They typically last about 10 years