Cosmetic Dentistry

Who is Suitable for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, gums, or bite may be a suitable candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Generally, a suitable candidate for cosmetic dentistry should have healthy teeth and gums, with no active infections or underlying dental problems that could affect the success of the procedure.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

• Improved Appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and smile. This can help boost an individual's confidence and self-esteem.
• Correct Dental Imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps, discolouration, and misaligned teeth.
• Restores the Function of damaged or decayed teeth, which can help improve a person's ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
• Prevents Further Damage to teeth and gums by repairing or correcting dental imperfections.
• Long-lasting Results enable individuals to enjoy a beautiful smile for years.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

The recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure will depend on the individual's unique dental needs and goals for the treatment.

• Teeth Whitening: One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. It involves bleaching the teeth to remove stains and discolouration.
• Dental Veneers: Thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin placed over the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discolouration.
• Dental Implants: Artificial tooth roots are surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Implants can replace one or more missing teeth and provide a more natural-looking and functional alternative to traditional dentures or bridges.
• Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can correct misaligned or crooked teeth, which can improve the appearance of the smile and overall oral health.
• Dental Bonding: Involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the teeth to improve their appearance. Bonding can be used to correct chips, cracks, gaps, and discolouration and is a less invasive and more affordable alternative to dental veneers.
• Dental Crowns: Tooth-shaped caps placed over the tooth to improve its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be used to correct a variety of dental problems, such as decay, cracks, or discolouration.
• Invisalign: A clear aligner system that gradually shifts the teeth into the correct position. It can correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as misaligned or crooked teeth, and is a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
• Gum Contouring: A procedure that reshapes the gums to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. The procedure involves removing excess gum tissue to reveal more teeth and improve their appearance.

Alternative Options to Cosmetic Dentistry

If a person is not a suitable candidate for cosmetic dentistry or they choose not to undergo the procedure, alternative options include:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, can help maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental imperfections.
• Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding habits that can damage teeth, such as smoking or consuming sugary drinks, can also help improve the appearance and overall health of teeth and gums.
• Restorative Dentistry: If an individual has dental imperfections that affect the function of their teeth, restorative dentistry procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or bridges, may be recommended to restore the function of the teeth and improve their appearance.
• Dental Cleaning and Polishing: Professional dental cleaning and polishing can remove surface stains and improve the appearance of teeth without the need for more invasive procedures.

What to do Before a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

Before undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure, there are several things an individual can do to prepare, including

• Schedule a Consultation with a qualified dentist to discuss the procedure, evaluate the individual's oral health, and determine if they are a suitable candidate.
• Share Medical History: Inform the dentist of any medical conditions or medications the individual is taking, as this can affect the procedure's safety and success.
• Set Realistic Expectations and goals for the procedure with the dentist to ensure that the individual is satisfied with the results.
• Prepare for Procedure: If the dentist recommends any specific preparations before the procedure, such as avoiding certain foods or medications, follow their instructions carefully.
• Plan for a Recovery period after the procedure, which may involve avoiding certain foods or activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments with the dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

The specific steps involved in a cosmetic dentistry procedure will depend on the type of treatment chosen. However, most cosmetic dentistry procedures involve the following general steps:

• Anaesthesia: Before the procedure, the dentist will administer local anaesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain or discomfort.
• Tooth Preparation: The dentist will prepare the teeth for the procedure by removing a small amount of tooth structure or roughening the surface to create a better bond with the restoration or appliance.
• Restoration or Appliance Placement: The dentist will place the restoration or appliance onto the prepared teeth, using a special adhesive or cement to hold it in place.
• Finishing and Polishing: The dentist will finish and polish the restoration or appliance to create a smooth and natural-looking appearance.

What to Expect After a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

After undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure, the individual can expect some mild discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling, depending on the type of procedure performed. The following are some common post-treatment experiences and what to expect after a cosmetic dentistry procedure:

• Discomfort or Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is common after some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening or dental bonding. The dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or a pain reliever to manage discomfort.
• Swelling of the gums or mouth may occur after some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental implant surgery or gum contouring. The dentist may recommend applying ice packs to the affected area and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
• Follow-up Appointments are scheduled by the dentist to monitor the individual's progress and ensure the procedure's success.
• Limitations on Diet and Activities: The dentist may recommend avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods, smoking or consuming alcohol for a certain period after the procedure to ensure the best results.
• Sensitivity to Light: The individual may experience increased sensitivity to light or discomfort after teeth whitening procedures. The dentist may recommend using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding acidic foods or drinks.


Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Aftercare

Proper aftercare ensures optimal results and prevents potential risks or complications after cosmetic dentistry. The following are some general aftercare instructions:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Practising good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help maintain the results of the procedure and prevent dental problems.
• Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods for a certain period after the procedure to prevent damaging the restoration or appliance.
• Attend Follow-up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor progress and ensure the procedure's success.
• Take Prescribed Medications: Take any prescribed medications as the dentist directs to manage discomfort or prevent infection.
• Avoid Smoking or Consuming Alcohol: Avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, or using tobacco products for a certain period after the procedure to promote healing.
• Use a Mouthguard: If the individual participates in contact sports, the dentist may recommend using a mouthguard to protect the teeth.

Prognosis of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Generally, most cosmetic dentistry procedures have a good prognosis and can provide long-lasting results when performed by a qualified dentist and with proper aftercare. The following factors can affect the prognosis of a cosmetic dentistry procedure:

• Adherence to Proper Aftercare is crucial to ensuring the success of a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Adhering to the dentist's instructions for aftercare, attending follow-up appointments, and practising good oral hygiene can help maintain the results of the procedure and prevent any potential risks or complications.
• Good Oral Health is essential to ensuring the success of a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Individuals with underlying dental problems, such as gum disease or decay, may not be suitable candidates for certain procedures or require additional treatments to improve their oral health before cosmetic dentistry.
• Type of Procedure performed can also affect the prognosis. Some procedures, such as teeth whitening or dental bonding, may require touch-up treatments to maintain their results over time.
• Lifestyle Habits, such as smoking or consuming sugary drinks, can also affect the prognosis of a cosmetic dentistry procedure. These habits can damage teeth and gums, leading to further dental problems and affecting the longevity of the results.

Risks of Cosmetic Dentistry

Like any medical procedure, cosmetic dentistry carries potential risks and complications. However, these risks are generally minimal when performed by a qualified dentist and with proper aftercare. The following are some possible risks of cosmetic dentistry:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening or dental bonding, may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or discomfort.
• Gum Irritation: Procedures that involve the gums, such as gum contouring or placement of dental veneers, may cause temporary gum irritation or sensitivity.
• Infection: Any invasive dental procedure carries a risk of infection. The dentist will take precautions to prevent infection, such as administering antibiotics or prescribing medications. However, practising good oral hygiene and adhering to aftercare instructions is essential to minimise the risk.
• Damage to Teeth or Restorations: In rare cases, cosmetic dentistry procedures may cause damage to the teeth or restorations, which may require additional treatment to repair.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental bonding agents or porcelain veneers.

What if a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure is Delayed?

Delaying cosmetic dentistry procedures may result in further dental problems or complications and may also affect the success of the procedure. For example, delaying a dental implant procedure may cause bone loss in the jaw, making the procedure more complex and less successful. Similarly, delaying orthodontic treatment may lead to more extensive dental problems or require longer treatment time.

In some cases, delaying cosmetic dentistry procedures may also increase dental anxiety, as the individual may become more self-conscious about their dental imperfections over time.