Cosmetics
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on restoring the aesthetic qualities to a patient's teeth and smile, while respecting nature and the need for teeth & restorations to be functional. It is important to schedule a consult to communicate your wishes and expectations with your dentist as everyone has a unique set of teeth that can limit expected results. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses all the components of the smile, shapes/sizes and positions of teeth and the alterations that can be to maximize their appearance & function.
Global Esthetics
An assessment of dental esthetics begins with the smile. We evaluate the soft tissue of the supporting structures around teeth, the lips and their orientation in the face. We take global esthetics into consideration because cosmetic dentistry can take advantage of the following criteria to improve one's smile:
- Smile line (how the teeth follow the lower lip)
- Midline of the two front teeth
- Position of the edges of teeth
- Angles of the teeth
- Spaces between the teeth and the corners of the mouth
Macro Esthetics
As we begin to narrow in on the components of smile beyond it's orientation in the face we shift our focus to examine other characteristics of the teeth:
- Shape
- Contours
- Symmetry
Micro Esthetics
We then concentrate on the fine details necessary to replicate nature and the criteria related to tricking the eye and allowing restorations to blend invisibly into the smile:
- Shade (value, chroma, hue)
- Textures
- Translucencies
- Surface effects
What types of procedures are involved in cosmetic dentistry?
Dentists are in a unique position to make subtle changes to teeth that can have a huge impact on an entire smile. We can change the size, shape, and alignment of teeth, fill in spaces between teeth, correct bite relationships, brighten colour, repair stained, broken or chipped teeth using:
- Cosmetic bonding
- Porcelain Veneers or Crowns/Bridges
- Dental Implants
- Whitening (in-office, take-home)
- Before & After Photography
Cosmetic Bonding
This procedure is the treatment of choice for repairing small defects in your teeth. Bonding involves restoring chipped, discoloured, or spotted teeth. Furthermore, cosmetic bonding can be used to restore spaces or gaps between teeth if they are of a certain size. Composite materials that match the shade, texture and translucency of your teeth are sculpted and shaped to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth and enhance your smile. Whitening should be done before bonding if the patient intends to whiten their teeth.
Porcelain Veneers or Crowns
This procedure is the treatment of choice for providing superior aesthetic results to enhance your smile. Veneers are lab-fabricated custom thin, durable pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth that can greatly increase the brightness and vibrance of teeth without making them look unnatural. Veneers are often used in smile makeovers and as alternatives to bonding and crowns. As with all dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may require replacement in the future.
Veneers are commonly used for:
- Minor alignment issues of teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Undesirable spacing between teeth
- Developmental abnormalities of teeth
What is involved in getting Veneers?
The process takes at least two visits and one to eight teeth can be prepared at a time. Often for cosmetic cases it is best to use a cosmetic "mock up" made by the lab of what the finished veneers will look like to determine if you will be satisfied with their size and shape. With little or no anesthesia, the teeth are prepared minimally by shaping the front surface to allow for thickness of the porcelain. Impressions are sent to the lab for fabrication of the veneers and a shade is selected by you and the dentist. On the next visit, teeth will be cleansed and a bonding cement used to adhere the veneer to the tooth. It is still necessary to have them checked periodically by your dentist.