Dentist: Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Cosmetic dentists bring a range of skills necessary to tackle the most superficial dental issues to deeper oral problems that require multiple teeth replacements.

Cosmetic dentistry is gaining widespread recognition as a significant area of dental care, which offers individuals an array of options to restore natural looking teeth for a brighter appealing smile.

Teeth Whitening

Stained teeth can be very embarrassing and prolonged yellowing may usually be a symptom of deeper issues such as plaque build-up and tartar. While a range of whitening products are available for commercial use, in most cases whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching kits turn out to be ineffective making repeated usage an expensive venture. This is where consulting with a cosmetic dentist can be worthwhile. 

Teeth whitening, otherwise known as bleaching, is a technique that frequently involves topical application of enamel-safe bleaches to help eliminate superficial discoloration. The enamel is the outer tooth surface that protects the inner region, termed the dentin. This is the actual layer that bears the discoloration, since the enamel is really just the translucent outer layer. Bleaching usually involves percolation of the whitening agent into the dentin layer thus creating more uniform and whiter looking teeth. The most important active ingredient in teeth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. While different concentrations of peroxide are available on the market, the commonly used strength is 10%, while severe yellowing may need higher concentrations as high as 22%.

Bleaching Options

The market abounds with a range of whitening strips, trays and gel kits, which are sold over the counter and allow individuals to bleach their teeth at home. In general, home-based kits require multiple applications, and results may not be sustainable especially if the enamel layer begins to yellow soon after. Whitening procedures are best performed under the supervision of a trained dentist as these are not only more long-lasting but offer visible results even after the first visit. This makes professional bleaching not only less expensive in the long run but also efficacious, considering that the outcome is nearly instant, making it the preferred whitening option.

Before beginning any whitening procedure, you may want to consult with an experienced dental practitioner who will analyze your oral health and recommend the right approach. For instance, individuals with localized yellowing may benefit from one or more oral cleaning visits, while those with long-term stain build-up may need to go for intensive bleaching. This is particularly relevant for smokers or regular tea and coffee drinkers who may develop discoloration that remains unaffected with at-home treatment. 

Teeth Restoration

Cosmetic dentistry is not limited to basic teeth whitening, but actually covers a range of invasive techniques that can help repair and restore damaged and even lost teeth. From inner fillings to veneers, crowns and implants, cosmetic dentists bring the right skills and expertise to help create a virtually indistinguishable set of artificial tooth that are functional and reliable. For instance, while superficial teeth caps or dental crowns may be appropriate when a single tooth is broken or decayed, replacing an entire row of teeth may need more permanent fixtures including implants.