Cosmetic Dentistry – Options, Processes, Costs

Excerpt: The general purpose of cosmetic dentistry is primarily for looks. However, there are a lot of functional issues that can be fixed with cosmetic appliances.

Posted on: September 30, 2022

Cosmetic Dentistry - Who Needs It?

Cosmetic dentistry can help you acheieve a perfect smile with white stainless teeth is a very hard goal to achieve. Lots of patients were also not educated on proper dental care, or given there teeth the attention necessary to keep a white perfect smile. If someone is more active in sports and physical activity they may be more prone to injury.

Fast Facts On Cosmetic Dentistry

Fillings were used as far back as 4,000 years ago!
Gold was one of the original dental materials.
Cosmetic procedures can benefit you functionally as well!

The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is on the patient’s outward appearance. However, there are a variety of functional concerns that may be solved with aesthetic appliances. There are many different cosmetic dental treatments, thus there is a lot to cover in this article.

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays & onlays are known in the cosmetic dentistry field as indirect fillings, these have to be made in a lab. If a tooth has mild to moderate decay, or not enough of the tooth structure to support a filling, then the onlay will be used. These inserts are typically made in a lab from a composite of porcelain.

While the main purpose of inlays and onlays is to restore the tooth, they also help strengthen, shape, and help stave off future decay.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is the process in which tooth decay is drilled out by the dentist, then the dentist will apply the composite to the tooth. The material used is made to look like tooth enamel and after the dentist shapes it to give the appearance of a new healthy tooth, they will cure the bonding with a UV light so it stays in place.

Do you need dental bonding? Find out if dental bonding is right for you!

Dental Veneers

Veneers, generally made from ceramic, are typically used for the teeth in the front of the mouth, dental veneers are used to close gaps, reshape teeth, and cover-up deep oral stains. Veneers also can help with things like chewing and even speaking.

If you have gaps in your teeth they can create speech impediments such as lisps, or mispronouncing words, veneers may help fix this issue.

Playlist

8 Videos

Cosmetic Dentistry - Smile Transformation with Veneers & Crowns

Calllingbull's Smile Makeover Part 1

0:16

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is probably the most well-known and used cosmetic dentistry procedure. Its entire purpose is to decrease the effect of stains and discoloration. This is done through many methods, patients can even get off-the-shelf products that will whiten teeth. These products have slightly abrasive materials in them that will gently polish the teeth to make them whiter. This will work if the staining is only superficial, and may even make them slightly whiter if the staining is deeper. You can even get laser teeth whitening, or get a at-home solution with white strips.

Professional teeth whitening uses materials that are more technical than off-the-shelf solutions. These materials will even need to be cured with UV light!

Dental Implants

Dental implants can have a huge impact on the appearance of someone’s smiles as well as their speech. If you are missing a tooth and there is not enough support for a bridge, then an implant will most likely be recommended. Implants are literally fake teeth that are attached to the gums by a small titanium screw. There are a couple different types of implants as well!

Implants are one of the more complex and invasive cosmetic procedures. They will also take the longest as they must be done in more than one sitting.

Invisalign – Clear Braces

Invisalign is a product that has a similar outcome and desired result to braces. However, Invisalign can be removed at any time by the patient and is also transparent (see-through). They are a discreet dental appliance that is still effective! They are significantly less noticeable than braces and far easier to maintain.

Summary

Dental Implants
Professional Teeth Whitening
Dental Veneers
Composite Bonding
Inlays & Onlays
Invisalign

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

Cosmetic dentistry costs will change depending on the procedure required, since there are lots of procedures available, costs will be different based on the procedure. At Smiles Dental Group we are always below whatever the Alberta Dental Fee guide recommends because we want you to get the most value for your money.

Conclusion

Does everyone need cosmetic dentistry? No, a large part of the population won’t even need to consider cosmetic dentistry. It can also be expensive to do since most cosmetic procedures aren’t critical. However, if you have the budget or the benefits, and you feel you would benefit from a cosmetic procedure you should call Smiles Dental Group at (587) 409-2959.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cosmetic dentist procedure for me?

It depends on your situation, you might need one or more of them. If you think you might need a cosmetic enhancement always talk to your dentist first.

I have a missing tooth, do i have to get it fixed?

You should have an implant, bridge, or partial denture depending on what is advised for you. Your other teeth could move into the gap created by the missing teeth which can be a problem. You also leave a more exposed gum line which could be more easily infected.