Cosmetic Dentistry Explained
Dental Crowns.
Many people who have discolored teeth opt to use a “crown” as a remedy. Just as the name applies, this is a prosthetic device that covers the tooth. Sometimes a tooth may have a large filling and there is very little tooth left to support the filling. This would be an effective treatment for that situation. They are often used in conjunction with the dental implants we discussed above. A crown makes your tooth stronger as well as prettier!
Teeth Bonding.
Bonding is a cosmetic treatment for teeth that involves placing tooth colored bonding material directly to the surface of the tooth using resin. First the tooth is prepared by slightly etching the enamel. This is done in order to give the bonding material “mechanical retention” allowing the bonding material to adhere to the tooth properly. Then the bonding material is applied, shaped and sculpted. A ultraviolet “laser” light is used to harden the resin material. When the process is complete the tooth is polished to a high shine.
Bonding is also used now for “fillings.” In fact, it is favored over the old silver (amalgam) fillings because the bonding resin can be matched to the rest of your tooth color. The downside to bonding, is the expense. Bonding is more expensive to silver. The bonding material is also porous making it a poor choice for smokers as it will yellow.
This is considered a permanent procedure because of removing small amounts of the natural tooth enamel.
Enamel shaping.
This process is often done in conjunction with bonding. The enamel is sometimes removed or reshaped. Shaping allows the dentist to sculpt chipped, cracked or broken teeth using bonding material as discussed above. In both procedures the catalyst is usually done with a laser light which insures that the material is securely merged with the natural tooth material.
Dental Veneers.
You may have heard the term “veneer” in conjunction with wood working. The process for cosmetic dental applications is much the same. Very thin covers are custom created for each individual tooth. They fit the front side of the tooth and are another option to bonding or shaping. The same basic process is used to attach the veneers to the teeth. Veneers are very popular because they are so thin and somewhat resistant to staining.
There are two different options for veneers.
Porcelain, or “indirect” veneers are handcrafted in a laboratory especially to fit your teeth. They are expensive but are said to last from 10 to 15 years.
Composite, or “direct” veneers are enamel which is bonded directly to the tooth are significantly less expensive but their “shelf life” is only 5 to 7 years.
If you have Almost translucent they can literally breath new life into damaged or discolored teeth.
Teeth Bleaching.
This process involves the application of a rubber shield or a gel to your gums before work commences. This is necessary in order to prevent harm to the soft tissue. Bleaching material is then applied, sometimes using a laser light to enhance the procedure. The process may require several visits to the dental office.
Kits for bleaching are available for home use and you might discuss choose to discuss that possibility with your dentist. The actual bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide solution. It usually comes as a gel and placed in a mouthguard. The frequency and length of treatment will vary from person to person depending on the amount and intensity of whitening you desire. This should be discussed with your dentist before proceeding.
Occasionally there is some soft tissue irritation. If you experience any side effects from using the agent, contact the dentist immediately.
Teeth whitening strips.
Teeth whitening strips are simply cool!
These are probably the most convenient advancement in dental care in decades taking the concept of tooth bleaching to an entire new level of speed and convenience.
The whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide which is embedded in transparent material that fits over the teeth. Almost totally undetectable when worn, the peroxide goes to work as soon as they are activated by the moisture in your mouth. (Another good reason to avoid dry mouth!)
There are several brand names on the market and all work pretty much the same. They are applied over the teeth and worn for 30 minutes twice a day for 21 days, or you may select the type that can be worn overnight whitening the teeth while you are sleeping.
How long the effects last will vary depending on diet and lifestyle. Your teeth will stain again, but you can lengthen the time between incidences by avoiding tobacco, tea, red wine, colored juices, curry, soy and soft drinks. If you are on well water, you might want to have the water tested. High concentrations of minerals in your water will cause staining of your teeth. Or, you may just opt for bottled water. The results from the teeth whitening strips are absolutely incredible and you would do well to give them a try.
Steve Wilcott
This article courtesy of http://www.brighter-white.com
Please feel free to leave a comment about this page
Was this page useful? Do you have something to add? Do you disagree?
If your comments meet our
guidelines then we will publish them (you do not need to register!)
Or why not tell a friend and email
this
page to someone