Cosmetic Dentistry
We encourage all our patients to have the self-confidence to
smile, laugh, talk and eat without feeling any inhibitions due to
having unattractive teeth. We believe "Elegant smiles are healthy
smiles, as a healthy mouth provides a sound basis for general
well-being.
Cosmetic Dentistry can incorporate one or more procedures,
ranging from simple removal of visible external staining during a
regular preventive care appointment, to complete smile makeovers
which rejuvenate a patient's confidence and zest for life.
Cosmetic Tooth Whitening
"Cosmetic Tooth Whitening" is a quick and cost
effective method that can be used to lighten stained or discoloured
teeth that do not respond sufficiently to professional cleaning.
Impressions of your teeth are taken and custom-fitting trays are
constructed for your home use. These trays are filled with the
whitening gel and are worn daily for only 30 minutes to gradually
lighten the teeth over a 1-2 week period.
The results range between individuals from dramatic changes of
many shades to more subtle results of 1-2 shades lighter. Please
ask one of our friendly team if you would like more information or
if you would like to know if tooth whitening would be suitable for
you.
Internal Whitening
"Internal Whitening" is an inexpensive method of
lightening a single tooth that has been discoloured due to having
root canal treatment. A large percentage of root canal treated
teeth will discolour over time, making the tooth colour range from
a light grey to very dark brown. Internal whitening involves
placing a whitening gel inside the tooth for a period of 1-2 weeks,
to lighten the tooth from the inside out. The results vary greatly,
but usually a big difference in colour is seen within 48 hours of
whitening gel placement.
Veneers
A popular and excellent means of conservatively altering a tooth
(or multiple teeth) to improve the aesthetics of chipped, spaced,
discoloured or slightly malaligned teeth is through the use of
veneers. There are 2 types of commonly used veneer systems
available.
Composite Veneers
"Composite Veneers" are a reversible, conservative and
inexpensive method, which produce great aesthetic results if
followed with good maintenance and care. This method involves
etching and bonding adhesive tooth-coloured material (composite
resin) to the entire front surface of teeth to recreate the natural
colour and shape of the teeth. All the teeth can be restored in one
visit and usually local anaesthetic is not even required!
Porcelain Veneers
"Porcelain Veneers" are thin, tooth-coloured shells of
ceramic crafted in a dental laboratory and bonded to the front of
unsightly teeth. Excellent natural looking teeth can be achieved by
using porcelain veneers in the right situation. This technique is
less conservative than composite resin veneers and requires removal
of a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the tooth to
allow room for the veneer to be glued into place. An impression is
taken of the prepared teeth and sent to the laboratory for
fabrication. As porcelain veneers are made outside of the mouth
they require 2-3 visits for completion.