Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that is not deemed medically necessary. It specifically refers to dental work that improves the appearance of the teeth, gums and/or bite, but not necessarily the functionality of the bite. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on your smile, and procedures that can help improve the colour, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth when you do! Since cosmetic dentistry uses many of the same techniques and procedures as non-cosmetic dentistry the risks associated with them are about the same.
Let’s look at the most common procedures and discuss the minimal risks associated with them.
Teeth Whitening:
Cosmetic teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures being sought out these days. Getting rid of stains, and discolorations from smoking and drinking coffee are the most common requests. Teeth whitening can be done at home, but it is much more successful if done by the dentist- especially for the types of stains mentioned above. There is a risk of increased tooth sensitivity following this, but there are ways to help mitigate this such as using a lower concentration of bleach over a longer period of time. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and we’ll work with you to minimize any potential discomfort.
Composite Fillings:
Composite fillings are a bonding solution that perfectly matches the colour of you natural teeth. They can help to fill in the spaces making teeth appear straighter and stronger. This poses no more risk than a filling.
Veneers:
Dental veneers are custom made to cover your teeth. They are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin and they can be used to improve the appearance of chipped, stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven or abnormally spaced teeth. This can also cause increased tooth sensitivity. Using a special toothpaste for tooth sensitivity can help with this.
Crowns:
Not just for royalty! Dental Crowns are often used to protect weak teeth. It is a cap that covers the entire tooth which can be used to cover discoloured or misshapen teeth. They can be made from a number of materials including metal, resin, or ceramic. You can expect crowns to be pricier than other dental procedures but you can be assured they can last a very long time if you take care of them. Although there are some slight risks, such as the possibility of decay underneath, good oral care on the part of the patient and regular follow ups can help offset that risk.
If you’re not happy with you smile, you can always contact the team at Sapphire Dental at 905-878-8760. We would be happy to see how we can help!