Cosmetic dentistry has seen some major developments since the turn of the century and more and more people are realising they can greatly improve their appearance by choosing from a range of cosmetic dental procedures. Cosmetic dentistry is practiced by an orthodontist, who has a range of treatments at his disposal that are designed to improve your appearance, and with that in mind, here is a list of treatments such a specialist would offer.

Laser Teeth Bleaching

This treatment involves the use of a specially formulated hydrogen peroxide gel, which is carefully applied to the tooth surfaces and then a beam of laser light is directed to the tooth enamel. This causes a reaction with the solution and it’s this reaction that removes ingrained stains from the tooth enamel, resulting in whiter teeth. Laser bleaching offers the best results when compared to other treatments, and should your teeth and gums be in good health, this would be the recommended treatment for tooth discolouration. There are exceptions, namely, people under the age of 18, pregnant women and any person that is currently being treated for tooth decay.

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

This form of treatment involves the application of a thin, shell-like layer of composite material, which can be used to cover a discoloured tooth or make the teeth look a little straighter. If you have a chipped front tooth, for example, dental veneer treatment can restore the missing piece, and there are a number of composite materials that are used. North Shore cosmetic dentistry can be performed by a local orthodontist, and a quick online search will reveal the whereabouts of a local clinic.

Dental Implants 

This is a permanent solution to a missing tooth or teeth and it works by inserting a small titanium post into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone after a few weeks and once the fusion is complete, the prosthetic tooth or teeth can be affixed. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or more, depending on your needs. Elderly people who have lost all of their teeth can have a full set of top and bottom implants, which would be a permanent solution. The treatment is not cheap, yet it does offer a permanent solution and it is an alternative to traditional dentures.

Dental Crowns

If you have a partially decayed tooth, the dentist can remove the decayed section and grind the tooth down to a small post, onto which is affixed the crown, or prosthetic tooth. Porcelain is usually the material of choice and the exact shade of the remaining teeth can be matched, thus restoring your smile to its former glory. A crown can be used to cover a decayed tooth, large fillings, or one that is chipped and once completed, you would never know there had ever been an issue.

Teeth Straightening

If your smile is a little on the crooked side, you can have a corrective Invisalign device fitted, which will straighten the teeth over a period of time. It might take 6 months to a year to achieve the desired outcome, and with removable devices that are invisible to other people, no one would be any the wiser.

If your teeth are less than perfect and you would like to make some cosmetic improvements, talk to your local orthodontist who can recommend the best treatments.