Cosmetic Dentistry is the term used to describe dental treatments that enhance the aesthetics of the teeth and smile. With the advent of modern tooth-coloured dental materials, truly cosmetic (or aesthetic) dentistry is now possible.
The Aesthetic Qualities of Natural Teeth
Natural teeth are beautiful.
The outer coating of enamel is strong, smooth and translucent. While we may refer to the colour of teeth as “white”, they are, in fact, a glorious visual banquet of hues, chroma and values that are more accurately described as shades of yellow with varying degrees of translucency. Many teeth contain several shades and numerous ‘characteristics’: flecks of colour, tiny crack lines, and textures that range from flat and smooth to undulating….
We think that natural, healthy teeth are absolutely beautiful! But staining, chipping and decay all reduce the natural beauty of teeth. Some people would prefer teeth that are whiter, shaped differently or arranged more evenly.
That’s why we offer cosmetic dental services to the people of Geelong and district.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Fillings and Crowns That Mimic Natural Teeth
We routinely match the colour of resin fillings and crowns to the colour of the natural teeth.
Dental plastics (‘composite resin’) make it possible to
- mask minor defects on teeth
- place small-to-medium-sized tooth-coloured fillings
- give individual teeth a full ‘cosmetic makeover’ (see our page about veneers).
Dental ceramic (porcelain) is generally used for
- larger tooth-coloured fillings (called “inlays” or “onlays”)
- full dental crowns
- porcelain veneers. These restore missing, damaged, decayed, weakened or unsightly tooth structure.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Beautifying Your Smile
There are several ways we can change the appearance of your teeth:
- Teeth can be whitened via teeth whitening and/or the application of dental veneers.
- Chips and cracks can be repaired by placing fillings, veneers or crowns.
- Major cosmetic makeovers are also possible using a combination of cosmetic dental procedures and possibly orthodontics.
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, we encourage you to learn about all of the options available to you, including
- the pros
- the cons
- costs and
- the time involved for each option.
This allows you to make your decision with all the information you require.
Some cosmetic dental treatments are not reversible, and some require a substantial investment of time and resources. It’s important to have all the facts at hand when making such significant decisions.
Our team is here to help you learn about cosmetic dental options so that you can choose the one that suits your teeth, health and personal circumstances. Please feel free to contact us at (03) 5298 1020 if we may be of assistance to you.