What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry refers to dental procedures performed with the primary goal of esthetic enhancement of the smile. These include tooth whitening, porcelain veneers or crowns, and tooth-colored fillings.

How important is your smile?

Whether we like it or not, the smile is one of the very first things that people notice about us in any given interpersonal interactions. Right or wrong, the smile says a lot about the person. A beautiful, open smile will carry a lot of weight in personal and business relationships. It spells health, elegance, well-being, and an open, positive attitude. More importantly, it increases self-confidence. Certainly the opposite is true when a person is hiding their teeth by avoiding smiling alltogether.

Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

Anyone who values their smile.

Is cosmetic dentistry worth the time and the cost?

Cosmetic dentistry is certainly worth the time and cost if a person deems it to be important to them.

How quickly will I be able to complete my cosmetic dentistry treatment?

Proper planning may take days to weeks as all records need to be collected (radiographs, photos, careful examination, etc.). Once treatment begins, it can be as immediate as same-day (for composite fillings for instance), or it may take a couple of weeks (for veneers or crowns). It will certainly take longer to complete more complex treatment, such as replacing missing teeth with implants for example.

What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?

"Bonding" commonly refers to applying a tooth-coloured composite filling to the tooth. This is a chairside procedure and does not require laboratory fabrication. A veneer is a porcelain laboratory fabricated restoration which subsequently gets bonded or cemented to the natural tooth. A veneer hence requires two visits to allow for laboratory time. It is a more expensive, more durable, and more esthetic solution than composite "bonding".

Is there a difference in quality among various types of veneers and crowns?

There are several different types of materials commonly used for anterior veneers and crowns. They vary in properties as far as strength and translucency are concerned. The selection of materials should be based on the individual case - i.e. the condition and color of the existing natural teeth, the patient's occlusion (or bite), and the patient s habits (such as clenching or grinding).

How has technology improved cosmetic dentistry?

Materials have improved greatly in dentistry. Bonding technology is much more predictible. Composites and porcelains are more esthetic and stronger than before. New tooth whitening protocols can be faster treatment (in-office) and more comfortable.