Cosmetic dentistry, also known as aesthetic dentistry, is dental work done to either improve or restore the appearance of your teeth or gums. It is usually done by a cosmetic dentist who specialises in this field and have undertaken specific training. While most cosmetic dental procedures are usually non-essential, they can give you the self-confidence you’ve lost and even make the process of cleaning your teeth easier.

There are many different types of cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and their advantages:

TEETH WHITENING OR GUM DEPIGMENTATION
While this used to be a very painful process, medical advances over recent years have meant that teeth can now be whitened using lasers. The pain factor has also been reduced immensely, resulting in less anxiety as well. Elements like coffee, red wine, beetroot or the use of certain medicines unfortunately stain our teeth and gums, resulting in them visibly becoming darker. A whitening session can turn your teeth into a shade of white that you desire, while a depigmentation session can remove dark spots or brown marks from your gums as well.

VENEERS
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are custom-made made for you to enhance the overall look of your teeth. They are glued to your own teeth with a very specialised gum called a resin. Veneers are ideal for when you want to fill the gaps between your teeth, improve the size of your teeth, rectify the state or shape of your teeth, or even improve the colour of your teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth that might have been lost due to an accident, injury, tooth decay or periodontal disease. They form the foundation basis for replacement teeth and are usually made out of titanium. The dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth to ensure it is fully secured and won’t cause problems.

The most renowned and widely used technology for the manufacturing and inserting of dental implants is CEREC – as used by Dr Adé Meyer and Dr Nadia Erasmus. With CEREC, there is no unpleasant impression material, no follow-up appointment, and no inconvenient temporary prosthesis.

After your initial consultation, a camera captures the area to be treated. The dental prosthesis is then created as a 3D model on the computer. Afterwards, the restoration created on the computer is milled right there and then from a ceramic block. And just like that you walk out with a “new tooth” and a brand-new smile.

DENTAL CROWNS
While you might feel like royalty after your dental crown has been applied, this crown isn’t worn on your head or filled with precious gems. Also referred to as caps, dental crowns are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain that has been manufactured to stand the pressure associated with biting. A cosmetic dentist first prepares your tooth and the crown so that it fits perfectly over your tooth.

No, cosmetic dentistry isn’t something that you can’t live without… but once you have experienced the self-confidence from having a smile that looks perfect, you will wonder why you ever thought you could manage without it. After all, smiling is not only fun it’s also very important when you work in an environment where you face clients.

So, go on - fill that gap, whiten your teeth and have that dental implant inserted to replace your missing tooth. You won’t be able to keep that smile off your face.

If you would like more information about cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry and its advantages, book an appointment with us today. We can’t wait to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of.