Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is something like cosmetic surgery where the procedure done is not for health purpose but for improving the way a person looks. Cosmetic dentistry has nothing to do with oral hygiene or oral disease but has everything to do with creating better looking teeth for that perfect smile.One of the most common cosmetic dentistry performed today is in the tooth fillings for the purpose of tooth restoration. Previously the fillings were made of amalgam or gold where the fillings were dark or coloured hence making it visible. Today fillings are made of composite materials that are similar to the colour of your teeth hence making it impossible for anyone to know that you actually have a filling!
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Available Today
Thanks to the advancements in technology, there are quite a number of cosmetic procedures available today. In fact it is quite safe to say that there isn’t a dental problem that cannot be fixed. Some of these procedures are :- Dental Fillings – as mentioned above, there are tooth coloured fillings made of porcelain or composite resin materials that give you a more natural look.
- Teeth Whitening – this procedure is extremely popular where the stains on the teeth are removed to give it a whiter look. This is a bleaching process that uses peroxide to give your teeth a white polished look.
- Porcelain Veneers – this procedure can create the perfect set of teeth for you no matter how badly they are stained, worn out, damaged or crooked they are. Veneers are wafer thin shells / laminates that are made from materials that have the same shade as your teeth
- Lumineers – lumineers are actually a thinner version of veneers by cerinate.
- Invisalign – if you wish to close the gap between your teeth or straighten them, then invasilign the way to go. Gone are the days of the metal-wire braces. Invasilign also known as ‘invisible braces’ is specifically made to fit your teeth and in time it will move your teeth back to its correct position
- Crowns – dental crowns are used to protect your existing tooth which is cracked or damaged in order to avoid further damage or extraction. It is also known as caps because it covers the entire tooth like a cap worn over the head.
- Dentures – if you suffer from tooth or teeth loss, then dentures are the solution to put the smile back on your face. Dentures will replace the teeth that you have lost. They can be easily removed for cleaning and look absolutely natural and comfortable.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable?
As much as we would like to have better looking teeth, it would be good if we knew the cost of having one. Various aspects determine the cost of cosmetic dentistry and it could be anywhere from £300.00 - £6000.00 depending on the type of procedure. Some of the cost determining factors is :- The location and clinic where you intend to seek treatment – different states have different costing and the reputation as well as the technology utilised in the clinic will make a lot of difference in the billings
- Type of treatment – different type of treatment will have different price tags. This is also true for the amount of time and difficulty of the task.
- Reputation of the dentist – if the dentist is highly qualified and has wide experience then it is needless to say that the cost will be higher
- Materials utilized – the cost will also depend on the type and quality of the materials used by your dentist. If you were to use branded materials then obviously the cost will be higher
- Post treatment care – once the treatment is over, there would normally be follow ups with your dentist to make sure that the treatment has been successful. Medication will also be included in the bill.