What Are the Reasons for Cosmetic Dentistry?
People often turn to teeth whitening procedures, but sometimes an individual may have a specific issue with their teeth or gums that disrupts their life and prevents them from living normally, making cosmetic dentistry necessary.
Below are some cases that lead people to seek cosmetic dental procedures:
1. Gum Problems:
Some people suffer from sensitive gums, which lead to the accumulation of tartar, bacteria, and plaque on the teeth, causing tooth decay.
In some cases, severe gum inflammation and abscesses may develop, which is extremely dangerous as it affects the overall health of the body.
In such cases, it is essential to visit a dentist to clean the gums and eliminate inflammation.
2. Dental Problems:
If you suffer from crooked, cracked, or decayed teeth, you can turn to cosmetic dental procedures to address all these issues.
This includes white dental fillings, which improve the appearance of teeth and are also used to fill gaps between teeth for cosmetic purposes.
3. Teeth Whitening:
There are many methods for teeth whitening. Some people resort to home whitening remedies, which may work in cases of mild discoloration.
However, these methods require a long time to achieve the desired results, while everyone wants the best results in a short time.
4. Dental Restoration:
Dental restoration is sought when there are cavities and stains that do not disappear even after trying various whitening methods, whether at home or in the clinic.
It is also used for irregular gaps between teeth, short teeth, or discoloration after root canal treatment.
5. Crooked Teeth:
Crooked teeth are a problem that can only be solved through cosmetic dental procedures.
It is the only way to achieve well-aligned teeth. In this case, the goal is not just cosmetic but also orthodontic, as it involves repositioning the teeth to their natural alignment so they are harmonious with each other.
The teeth also become harmonious with the shape and structure of the face.
6. Protruding Teeth:
One of the most significant problems that require a visit to the dentist is protruding teeth, which result from a receding lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw.
7. Protruding Lips:
This is a flaw that makes a person’s appearance less appealing. It is addressed using fixed orthodontic braces, and if this method fails, cosmetic surgery becomes necessary.
All dentists emphasize that it is best to seek cosmetic dental procedures when there is a defect or issue, such as restoring a broken tooth, gum contouring, orthodontic treatment, or a congenital defect affecting the shape of the mouth and teeth.
How Is the Perfect Smile Designed?
Cosmetic dentistry is a vast field that goes beyond just improving the appearance of the front or upper teeth. It primarily focuses on designing a smile that harmonizes with the patient’s facial features, lip position, and nose size.
Step One:
The process begins with a photo session in the dental clinic’s cosmetic studio, where the treating dentist takes digital photos of the upper and lower teeth and the bite alignment between the jaws.
The dentist also takes external photos of the face and jaws, followed by initial impressions and measurements of the teeth. The dentist then presents a preliminary result to the patient on a computer for approval or modification based on the patient’s preferences, within the framework of healthy options.
Step Two:
This step is carried out by a CAD/CAM specialist or a cosmetic dentistry specialist, who inputs all the images and data into a digital smile design program (Hollywood Smile).
The program then designs the final smile that complements the patient’s appearance, including the shape and size of the lips, nose, and the distance between the eyes.
The orthodontist also suggests a suitable tooth color that matches the patient’s skin tone and eye color, ensuring the teeth look natural in the end.
Step Three:
This involves testing the new smile in the patient’s mouth after creating a wax or plastic mock-up to obtain the patient’s approval. Once approved, the dentist prepares the teeth and finalizes the veneers.
Does One Dentist Perform Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
In many cases, the patient requires a medical team that includes multiple dental specialties to achieve the best results.
The team may include: A prosthodontist, who prepares the teeth, A periodontist, who performs cosmetic gum contouring when needed, and Orthodontists, teeth whitening specialists, and dental implant specialists to address a single case comprehensively.
What Is the Duration of Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
There is no fixed duration for cosmetic dental procedures. The time required depends on the complexity of the case and the modifications needed for the smile. Cosmetic dentistry can sometimes be completed in a single day, while other cases may take more than 6 months.
How Is the Tooth Color Selected?
Dentists rely on their expertise and skills to choose a tooth color that matches the natural teeth.
At Wonders Dentistry Centers, we use the Vita Easyshade device, the most accurate global tool for determining tooth shade with ease and precision.
Do I Need to Reshape or Trim My Teeth for Cosmetic Dentistry?
This decision is made collaboratively between the cosmetic dentistry specialist and the patient. The need to reshape the teeth depends on the size, prominence, and extent of modifications required.
What Are the Types of Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin ceramic shells, made of e.max or zirconia, that are bonded and fixed to the surface of the teeth after reshaping to adjust the color or modify the size and shape of the teeth.
The best type of dental veneers is e.max veneers, which are known for their transparency, color clarity, and strong color stability. There are also zirconia veneers, which are less aesthetically pleasing than e.max. Finally, composite veneers or cosmetic fillings are also available.
What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Composite Veneers?
Dental Veneers or Porcelain Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin layers, no more than 0.3 mm thick, that are bonded and fixed to the surface of the teeth to adjust their color and shape, improving the appearance of the smile.
The best material for making veneers is e.max, which is known for its high transparency, beauty, durability, and lifelong color stability. However, these veneers are expensive.
Composite Veneers:
Some opt for composite veneers, which are made using cosmetic fillings. They also provide a beautiful appearance and can adjust the color and shape of the teeth. However, they do not offer the same color stability and need to be replaced within 3 to 5 years due to wear and tear.
Can Cosmetic Dentistry Be Done Without Braces?
Crooked teeth and significant gaps between them make cleaning teeth difficult and lead to bacterial buildup, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Neglecting to treat misaligned teeth can result in tooth damage and breakage in the future, leading to further medical complications.
Finally, many people avoid traditional metal braces due to concerns about their appearance at work or in social interactions, as well as the long duration required to resolve the issue. Therefore, some prefer teeth whitening and cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers, Lumineers, and even clear aligners like Invisalign.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Enamel Reshaping
- The process of reshaping and defining the enamel involves removing some of the tooth enamel or reshaping it through trimming to improve appearance.
- Doctors often combine this method with bonding.
- This technique is commonly used to change the length of teeth, align them, or adjust their position.
- Enamel reshaping is ideal for crooked, chipped, or irregular teeth, as well as overly long teeth or minor bite issues caused by gaps or tooth length.
- The teeth must be natural and healthy, with sufficient bone support between them.
Tips After Cosmetic Dental Procedures
- Maintain oral hygiene and use a medical toothbrush at least twice a day.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce caffeine intake (tea and coffee).
- Visit the dentist periodically to ensure there are no issues.
- Address any dental problems promptly to avoid unpleasant complications.
What Is the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry at the best dental centers in Egypt ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 EGP, and the procedures are always performed using the highest-quality e.max cosmetic materials.
