Looking at getting some cosmetic dentistry done by a dentist in South Melbourne or surrounds? Make sure you ask your cosmetic dentist for before and after photos of past patients to ensure you’re choosing the right dentist for your procedure. A knowledgeable dentist in South Melbourne can advise you on which procedures will allow you to obtain the best results given the structure of your mouth and the state of your teeth. This article will discuss three popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that could solve the dental problems you’re experiencing.
Teeth Whitening
An appointment with a dentist in South Melbourne for teeth whitening will begin with a general check-up to make sure there are no issues with your teeth that could impact the whitening procedure. A rubber shield or gel is placed on your gums to protect them. Next, a solution of hydrogen peroxide diluted to safe levels is applied to the teeth, and afterwards a special laser light activates the whitening substance, fading away stains on the teeth.
There are many over the counter treatments available for teeth whitening, but there are advantages to asking your dentist to do it for you, according to this dentist within Santa Monica. Firstly, a dentist can use a higher dosage of hydrogen peroxide which may have more stain removing power, and secondly, their procedure may be less abrasive on your teeth. Teeth whitening with a dentist in South Melbourne can take just one session, with results able to last a year or more depending on a range of factors.
Veneers
Veneers are thin wafers of porcelain or composite resin that are laid over and permanently affixed to the teeth. They can mask the colour, shape or positioning of teeth, helping to restore their appearance. In the case of a chipped tooth, you may only need one veneer, while other people choose to have up to six to eight teeth fitted with veneers. Your dentist should be able to show you beforehand the difference veneers can make to the appearance of your teeth.
Traditional dental veneers require some prep work. The tooth structure must be ground down, meaning this is an irreversible procedure. Non-prep veneers are less stressful as they don’t require as much grinding down of the teeth, however they won’t last as long in the mouth. An important point to remember is that veneers only cover the front surfaces of the teeth –the parts of the teeth people see when you smile.
Before making the final decision when it comes to veneers, it is important to assess all of the associated pros and cons. Veneers can most definitely be beneficial, especially when it comes to improving your smile, but understanding all of the key aspects and elements is very important before making the final purchase.
Crowns
Like veneers, crowns are also a permanent cosmetic solution. They’re hollow, tooth-shaped caps that are attached to a prepared natural tooth. There are many possible reasons why a dentist in South Melbourne might talk to their patient about the possibility of crowns. Some reasons could be protecting a weakened tooth, restoring a broken tooth, replacing a failing filling, closing spaces between teeth, holding dental bridges in place, or restoring strength to a tooth that has had a root canal.
There are also a range of different crown materials available, including all metal, all ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, stainless steel and resin materials.