As your Scarborough dentist, we want to make sure you’re aware of the choices you have when it comes to designing your smile. A simple smile transformation can have a huge impact on your health, confidence and self-esteem! Unfortunately, simple techniques may not always achieve your desired look but this is why it is important to assess things properly and offer you various treatment plans to suit your goals and your budget.
In part I of this blog, we discussed some of the simpler techniques to help you achieve your smile transformation. To access this blog click here.
In this blog, we will discuss more advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques to help you achieve your smile goals. The more advanced cosmetic dental techniques consist of orthodontic treatment, dental veneers, dental crowns, and dental implants. These various cosmetic dental techniques will provide you with long term aesthetics and function that will make your smile, your best accessory and help you continue enjoying the foods you love through function. In this particular blog, we will discuss more advanced techniques such as dental veneers and dental crowns. They are often the last stage of finalizing your improved smile.
DENTAL VENEERS
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain or composite resin known as dental bonding) that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. To learn more about dental bonding, click here. Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for correcting a range of dental imperfections, including:
- Discoloration: Veneers can effectively cover teeth that are permanently stained or discolored and don’t respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
- Chips and cracks: Veneers can conceal small chips or cracks in teeth, restoring a smooth and uniform appearance to the smile.
- Misalignment: Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of slightly misaligned or unevenly spaced teeth, providing a straighter and more symmetrical smile without the need for orthodontic treatment.
- Shape and size: Veneers can reshape and resize teeth that are too small, irregularly shaped, or have worn edges, creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
This is the process of getting dental veneers which typically involves several steps:
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, your Scarborough dentist will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if veneers are the right option for you.
- Preparation: In preparation for veneers, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from the front surface of the teeth to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. Impressions of the teeth are then taken to create custom-made veneers that fit your teeth precisely.
- Placement: Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to the front surface of the teeth using a dental adhesive. Your dentist will carefully position each veneer and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and appearance.
- Final adjustments: After the veneers are bonded in place, your dentist may make final adjustments to the shape and color as needed to achieve the desired result.
Dental veneers are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. To learn more about dental veneers, click here. They provide a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for improving the appearance of the smile. However, it’s important to keep in mind that veneers are irreversible, as a small amount of enamel is removed during the preparation process. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider the decision and consult with a qualified dentist before proceeding with veneers.
DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are dental restorations that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. They are used to restore the shape, size, strength, appearance of damaged or decayed teeth and root canaled posterior teeth. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Here’s an overview of the dental crown procedure:
- Evaluation and Preparation: During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate the tooth to determine if a crown is necessary and appropriate. If a crown is recommended, the tooth will be prepared by removing any decayed or damaged portions and shaping it to accommodate the crown.
- Impressions: After the tooth is prepared, impressions (molds) of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are used to fabricate a custom-made crown that fits your tooth perfectly and blends in with your natural teeth. As of fall of 2024, our office will have the ability to use digital scanning to take an imprint of your tooth for the purposes of creating a crown.
- Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory (which usually takes a couple of weeks), a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain its appearance and function.
- Placement of the Permanent Crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and appearance. Any necessary adjustments are made, and then the crown is cemented or bonded onto the prepared tooth.
- Final Touches: After the crown is placed, your dentist will ensure that it fits comfortably and functions properly. Any excess cement or bonding material is removed, and the crown is polished to achieve a natural-looking finish.
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the extent of damage, aesthetic considerations, and personal preference.
Crowns are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to ensure the longevity of the crown and the health of the underlying tooth and gums. To learn more about dental crowns, click here.
As your Scarborough dentist, we hope that we have provided you with the information necessary to make the best decision to improve your smile. Improving your smile isn’t just about appearances, it’s about having your teeth for life. A smile transformation will provide you with positive results that can last a lifetime. For more information, call our office at 416-291-3117 to book your consultation today. Our dental team looks forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile because after all, your smile is your best accessory!
