A Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry Techniques

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past decade.

More and more patients are seeking ways to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatments that can help people achieve the smile they desire. This guide provides an overview of some of the most common cosmetic dentistry techniques available today.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments – visit website to learn more. Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured from food and drink, smoking, or medication use. Teeth whitening helps remove these surface stains and brightens teeth by several shades. 

The two main methods of professional teeth whitening offered by dentists in the UK are in-office whitening and at-home whitening kits. In-office whitening provides faster results, using a higher concentration gel and specialised equipment like laser or LED light to accelerate the whitening. At-home kits involve wearing custom-made trays filled with a peroxide-based gel for 1-2 hours daily over 2-4 weeks. 

Both methods are effective, but in-office whitening achieves more dramatic results in just one visit.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-made shells, usually made of porcelain, that cover the front surface of teeth. They are an excellent option for patients wanting to improve severely stained, chipped, cracked, or slightly crooked teeth. The dentist will take an impression of the teeth to fabricate the veneers, which are bonded onto the teeth with composite resin cement. 

Veneers provide a quick and dramatic smile transformation, masking imperfections and creating a naturally uniform, bright white smile. While more expensive than whitening, veneers are a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting to renew their smile with minimal tooth reduction compared to traditional crowns. Maintenance involves practising good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks.

Dental Crowns

Unlike veneers, dental crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of the tooth. Crowns are necessary for teeth that are extensively damaged, cracked, have large fillings, or are broken due to injury. The dentist removes decay and shapes the remaining tooth, taking an impression to create the crown which is cemented over the prepared tooth. 

Crowns are most commonly made from ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. All-ceramic crowns provide the most natural colour match to surrounding teeth. The material strength has improved over the years, making ceramic crowns ideal for front teeth aesthetic makeovers. Like veneers, dental crowns refresh the smile's appearance and protect damaged teeth from further decay.

Orthodontic Braces

Braces are a tried and true method for correcting crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth and improving the bite. While metal braces were once the norm, new aesthetic options exist like ceramic braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Treatment typically spans 1-3 years but the benefits are well worth the time invested.

With a combination of customised orthodontic techniques and appliances, braces can transform both the aesthetics and functionality of the teeth and jaws. Patients gain correctly positioned teeth for improved speaking, eating, and oral hygiene. Orthodontics may be used in tandem with other cosmetic treatments to further enhance the smile.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many different techniques to transform an imperfect smile. From subtle improvements using teeth whitening to dramatic makeovers with veneers and crowns, today's treatments allow patients to achieve their ideal smile aesthetics and restore dental function. Consulting an experienced cosmetic dentist is the first step in planning out the appropriate techniques for one's unique dental situation and goals.