cosmetic dentistry faq's

Cosmetic dentistry is the new age branch of dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. It is for the most progressive people who strive to maintain a balance between their overall health, general body functions, and appearance for a lifetime. It pleasant smile boosts your confidence to take you forward in life.

Cosmetic dentistry gives you a bouquet of options to improve your smile. But the final choices would be made only after evaluating your smile and teeth functions. Your cosmetic dentist is specialized in listing the procedures best suited for you. Remember, there might be one too many options but what fits your bill can only be evaluated after a thorough oral and radiographic examination.

· Tooth colored fillings aka Composite fillings

· Composite veneers

· Ceramic laminates

· Ceramic crowns

· Gum surgeries or Gigivoplasty

· Bleaching or teeth whitening

· Teeth jewelry 

Though orthodontic treatment and replacement of teeth with bridges and implants can be grouped under cosmetic dentistry since they do enhance the smile, they will be discussed under specific heads

Composites are high-grade resin based restorative materials, which have revolutionized the field of cosmetic dentistry. 

Composite fillings are tooth colored filling materials, which have replaced the traditional silver amalgam fillings. They are filled into the cavities in layers and cured with blue light intermittently. 

Composite veneers are the thin coverings for the front teeth to reshape them on the chair side. 

With good home care and periodic visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years, possibly decades. Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations

In some individuals who are allergic to monomers or synthetic resins, composites can cause sensitivity.

In cases where the cavity is very deep, sometimes, sensitivity occurs. That is the case where you might require a Root Canal treatment.

Composite fillings can last for years at end till their gloss or margins are intact. Any roughening on the surface of the filling or a new cavity between the filling and the tooth surface can compromise the filling. Composite fillings are permanent but are not maintenance-free. We need to keep getting them checked and polished from time to time.

Ceramic laminates are thin wafer-like shells of ceramic created in the lab to restore the shape of the front teeth. The tooth that needs laminates is prepared/ cut and a mould is made. This mould is in turn sent to the lab for the fabrication of laminates in the shape that is customized for each patient. The laminates are then fixed on the cut tooth with the help of glue. Laminates give a glass like finish to the teeth, the closest we could get to the tooth enamel.

Cutting of teeth is undertaken under the effect of Local Anaesthesia. After the teeth are prepared and impressions made, the cut teeth are shielded with temporary restorations. These temporary laminates or crowns block sensitivity and also maintain the continuation of a smile during the waiting period. 

The cavities are only prevented on the surface of the teeth, which is covered by the laminate or veneer. The incidence of cavities is neither more nor less on the natural tooth surface. A good home care will only prevent cavities. 

Ceramic laminates can last from anywhere between seven to twenty years and a lot depends upon how you take care of them. With proper cleaning, caution not to bite on excessively hard objects, we can prolong the life of ceramic laminates or veneers.

In case of a small chip or a crack, a porcelain laminate or veneer can be repaired. In case of a fracture, ceramic laminate would have to be removed and repeated.

It is a little difficult to match the colour or shape of a single crown or a laminate but it is not impossible. It is always advisable to accomplish it in pairs to achieve the desired aesthetics in the smile in regard to shape and size of porcelain laminates. 

  No. The porcelain laminates should not stain.

There is no permanent damage caused to the enamel or any other tooth structures by teeth whitening

Sensitivity from tooth whitening is always transient. That means if there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the treatment, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity he or she had prior to starting the whitening process.

Most people are candidates for tooth whitening, but again, each situation is unique and it’s best to contact your dental professional.

 Yes, many studies have proven that bleaching is safe. You can protect your tooth enamel by using calcium sulfate and fluoride 

It is expected for teeth whitening to last from six months to two years. Avoiding red wine, coffee, and smoking — all of which can cause staining — helps preserve the results. 

Tooth whitening has little or no effect on restorative materials such as porcelain crowns  but it may temporarily reduce the bond strength between enamel and composite restorations. This is why it’s a good idea to check with your dental professional before beginning any course of tooth whitening.

Whitening toothpastes typically only clean surface stains and don’t actually change the colour of the teeth. There may be some visible results, but the teeth aren’t actually being whitened.

A new fashion trend first worn only by celebrities but is now accessible for all of us! Take your pick.

Tooth Jewellery is a silver, gold, diamond, ruby and sapphire crystals designed specifically for dental use. Unlike other procedures that involve drilling to place the jewel into the teeth, here, only a small amount of composite material is used to attach the crystal on the tooth.

• It’s temporary, non-invasive and painless.
• Requires no extra maintenance.
•  Can be removed or replaced anytime and has no effect on tooth enamel.
•  Involves a procedure that only takes around 15 minutes and is 100% reversible.
•  It’s stain resistant.
•  Does not obstruct regular brushing nor restrict you from visiting your dental hygienist.

Once the jewel is properly placed on your tooth, it can last for a long time. On an average, it may last for at least 6 months up to many years.

You can now dress your smile with a top-quality jewel that will tantalize your teeth. Tooth jewellery is the eye-catching glimmer that always draws a second smile. We will add a little “bling” to your smile that will surely set you apart from the rest of the crowd!