The Purpose of Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have chipped, misshapen, or stained teeth, cosmetic dentistry can give you a complete smile makeover.
There are many effective cosmetic dental treatments that can provide fast, cost-effective, and long-lasting results.
From veneers to teeth whitening, this guide will cover popular cosmetic dental treatments and how they can improve personal well-being, confidence, and appearance.
Common Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in Australia. Teeth whitening is highly effective, affordable, and a great way to transform your smile. Professional teeth whitening can be an excellent option for removing surface staining, such as discolouration from tea, coffee, or wine.
In-chair vs take-home teeth whitening options both have pros and cons. In-chair teeth whitening provides more noticeable results that last longer. However, it is more expensive than take-home teeth whitening kits.
The instant gratification offered by in-chair teeth whitening makes it one of my favourite treatments to do. I always love seeing a patient’s reaction to their brand-new bright smile.
If you are looking for fast, dramatic whitening results that will last the longest, I recommend in-chair whitening. If you are on a tight budget and still want to enjoy a brighter smile, take-home teeth whitening kits may be a great option. Take-home kits can also be used to maintain in-chair whitening results.
Ideal candidates for teeth whitening have mild to moderate surface staining and good oral health.
I may advise against teeth whitening for patients who have:
- Oral Health Conditions: Certain oral health issues, such as teeth sensitivity, gum disease, or cavities, need to be treated before cosmetic dentistry. I make sure treatment plans include steps that address any underlying concerns. Once your teeth and mouth are healthy, we can proceed with cosmetic dental treatments.
- Intrinsic Staining: Teeth whitening may not be able to significantly change the color of severe, intrinsic (deep) stains or those caused by certain medications.
- Allergies: Individuals with peroxide allergies are not suitable candidates for teeth whitening.
- Restorations: Professional whitening treatments cannot address stains on restorations, such as veneers, crowns, or fillings.
Learn More: Should I Get My Teeth Whitened?
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are another popular treatment in cosmetic dentistry. They are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain. These thin caps adhere to the surface of teeth to cover minor imperfections. Veneers are an effective, quick way to achieve a total smile transformation.
Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including chipped, stained, misshapen, or uneven teeth.
Benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Effective solution for improving teeth alignment, shape, condition, or colour
- Long-lasting (porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer when properly cared for)
- Available in a wide range of thicknesses and shades, allowing for easy customisation
- Natural-looking as they mimic the appearance of natural teeth
- Enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing smile
- Can be cared for just like your natural teeth
- Resistant to staining
Learn more about veneers in our guide here: Dental Veneers Guide: What Are They? And Are They Right for You?
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that is used to correct minor chips or small gaps. It can also be used to address misshapen teeth.
The procedure uses a resin material to correct minor concerns. Dental bonding can be an effective, easy, and quick solution for minor aesthetic concerns.
Smile Makeovers
Smile makeovers include a custom combination of cosmetic dental treatments. These are one of my favourite treatments to perform. At 123 Dental, we tailor a combination of cosmetic treatments according to your dental health and goals.
For instance, a patient with a small crack in a tooth and staining may receive dental bonding to correct the minor chip and in-chair whitening to brighten teeth.
We closely evaluate your oral health and personalise treatments to get you the best results. My goal is to make every one of my patients feel proud and confident about their bright, healthy smile.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?
Am I A Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Individuals with good oral health who have minor imperfections they want to fix are often great candidates for cosmetic dentistry.
You may be a good candidate for cosmetic dental treatments if you have:
- Minor aesthetic imperfections that you would like to address, such as uneven teeth
- Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Factors to Consider for Cosmetic Dentistry
When considering cosmetic dentistry, your budget, oral health, and timeline will affect your options.
The best way to confirm you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry is with a consultation. We can evaluate your dental health, discuss your cosmetic goals, and find the most suitable treatments for you.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
A beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry. But cosmetic dental treatments go beyond aesthetics.
Other benefits of cosmetic dentistry can include:
- Improved self-confidence
- Positive impact on social and professional life
- May improve oral hygiene habits
- Dental crowns can protect damaged teeth
Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist in Perth
A good outcome with cosmetic dentistry requires personalised care and a dentist with extensive experience.
For over 3 decades, 123 Dental has been helping Australians enjoy affordable dental care and healthy, beautiful smiles.
Ready to enhance your smile? Book a consultation with 123 Dental to explore safe, proven cosmetic dentistry options tailored to you.
