What
is cosmetic dentistry?
Traditionally,
the term "cosmetic" refers to
a procedure that improves the appearance-
intended to adorn or beautify. While "esthetic"
refers to beauty in nature. For successful,
long-lasting results, it is crucial to
design and engineer the mouth's "function"
as well as improve appearance in a very
natural and life like manner.
What credentials should I look for when
choosing a cosmetic dentist?
Ask dentists what advanced courses they
have taken and if they have received any
special recognition within their field.
Also, ask if they are members of the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and
if they are accredited by the Academy.
Why is the bite important?
The bite must be stable and balanced so
there are no points of excessive stress
that could potentially cause teeth or
restorations to break, or cause some type
of joint dysfunction.
What can be done about a "gummy"
smile?
If you show too much gum when you smile,
there is a minor surgical procedure called
'gingival contouring' which reduces the
amount of gum that shows.
Are tooth-colored fillings better
than silver/mercury fillings?
This is a very frequently asked and pertinent
question.
Generally, yes. Aside from the unappealing
appearance of silver fillings, they can
cause teeth to fracture over time. Tooth
coloured fillings are referred to as such
because of their excellent compatibility
with the teeth in terms of appearance.
Nowadays with the advancement of studies
dental science has evolved materials which
are as hard as the natural tooth enamel,
hence in term of strength the fillings
are on par if not superior to silver amalgam.
Also because of their high polishability,
the surfaces of these filling are very
smooth and absolutely non-adherent to
food particles. These fillings do not
impart any stain to the teeth as opposed
to silver amalgam fillings that in due
course stain the teeth -bluish-gray to
black.
Ceremic restorations are far more biocompatible
overall to the soft and hard tissues.
Why does the gum around crowns
look purple?
This can occur for several reasons: the
crown may not fit well, it may be too
far under the gum, or it may have a metal
base that blocks light. Teeth are like
little fiber optic units. When light hits
them, it illuminates the teeth and the
surrounding gum tissue to give it that
healthy pink glow. Metal blocks the light,
causing the tissue to look dark. Crowns
that are all ceramic are best for a natural
appearance.
How can I get straighter teeth
without braces?
This can often be accomplished with the
use of veneers to give the appearance
of straighter teeth. Tooth position is
maintain . The teeth are shaped and veneers
are placed on the teeth, which are shaped,
sized and tinted to give the appearance
of a neat natural and healthy smile.
How can missing teeth be replaced?
Generally, there are three ways to replace
missing teeth : either way by removable
denture of some kind or by a bridges or
implants that stay in the place in the
mouth.Treatement depends on the number
of teeth missing; Whether or not there
is periodondal disease; and the overall
health of the mouth.
Why are night-time appliances
(mouthguards) necessary?
If designed correctly, night-time appliances
(mouthguards) help keep teeth from moving,
protect ceramic restorations, and protect
teeth from wear damage caused by grinding
or clenching.
How long will aesthetic dental
treatment last?
Longevity varies from person to person
depending on oral habits, post-operative
care and patients own personal cleaning
methods and meticulousness in the same.
We do our best to deliver high-quality
treatements that lasts many years.
How can I close the gaps between
my teeth?
Depending on the situation, gaps can be
closed either with orthodontic treatement
or tooth coloured restorations or veneers.Spaces
betweenthe front teeth and gaps that have
appeared after orthodontic treatement
due to failure / relapse can be easily
treated by space closure techniques using
tooth coloured restorative materials and
glass fibres, which are used to splint
teeth together.
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