Cosmetic Dentistry
This page is intended as a introduction to the almost bewildering array of cosmetic dental treatments available today.
A more in depth explanation of some of the terms used can be found in the What's in a Smile page of the FAQ section with photos of various treatments also available in the Photographs page of the Services section.
Cosmetic dentistry is the area of dentistry that concentrates on improving the appearance of a person's teeth so that they can smile with confidence and feel good about how they look. It cannot be done in isolation from the overall health of the mouth however and must be done as part of an comprehensive plan to improve the condition of the teeth and gums and in such away that the teeth function properly and are being properly maintained on a daily basis.
Cosmetic dentistry uses several techniques such as whitening and direct bonding to lighten peoples smile and 'touch up' any minor imperfections, wear facets or chips. This sort of work generally requires only one or two visits, involves very little drilling to the teeth and is usually at the cheaper end of the fee spectrum.
For more advanced cases where teeth are very misshaped, heavily filled or very discoloured cosmetic dentistry requires work such as porcelain veneers, crowns and overlays. This type of work requires more planning and can take 3 or 4 visits to complete. The teeth are cut down to a preset size and shape to make room for the porcelain work to fit over the top. The aesthetic results can be stunning and will last for many years when cared for properly.