Cosmetic Dentistry to Improve Appearance

Cosmetic dentistry assists patients improve their oral appearance. There are millions of people around the world who are self-conscious of their teeth and gums, this can be a crooked tooth or teeth, stained or discoloured teeth, missing teeth and more. Feeling self-conscious of your oral health can result in you not showing your teeth when you smile, it can cause depression and even leaves some people staying at home rather than going out because they are so aware of their appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity over the years and is being used more and more by people on a global scale who have seen their favourite celebrity on television bearing a perfect set of pearly whites. Dr Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon in the United Kingdom, advised that what most people don’t realise is that these celebrities have already taken advantage of cosmetic dentistry, which is why their teeth look so perfectly formed and white.

One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures being taken advantage of daily is tooth whitening. Tooth whitening procedures can help lighten the colour of the natural teeth, while helping hide unwelcome discolouration and stains.

Dr Tariq Drabu advised that natural teeth are not white, in fact they are yellowish in colour, an off-white. People see their favourite celebrities with brilliant white teeth and believe that tooth whitening will provide the same results. The truth is that this very common and popular procedure will lighten the colour of the natural teeth, but it does not make them white. The tooth whitening lasts for a few years and then needs to be done again.

Another of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that many people visit their dentist for is dental implants. Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are used as an alternative to wearing a bridge or dentures. Dental implants look and feel natural. They comprise of a titanium screw, this is screwed into the jaw bone to replace the root and over time fuses with the bone to hold the implant in place.

The screw is then topped with a crown, which is made to the correct size and shape to match the surrounding teeth. The colour is also matches to ensure it looks completely natural once in place.

Many patients looking to improve their appearance, will choose veneers. Veneers are widely used to improve the shape and colour of the teeth. They can make a tooth look straight, hide a chipped tooth and lighten the teeth with ease. During this process the enamel is filed down to make place for the very thin veneer, which is then sealed into position on the front of the tooth. These also look and feel completely natural once in place.

Dr Tariq Drabu mentioned that white fillings are also increasing in popularity on a daily basis. Patients who need a filling don’t want a silver filling that is on display every time they smile. With white fillings the tooth is saved, the procedure is carried out and afterwards, the filling blends in with the existing teeth, so you can’t actually tell there is a filling in place.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, patients can also have crowns and bridges done. Bridges are used to close a gap where a tooth may have been removed. 

The bridge replaces the missing tooth hiding the gap and helping the patient feel more confident about their appearance. A crown is also a false tooth which is set in place to match the surrounding teeth, again it looks natural and can boost confidence moving forward.