Treatments · Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry aims to bring the colour, shape, size and alignment of the teeth into a natural whole that suits the face. The goal is not 'white and straight' but a healthy, long-lasting smile that belongs to you.
Cosmetic dentistry improves colour, shape and alignment while keeping a natural look: composite bonding for small corrections (one visit), porcelain veneers for colour and shape problems (2–3 visits) and zirconia / e-max crowns for weak or heavily restored teeth. The right method is decided by examination, photo analysis and, where useful, digital smile design.
Which methods are used?
Composite bonding: tooth-coloured composite is shaped directly on the tooth in the same visit. For small chips, gaps and colour corrections it needs little or no tooth preparation. It lasts less long than porcelain but is easy to polish and repair.
Porcelain veneers: a 0.3–0.7 mm porcelain layer bonded to the front of the tooth, used for colour, shape and mild alignment problems. Very little enamel is removed — in suitable cases none. Colour stability and surface gloss are the advantages of porcelain.
Zirconia crowns: metal-free ceramic crowns covering the whole tooth, preferred for heavily filled, root-treated, fractured or deeply discoloured teeth. Light transmission is close to natural teeth and there is no dark line at the gum.
Who is it for?
- Discoloured teeth that do not respond to whitening
- Chipped, worn or small teeth
- Gaps (diastema) and mild crowding
- Old fillings and crowns that no longer match
Marked crowding and bite problems are first assessed for orthodontics; gum disease and decay are treated before any cosmetic work.
Step by step
- Examination and photo analysis: teeth, gum line, lip line and facial proportions are assessed and expectations discussed.
- Preparation: decay, gum inflammation and tartar are treated first; if a lighter shade is wanted, whitening is planned before.
- Design and mock-up: a model is made from an impression or digital scan; a temporary mock-up is tried in the mouth and the shape is agreed together.
- Treatment: bonding in one visit; for veneers and crowns, tooth preparation, impression, temporaries and bonding 1–2 weeks later.
- Check-up: bite and gum check after 1–2 weeks; a night guard is fitted if needed.
Duration and visits
- Composite bonding: 1 visit, 30–60 min per tooth
- Veneers: 2–3 visits over 1–3 weeks
- Crowns (zirconia / e-max): 2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks
- When combined with whitening, whitening comes first and the shade is chosen 2 weeks later
Settling in and care
Mild sensitivity and a feeling that the teeth are "big" are normal in the first days and fade within 1–2 weeks. Avoid hard and sticky food in the first week; stop biting nails, pens or ice. If you grind your teeth, a night guard largely determines how long the restorations last. Regular 6-monthly check-ups are enough.
Alternatives
For small chips and gaps, bonding preserves the most tooth structure and is reversible, but it stains and wears more than veneers. For crowding and alignment problems, orthodontics (clear aligners) is considered before veneers because it needs no tooth removal. If colour is the only issue, whitening alone may be enough.
- Untreated gum disease and decay are treated first.
- Marked crowding and bite problems are first assessed for orthodontics.
- Porcelain restorations are not recommended for night grinders without a protective splint.
- If the expectation is "pure white and flat", it may not match a natural result; this is agreed at the design stage.
FAQ
Cosmetic Dentistry
Do veneers look natural?
When colour, shape and surface texture are planned to match your other teeth and facial features, veneers are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Over-white, flat surfaces look artificial; this is decided together at the design stage.
Will my teeth be cut down?
Composite bonding usually needs no preparation. Veneers may need 0.3–0.7 mm of enamel preparation, and in some cases none at all. Zirconia crowns need more preparation and are normally used on teeth that are already damaged.
How many visits does it take?
Bonding is completed in one visit. Veneers and crowns usually need 2–4 visits (examination/design, preparation and impression, bonding); laboratory time is 5–10 days.
Can it be combined with whitening?
Yes, but the order matters: whitening first, then the shade of the restorations is chosen 1–2 weeks later. Porcelain and composite do not whiten afterwards.
What if my gums recede?
Over the years a small transition line may show at the gum margin. Zirconia and veneers contain no metal, so no dark line forms; the margin can be adjusted or the restoration renewed if needed.
Appointment
Examination appointment for Cosmetic Dentistry
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