Visiting a general dentist is not usually an exciting or life-changing experience. However, visiting a cosmetic dentist can have a big impact on a patient’s life. Most people associate going to the dentist with treating gum disease and fixing cavities; however, cosmetic dentistry can have far-reaching and more impressive results for a patient’s oral health and self-esteem.
Cosmetic dentistry is often perceived as purely aesthetic. And while aesthetics is a big focus, visiting a cosmetic dentist in Southampton, such as those at Smilemakers, can result in better oral health. For instance, veneers are aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve as barriers against bacteria. Similarly, choosing to have a crown placed over a filling reduces the chances of tooth decay.
Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide array of individual treatments, which can be used alone or combined for a total makeover. Veneers are very versatile and can fix more than one aesthetic problems at the same time, while professional teeth whitening can brighten a patient’s smile by several shades.
Dental veneers
Veneers are very thin, porcelain shells that are entirely customised to fit a patient’s smile perfectly. Like a contact lens, these very thin pieces of porcelain are carefully bonded to the front of the teeth, altering their shape and appearance. Veneers are very versatile and can correct chips, stains, and even deeply discoloured teeth. But they can also alter the length and size of teeth, or help teeth that seem rotated suddenly appear straighter.
Teeth whitening
For a lot of people having yellow and stained teeth is a big problem. And while there are many reasons why they become yellow and discoloured, a cosmetic dentist in Southampton can drastically change the colour of a patient’s teeth and help them regain their smile and self-confidence. This can be achieved either at the dental practice or at home with the use of customised, bleaching trays.
Crowns
A cosmetic dentist can also provide crowns that look natural, but are strong and sturdy to protect the teeth beneath them. Crowns are usually made of porcelain, which is a very durable material and they are placed on top of heavily filled or cracked teeth, restoring their appearance, strength and overall function.
