Cosmetic dentistry demands today and in the future

Cosmetic dentistry demands today and in the future

03/08/2021

Today’s dental patients require more than just functional teeth so that they can bite and chew food. Of course this is the primary function of teeth, but they do more than that; they add a dimension that was not obvious until recently. Our habits have changed with modern technological advances and our use of this technology is dictating how we want to look. Moving forward the future years may be even more pressured for human beings to conform to a certain look and style.

Cosmetic dentistry helps build confidence

Dentistry also has to take into account the psychological effects that teeth, gums and jaws can have on a patient. Dentistry is the practice of providing a change that is positive for the whole mouth both practically and aesthetically. Cosmetic dentistry Burnham strives to achieve this result and also takes into account that the teeth, gums and the jawbone all have a bearing on the symmetry and harmony of the face.

What treatments are used?

Our dental practice uses various types of cosmetic dentistry Burnham to give our patients the smile and facial symmetry they desire.

First and foremost when we smile we want to present rows of lovely, clean white teeth. No one wants to reveal discoloured teeth, which can be caused by many things from poor brushing technique to food staining. Teeth whitening is a procedure that falls under cosmetic treatment. Over the years patients may have had metal fillings, those can now be changed and the fillings can be replaced with tooth-coloured or white fillings.

If a patient suffers from chipped, stained or misaligned teeth a non-invasive treatment that can be used is that of porcelain veneers. This is simply a thin piece of porcelain which is colour matched to the patient’s teeth and then bonded onto the enamel. A way of restoring a tooth that requires filling is by using inlays or overlays. An inlay is made to fit into a small cavity in the tooth, while an overlay is used to cover a larger cavity which requires attention. If a patient suffers from crooked or gapped teeth the most recent big technological breakthrough in tooth straightening is a product called Invisalign. This procedure requires our dentist to do a full X-ray and 3D scan of the mouth and then an algorithm is used to calculate the dimensions and shape of a series of trays. These trays fit over the teeth and each tray is calculated to be slightly different; they will gently move the teeth in the direction that will straighten the teeth and eliminate any gaps. This is a process which is constantly evolving and being advanced all the time.

For external facial treatment a variety of dermal fillers are employed to smooth the lines that form around the mouth when smiling and are visible from nose to mouth. Lip and cheek enhancements are an alternative to Botox which relaxes the muscles whereas dermal fillers fill and plump. At our dental practice cosmetic dentistry Burnham also includes Botox wrinkle treatment, which is best administered by a dentist who is fully trained in facial anatomy and how to administer injections. The use of Botox for the treatment of wrinkles has become an effective and acceptable treatment.

Dentistry has taken on the modern day challenge

Our dentist today has become more than just someone who fills and extracts teeth. Their training takes them through many disciplines and stringent, detailed regulatory bodies ensure they are a safe pair of hands, as healthcare professionals As technology progresses and demands become more complex dentistry will no doubt meet the challenges that are presented to it.