These days, it is easier than ever to improve your smile – whether you’ve lost teeth, or you’d like to make them whiter, all it takes is a visit to the dentist to find a procedure that suits you. This is known as cosmetic dentistry and is different to other forms like orthodontics. Both procedures improve the mouth and teeth, but in different ways. We’ll take a closer look at these treatments below.
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What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to the procedures that people choose to have to enhance the look of their natural smile for cosmetic reasons – it focuses on changing how your mouth looks, for the better. It is becoming more popular now that these procedures are accessible to all of us, and usually just take a visit to our local dentist to get procedures underway. Cosmetic dentistry can refer to a few different types of procedures that we will look at in more detail below.
- Teeth whitening: This is a type of cosmetic procedure that many of us use to brighten and enhance our natural smile. Over time, staining can take place from food, drinks and even medication, so professional teeth whitening means you can achieve a dazzling smile up to 8 times whiter than your natural smile.
- Veneers: This is a more permanent type of cosmetic dentistry that includes medical-grade porcelain or ceramic being attached to the teeth, to improve the way they look. They can improve crooked teeth, or damaged enamel, they can even fill gaps in your smile too. Veneers are bonded to your natural teeth and can last up to 15 years if they are looked after correctly.
- Implants: Dental implants are used as a permanent solutionand an alternative to dentures. They are used to fill gaps that may have occurred over the years, from teeth being removed due to trauma or falling out as we age.
What is Orthodontics?
In comparison to cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics focuses on the alignment of the teeth rather than on improving them for aesthetic reasons. Orthodontic dentistry straightens and moves the teeth, as a way of improving how they work. It focuses on looking after the long-term health of your teeth, as well as your joints, and gums and spreading the biting pressure. If you have crooked teeth that are having an impact on the way you chew, orthodontic treatments can move them into a better position to correct bites and improve the way your upper and lower jaw meet. There are a few orthodontic treatments you can choose from, which we will look at in more detail below.
Fixed braces
A fixed brace is one of the most common types of braces that tend to be used in children and teenagers as a way of straightening teeth more accurately. They feature brackets and bands which are stuck to the teeth, which are joined by a flexible wire – this allows the teeth to move. These braces remain in place for a set amount of time and are regularly tightened by a dentist to achieve the best results. When they are removed, they should reveal newly straightened teeth.
Removable braces
A removable brace is another option that is sometimes used to correct and straighten teeth. It is a simple plate that has wires and strings to fit around the teeth, moving them more gently than you’d find with fixed braces, to straighten the teeth. It can be removed for cleaning, but those that have a removable brace will be told when and for how long they will need to wear it to achieve the results they are looking for.
Invisible braces
This is something that more of us are choosing to correct and straighten teeth for aesthetic reasons rather than to correct bite. These braces are adapted to each patient’s teeth and are made of clear plastic – this makes them a good choice for adults straightening their teeth that do not want people to see they have braces. They should be worn for most of the day; however, they are removed for eating and brushing.
Cosmetic dentistry refers to improving the way that your teeth look, whether that’s with whitening or filling gaps, and is generally used to improve the way your smile looks. Orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and improving the way they work within your mouth, with your jaw and bite.
