What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and smile. Common cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants and Full Mouth Rehabilitations.
Signs you might need Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to improve your smile?
- Are you concerned about the way your teeth look?
- Don’t like smiling or showing your teeth?
- Do you find your teeth embarrassing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions – this means cosmetic dental treatment might be your answer. Here at Dental at Keys, we specialise in ensuring you and your teeth look and feel great.
What Cosmetic Dental work do you offer?
Cosmetic dentistry is a large encompassing term that relates to dental treatment that improves the aesthetics of your teeth. This can commonly include:
- Teeth cleaning to remove the yellow stains and build-up around teeth
- Teeth whitening to improve the colour
- Tooth fillings to remove the black tooth decay or holes in your teeth and filling it with dental fillings or crowns
- Reshaping your cracked, chipped and broken teeth
- Straightening your teeth and jaws with orthodontic work or Invisalign to improve your smile
- Improving your smile with Dental Veneers
- Dental Implants, Dentures or Bridges to replace missing teeth
- Full arch reconstruction or Full mouth rehabilitation: Restoring your worn & missing teeth back to what they should be like!
What happens during Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment?
The steps for cosmetic dental treatment vary greatly depending on the treatment you are receiving. For more complex cases we often do the following:
- Finishing all essential dental treatment prior to any cosmetic work (eg. Fillings, cleaning etc)
- Taking dental photos, x-rays and 3D scans of your teeth for records
- We measure and plan what your new smile should look like
- A simulation may be prepared to show you how your new smile will look
- Mock-ups are done to show you the results in your mouth. Taking new photos and scans again to ensure accuracy and making adjustments.
- Your cosmetic dentistry treatment is started and temporaries are cemented. Final adjustments are made and the cosmetic dental lab constructs your new teeth.
- Finally, bonding your new teeth and follow up appointments made to ensure good fit and proper oral hygiene.
Are there any complications for Cosmetic dental work?
It’s important to note that with any procedure, some patients can experience complications with cosmetic dental work. These may include:
- Post-operative pain or bleeding which can last several days.
- Sensitivity of the teeth post-treatment.
- Damage to adjacent teeth or tooth restorations.
- Infection or abscess which may require treatment or drainage.
- Temporary swelling or bruising of the face.
- Chipping, breaking or loosening of the veneer, bridges or crowns.
- Injury to soft tissues adjacent to veneer due to bonding or bleaching agents.
- A change in sensation or numbness to the lip, chin, face and/ or tongue which may be of a temporary or permanent nature.
- In some cases there may be a necessity for a more extensive restoration than originally diagnosed, such as a crown.
- Inability to exactly match tooth coloration.
- Changes in speech which is usually temporary.
- Changes in the shade, aesthetics, and appearance of the restoration may occur over time.
- All dental restorations have a limited life-span and will require eventual replacement.
Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry?
Contact us now on (03) 8899 6331 or check out our other services here.
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Need help with your dental payments?
We have a variety of Payment Plans available – giving you the flexibility of paying for your cosmetic dental treatment later.
Payment PlansFrequently Asked Questions
Can anyone get cosmetic dental treatment?
Yes, anyone, including kids (eg. discoloured teeth) can get cosmetic dental work.
Do I need to be referred for my cosmetic dental?
Most cosmetic dental work can be done here at Dental at Keys however, occasionally, some complex cases may need to be referred to a prosthodontist for treatment.
What is cosmetic dentistry, and how is it different from general dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and smile. While general dentistry addresses general oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease; cosmetic dental procedures aim to enhance aesthetics. Common cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and Full Mouth Rehabilitations.
How long do cosmetic dental treatments typically last?
This greatly depends on the type of procedure and the patient's oral hygiene (at home and professional care). Teeth whitening can last several months to a year, while dental veneers can last anywhere between 5-15 years. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the results.
Are cosmetic dental procedures painful?
Most cosmetic dental procedures are done under local anaesthesia to ensure comfort. Some complex procedures such as full implant bridges (full mouth implants) may require some level of dental sedation. Your dentist will discuss pain management options to ensure you are comfortable during your cosmetic dental treatment.