Cosmetic dentistry
As techniques improve and patient awareness increases, people are demanding more pleasing smiles. Cosmetic dentistry is that branch of restorative (reparative) dentistry which is concerned with improving patient’s smiles. A whole range of treatments are available some of them quite minimal. Bleaching and microbrasion are the least invasive and improve the colour of the front teeth surfaces. Addition of tooth coloured filling material can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth (e.g. which have become worn) with little or no destruction of good natural tooth. Veneers (like false finger nails) can be cemented on to the front teeth to improve their appearance and in certain cases, their alignment. Crowns “caps” are also an option but as they are more destructive, careful consideration and discussion with the patient is necessary to balance the (aesthetic) gains with the disadvantages of removing natural tooth and the possible longer term consequences.
You will also find useful information at the site belonging to the British Society for Restorative Dentistry.
