PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
May 5th, 2013
Cosmetic Dentistry is a general phrase used to cover any dental procedures that are performed for aesthetic reasons- ie. to improve the appearance of teeth- rather than for clinical or medical purposes. In this article and the following one, I will discuss the various treatments that can be performed to cosmetically improve the appearance of your smile.
Tooth Coloured Fillings
Although I have not personally placed a metal, mercury based filling for well over 15 years, this material is still commonly used both in USA and UK. (Some European countries have now banned it due to its potential to break down and be harmful.) From a cosmetic perspective, metal fillings look ugly and unnatural and for some people can be clearly seen in the mouth when talking or smiling. It is a simple procedure to remove the metal fillings and replace them with tooth-coloured (white) filling material. A range of colours are available which ensure a perfect match can be found for your teeth and once complete, your teeth will look completely natural and as though you have no fillings. Occasionally the grey colour of a large metal filling can actually leach deeply into the dentine of the tooth and discolour the whole tooth. A white filling will not eliminate this problem and the best solution in this case may be to crown the tooth.
Dental Whitening
Dental whitening or bleaching can be performed when the teeth appear dull and grey. The whitening eliminates discolouration and brightens and whitens the smile.
From a clinical perspective, there are two types of tooth discoloration, extrinsic (on the surface) and intrinsic (within the tooth itself). Superficial extrinsic stains can largely be removed by regular brushing at home and professional cleaning at your dentist. Intrinsic staining is when the dentine inside of the teeth has changed colour and this is where dental whitening can really make a difference.
Dental Whitening Solutions
– In-office
The procedure takes about an hour, and because it uses a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel requires a dentist to administer it. The lips and gums are protected and the bleaching gel is painted into the teeth. A ‘laser’ light can then be used to help activate the gel. This accelerates the bleaching effects of the gel and generally improves whitening results. The gel is removed after approximately 15mins and the procedure is repeated another one or two times. This method produces the most rapid results; you will see an immediate, significant colour change at that first appointment. For 3 days after this procedure it is recommended that you do not eat or drink anything highly coloured. If the patient chooses, this can be followed up with the same in-office treatment around 7 days later or by using the home-use kit.
– Professionally dispensed whitening kits for use at home
This method is still effective but uses a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide so results are achieved more gradually over a period of days. The kit contains pre-loaded trays which are applied onto the teeth for a period of an hour. I recommend repeating this for 4 or 5 days although the kits I stock contain enough for a 10 day course.
