Cosmetic dentistry can provide multiple methods to improve the look of your teeth and gums. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discoloured, chipped, misshapen or missing. Cosmetic dentists can straighten, lighten, reshape and repair your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include ceramic restorations with premium veneers, metal-free aesthetic crowns, composite bonding and surgical gum contouring.
What is a dental crown?
Crowns are used when the tooth can not be preserved any more by using fillings due to too much destruction. The tooth in question is prepared then an impression (or mould) is taken of the damaged tooth. A temporary crown is usually placed on the tooth so the patient can carry on with life until the permanent crown is ready. The impression is sent away to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is created. The materials used are usually full pressed-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconium-ceramic, according to suitability. This crown will then replace the missing tooth structure.
The process of making and permanently fitting a dental crown in place usually takes 5 working days, which may increase to 7-8 working days for multiple crowns or even full new sets of teeth.
Dental bridge
Dental bridge is used to replace missing tooth. This is a permanent solution and only your dentist can remove it. The neighbouring teeth become crowned and serve as “bridge pillars”. The gaps can be filled by placing the bridge elements between the neighbouring teeth. The materials listed above under “Crowns” are used here, too. Dental bridge may last at least 10-30 years. Bridge is an alternative and more affordable option for dental implant. However, the final treatment details always depend on individual circumstances, which need to be confirmed by the treating dentist.
Zirconium-ceramic crown
Zirconium-ceramic crowns are made with the most advanced metal-free material and with the latest 3D CAD/CAM technology for the most accurate and aesthetically pleasing result. These zirconium-ceramic crowns provide high translucency with no black margins around the gum lines. They are also extremely solid, offer excellent biocompatibility and twice the longevity of ordinary porcelain crowns.
Hollywood-smile style can usually be achieved by either Zirconium-Ceramic crowns or E.max full pressed-porcelain veneers, as they allow extreme whiteness and natural-looking translucency.
Click here for before-after pictures.
E.max veneer
E.max veneers are made from full pressed-porcelain and provide the most natural and life-like looking teeth. You can choose the colour and shape of the final teeth with the dentist. Please note that ceramic restorations with E.max veneers are recommended for the front 6-8 teeth in the visible smile-zone area, that have not been previously root canal treated. They are very durable and provide excellent long-term solution. E.max veneers are also made with 3D CAD/CAM technology for the best final aesthetic result.
Click here for before-after pictures.
Inlay
Inlays are very durable fillings that are hand-crafted in the dental laboratory. Depending on the patient’s preferences, inlays are made from ceramic or zirconium. This guarantees a long lasting, aesthetic, strong and loadable filling.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring procedure is usually part of a larger cosmetic treatment and can be the preferred solution for patients with “gummy smile”. The oral surgeon shapes the gum (and bone) above the teeth in the front “smile-zone” area to the required height. This treatment needs only one appointment and it is followed by a healing period of 6-8 weeks. Teeth then can be altered by either Porcelain E.max veneers or Zirconium-Ceramic crowns, depending on personal circumstances, to reach the required result. The treatment is painless and the final result is permanent.
