Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with the dentist Richmond are an integral part of maintaining a beautiful smile. Good oral health is vital for overall well-being, but in this day and age everyone wants more from their smile than just healthy teeth. A beautiful smile boosts self-confidence and can bring positivity into all aspects of life including personal self-esteem, a happier social life and enhanced performance in a professional setting. Cosmetic dentistry is ideal for healthy dentition and can help improve the aesthetics of the mouth. There are many different options available according to individual requirements and with advances in technology, treatment options are becoming more and more accessible, convenient and adaptable to modern, hectic lifestyles.
White fillings for an improved smile
Dental fillings are the most common procedure carried out at the dentist and most adults require this at least once in their lifetime. Fillings are required when the tooth may be infected or decayed. The procedure involves the tooth being cleaned out and refilled with specialist dental filler. Previously these used to be amalgam fillings which were made up of silver, mercury, tin, copper and zinc. Whilst effective in performing their duties, these fillings can affect the aesthetics of the mouth as they are easily detectable and visible. White fillings have proven to be an attractive alternative to conventional fillings. They are designed to be more subtle and blend in with the natural dentition, so much so that they are almost invisible and they are coloured to match the patient’s teeth.
Teeth whitening
Over time, despite effective brushing at home, staining and discoloration of the teeth may occur. Staining may occur as a result of many different factors including poor dental hygiene, smoking or some food and drinks such as tea, coffee and wine. Staining can also occur as a result of some medication, ageing and genetics. Staining and discoloration can affect your self-confidence and be embarrassing or uncomfortable, however it is a commonly faced problem and teeth whitening has now become one of the most common cosmetic treatments at the dentist. There are many different treatment options available for teeth whitening, gels and trays being one of them. For those looking for a more permanent solution, veneers have become a popular choice of treatment.
Porcelain veneers have been found to have excellent aesthetic results. They involve slight reshaping of the tooth so that the veneer can be attached perfectly without increasing the overall size of the tooth. Veneers can be used to whiten the smile without having to worry about discolouration as they are stain resistant and do not need to be professionally whitened. As well as teeth whitening, veneers can be used for a chipped or cracked tooth, as they are shells that cover the entire front surface of the tooth. They can be used singly or they can be used as a set of veneers to help enhance the smile, as they can provide symmetry and align the remaining teeth. They are designed to look similar to natural teeth, for those who are interested in a more subtle look and they enhance and improve the aesthetics of the mouth altogether according to personal requirements.