Shine like stars
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of British – across all age demographics – seeking out further information on both cosmetic and restorative dental solutions, to achieve straighter, whiter and healthier looking smiles. Contrary to stereotypical British dentistry from years ago, we have collectively come a long way since the days of Austin Powers, and are now, on the whole, a nation baring pearly white and healthy teeth. The cause of this spike in dental interaction may emanate from a number of reasons, with many attributing it to the smiles that are prevalent across the numerous forms of media that the public are exposed to, such as films, music and television. Whilst others may feel that the rise in social media use and the constant documentation of our daily lives is a factor behind the spike. Whatever the reason may be, there are now a record number of us seeking out the services of a top quality dentist in Richmond, to ensure we can smile to our fullest potential.
Clearly ingenious
Some of the most popular methods of treatment over recent years, are those which are categorised as ‘cosmetic dentistry’ solutions. These are procedures which are designed to maximise the overall aesthetic appeal of a patient’s smile, rather than address any structural issues or causes of discomfort. One of the most popular methods of cosmetic dentistry across the Richmond area and beyond, is the installation of discreet dental aligners such as Invisalign. These are a new form of discreet orthodontics, which negate the need for conventional tools such as fused brackets and wires – (which impact on the outward appearance of those who seek them) – by replacing them with a removable, plastic retainer. This retainer is constructed from a transparent, specialist, patented plastic known as Smarttrack, and, when worn, utilises specifically placed pressure points within it to gradually push the patient’s teeth back into their correct specifications. One of the main attractions of the Invisalign method over conventional orthodontics is, as each retainer is custom moulded to fit around the contours of a patient’s teeth, when it is worn it fits so snugly over their teeth that it becomes practically invisible. This may explain the procedure’s popularity with teenagers and young adults, as it uniquely affords them the ability to undergo essential dental realignment, without attracting any unwanted attention from their peers or colleagues.
Pearly whites
Another, vastly popular form of cosmetic dentistry, across all age demographics within the Richmond area and beyond, is cosmetic teeth whitening. This is a procedure which has been designed to eradicate superficial stains and discolouration on a patient’s teeth. Over time, certain lifestyle choices – such as smoking, drinking red wine, black coffee or tea or taking certain medications – can result in the enamel on a patient’s teeth becoming dulled, or yellowed. Through cosmetic tooth whitening however, this can be eradicated almost instantaneously and the patient can leave the dental practice the very same day, with a whiter and healthier looking smile. The process of undertaking cosmetic teeth whitening initially consists of the dental practitioner applying a layer of peroxide based whitening agent to the front of a patient’s teeth. Thereafter, a specialist UV light is shone on to the patient’s teeth, which activates the bleaching agent within the gel. This bleaching agent begins, almost instantaneously, to burn away any superficial stains or discolouration, resulting in the patient enjoying a whiter, brighter smile in a matter of hours.