While a smile make-over may seem luxurious, there are some compromises that will have to be made. If you are unhappy with the shape of your teeth, the colour of your enamel or have suffered with a gap for years, you will probably need to make some decisions. In this article we look at how a cosmetic dentist canberra can help you create your dream smile, how dental implants in Canberra may be involved and what you can expect.
Cosmetic Work Begins With Function, Not Aesthetics
One of the biggest myths around cosmetic dentistry is that cosmetic treatments are merely cosmetic. However, if you go to a responsible clinician they will make sure to assess your occlusion, gums, jaw position and current restorations to be sure there is no underlying issues. If there is an issue with your foundation then your cosmetics will not last. Adding a veneer to a tooth with decay or crown with out correcting your occlusion will look great at first but will cause issues.
Your Cosmetic Dentist Canberra will probably do an initial comprehensive assessment of your teeth. This often includes taking picture/s and/or scans. This will help you understand what the dentist is looking at plus establish a baseline. If you have looked online at before and after pictures then think about how similar they are to your situation. Often they aren’t too similar.
Where Implants Fit Into a Smile Plan
Not all smiles are an aesthetic problem. If you have missing or irreparable teeth, a structural solution is required. This is where dental implants come in! These are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone. We then attach a crown to the titanium post which will blend in with your natural teeth. They are the closest to a natural tooth root and do not require any adjacent healthy teeth to be ground down like bridges.
There are various steps to having implants. Firstly you will need an assessment and planning. Then you will have the titanium post inserted into your jawbone. After that there is a healing period where your bone will fuse to the titanium post. This process can take a few months depending on the patients situation, some patients may have had other treatments prior to having implants such as bone grafts which can make the process longer. If you would like implants and aesthetic treatments you will want to make sure you have them in the correct order. Often you would have the whitening or veneers at the end of the process so you can have a perfect colour match with your crowns.
Matching Treatment to the Problem
There are numerous options that will allow you to improve your smile. You may simply need teeth whitening to improve the colour of your teeth. If you have chipped or worn teeth then composite bonding would be a good option. This is a very conservative option and can often be completed within one appointment. If you have more prominent shape and alignment issues then veneers may be an option. However, if you have alignment issues, orthodontics would often be a better option.
Although it might seem obvious to choose the most extreme option available, over time the most minimal approach will often prove to be the best solution and will help preserve more of your natural tooth. Your cosmetic dentist canberra will be happy to explain why sometimes a simpler option is a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do veneers typically last?
Porcelain veneers can typically be expected to last between 10- 15 years (often longer) if good oral hygiene is maintained and regular check-ups are carried out. The longevity will depend on occlusal forces, bruxism and maintaining a healthy substrate. Often night guards are recommended for bruxers.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic so you will not feel any pain whilst the implants are being placed. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be well controlled using simple painkillers which will generally last only a few days up to a week. Most patients find that it is not as uncomfortable as they thought it would be.
Can I get implants if I have been told I have low bone density?
Sometimes yes. They may need to do some extra investigations or bone grafting. The dentist will get images to see how much bone you have, and talk through with you what would be best for you. This may involve bone grafting, sinus grafting or another option for replacing your teeth.
How much does a smile makeover cost in Canberra?
Costs can vary quite significantly depending on the types of treatments. Whitening can be a couple of hundreds of pounds while implants can be several thousands. Most clinics will give you a detailed breakdown of costs after your examination. You may want to ask if they offer payment plans and also consider what is most clinically necessary rather than what looks nice.
Do I need a referral to see a cosmetic dentist?
Usually not. You will be able to book directly with most practices. If you have had complex implant surgery or major structural work the dentist may refer to a specialist such as an oral surgeon or prosthodontist.
A Closing Perspective
Cosmetic dentistry will produce the best outcome if it is done as a well-informed healthcare choice. Be aware of why you are unhappy with your smile and ask to see records and have an explanation as to why. Beware of anyone who gives you a cookie-cutter answer without looking at your mouth. A great clinician will help you see the difference between what you want and what your teeth actually need. They’ll also be honest with you. This discussion is key to making sure that you are happy with the outcome many years down the line.
