Why have a smile makeover?
Now and again, we’ve all smiled into the mirror and thought that our teeth just aren’t what they could be. Maybe they’ve become stained. Maybe they’ve chipped. Or perhaps they are slightly crooked or they’ve just got some big gaps… but what can you do about it?
If you still have all the teeth in your smile but want an improvement, here are the options available to you:
1. If your teeth are stained, then you could try whitening.
It works quite well, is cost-effective, and works for most of us. It will need to be maintained or repeated but this also is quite cost-effective with minimal or no ‘down time’. However, the thing to realize is that whitening only works for varying degrees and teeth do darken again over time so it’s a long term commitment and will need to be repeated regularly over the years. If you’re looking for something more than whitening, or perhaps, a more permanent whitening result, then dental veneers would be your next point of call and will be discussed in more detail later.
2. If you have crooked teeth, you can look into the possibility of orthodontic work.
There are effective orthodontic systems out there and some can work in just 6-16 weeks and are cost-effective – like the Inman Aligner – but there are many other systems out there.
Orthodontic systems have the added benefit of being a one off treatment. That means ongoing cost after treatment is minimal.
If using orthodontics to straighten your teeth is not your cup of tea, then what you need is an option that can make a visible difference to your teeth without taking too much time – in these instances dental veneers are right for you.
3. Dental Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that, purely and simply, give you a better smile.
Whether it’s to create a permanent white smile or straighten your teeth – Veneers are the way to go.
Tooth Veneers are a simple way to create a beautiful smile. Permanently fixed to your own teeth, tooth veneers look and act like they have always been a part of your mouth and provide you with a straighter and healthier looking smile. Tooth veneers can be used on all your anterior teeth to improve your smile.
Tooth Veneers Help With:
- Spaces between teeth
- Whitening permanently stained or discoloured teeth
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
Veneers are between 0.3mm and 0.5mm thick but once bonded to your teeth, are extremely strong. Their appearance is dramatically lifelike with the strength, beauty and durability that porcelain in dentistry is renowned for.
Often favored by Hollywood celebrities, they can create the impression of perfect teeth – without the laborious process of orthodontics or the continuance of having to maintain your whitened smile.
If you are seriously thinking about improving your smile, your first step is a consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and give you a professional opinion on what the best (and most cost-effective) treatment might be. They will give you realistic expectations of what can be achieved – rather than promising you a photo shopped unrealistic smile.
There are 2 main categories of dental veneers. Indirect porcelain veneers or direct resin veneers otherwise known as bonding.
Indirect porcelain veneers :
Normally, these veneers will take two visits for the dentist to complete. On the first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth using a ‘burr’, which roughens the surface of the teeth so that the veneers can adhere to them. During this visit, your dentist will also take a mould of your teeth which is then sent to a laboratory, where the veneers are prepared to an exacting standard.
Your second appointment will normally be arranged for two to four weeks time.
By this time, your veneers will have been made by a ceramist so your dentist can cement them in place.
Ceramic porcelain is one of the most widely used materials for dental veneers, as it is easily shaped and durable.
Direct Resin veneers :
The second type of veneer – the direct resin veneers, are made from a composite resin material, which is a cheaper alternative to Porcelain. Composite veneers may only last a few years, but can last many more.
These types of veneers are placed in one appointment by your dentist. They are effective, minimally invasive, affordable and popular.
If you want your veneers to last as long as possible, whether they are porcelain or resin, you need look after them. Your dentist will give you advice and tips on caring for them once placed.
The most important thing to remember is that your teeth only LOOK better. They are still your teeth and need looking after! The reality is that it’s still your natural teeth underneath those veneers and they are still bound to attract bacteria and plaque just as they used to. Cleaning your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist for check-ups are of utmost importance – if not more so – to ensure your newly found smile lasts!
If you’d like to discuss your options for improving your smile, contact us for a free smile evaluation in Brisbane with our dentists at Dental On at Park Road Milton or at Buranda Shopping Village.