Cosmetic Dentistry – What You Need To Know

30 August 2022

Cosmetic dentistry has taken the world by storm in the last ten years. Due to the influence of celebrities and influencers, an increasing number of patients are visiting dentists looking for cosmetic dentistry work. Many patients, however, do not know a great deal about what these treatments entail. Here, you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions about the procedures we offer.

Why is cosmetic dental surgery so widely accepted?

In recent years, technology has greatly advanced cosmetic dentistry. Treatments can now be pain-free thanks to numbing injections and conscious sedation methods. In addition, computerised tools can create precise 3D models of a patient’s mouth, allowing for the most precise treatments ever seen.

Furthermore, with the use of modern cosmetic dental implant techniques, a patient can now have a full set of teeth extracted and replaced in a single day with new, natural-looking ones. Veneers, inlays, onlays, and fillings are now all far more realistic looking than ever before thanks to improvements in components and materials.

In the modern day, maintaining a youthful appearance is a much bigger deal for both men and women. For many people, cosmetic dentistry is therefore only a small portion of the overall process of acquiring the look they desire. The availability of cosmetic dentistry treatments also makes them highly appealing to a large population.

Lastly, the cost of cosmetic dentistry is decreasing. This is often combined with any treatments being paid for on a monthly basis, as opposed to a lump sum, making them more attainable to the masses.

What does cosmetic dental surgery include?

Dental aesthetic and restorative techniques are combined to create cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry aims to provide you with a strong, long-lasting, and naturally gorgeous smile. Your dentist will create a personalised treatment plan for you that will include several treatments, such as the placement of implants, porcelain crowns, or tooth-coloured fillings, depending on your cosmetic needs.

The most common treatments at Etwall Dental Practice are:

• Teeth whitening, which utilises bleaching treatments to remove stains from teeth.
• Porcelain veneers are thin shells that can be used to modify teeth and conceal cosmetic dental defects.
• Dental bonding uses tooth-coloured fillings to repair the structure and appearance of chipped or otherwise damaged teeth.
• Porcelain crowns, which resemble caps and are placed on prepared teeth to restore their appearance, structure, and function.
• Gum recontouring is a cosmetic surgery to restructure gums and enhance smiles.

How long do composite fillings last on front teeth?

Your dentist is likely to suggest composite fillings if you require a filling to treat a cavity. Dental fillings consisting of a blend of plastic and glass called composite fillings are devoid of metal. They are made of composite resin, a dental material that may be tinted to match the colour of your teeth.

Additionally, because composite resin adheres to the enamel so readily, less of the native tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place a composite filling. Composite fillings won’t expand or corrode once they’re in place, unlike metal fillings. Composite fillings will last roughly 5-7 years, albeit they have a shorter lifespan than amalgam (metal) fillings.

How long does tooth bonding last?

A popular cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve your smile is dental bonding, also known as composite bonding or teeth bonding. Your dentist will adjust the teeth’s size, shape & colour via tooth-coloured resin during the procedure.

Your oral hygiene practices and the number of teeth that were treated are two factors that affect how long bonding materials persist. However, bonding material typically needs to be changed every three to ten years.

Are composite dental fillings harmful or safe for humans?

Composite fillings are safe for humans. Silver fillings are frequently replaced with composite resin fillings. They are made of acrylic resin-like plastic that has been strengthened with silica, glass quartz, or other ceramic powder. These components are combined to provide a stunning colouration that closely resembles the shade of your teeth.

Some plastics are made using a chemical known as bisphenol A, or BPA. According to certain research, this molecule may interfere with the endocrine system’s normal operation. You may have heard about concerns over the presence of BPA in dental products that use polymers, such as composite fillings. BPA isn’t present in all composite fillings, though. If it is, it’s a very little quantity.

Can you keep getting dental fillings replaced forever?

Your filling might eventually need to be replaced for a number of reasons. It happens most frequently as a result of normal wear and tear. Your filling is put under a lot of pressure as you chew. It might eventually crack, leak, or fall out. Your filling may become caught with bacteria and microscopic food particles if it is no longer adequately defending your tooth. To stop further degradation, the filler needs to be replaced.

It is typical for a composite filling to darken over time. It may, therefore, be prevalent when you smile. The longevity of your filling is very much determined by the material used:

Amalgam fillings

Metal amalgam fillings are the most common type of filling. Amalgam fillings have been used for well over a century because they are strong and efficient. A metal filling should typically last for 15 years before needing to be changed, though this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether or not you clench or grind your teeth.

Composite fillings

In order to create tooth-coloured fillings, tiny glass and plastic particles are mixed together. To blend in when you grin, they are made to match your enamel. Despite not being composed of metal, they remain extremely sturdy. They often need to be replaced every 10 to 12 years.

At Etwall Dental Practice, your oral health is our number one priority. We understand that many patients develop dental nervousness so we have put in place the most stringent methods to alleviate your anxieties. We adhere to the British Dental Association Good Practice Scheme’s criteria as well as national cross-infection prevention recommendations.

If you feel as though you may require dental treatment or are concerned with your oral health care, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you to discuss treatment options.