Everything You Want to Know about Cosmetic Dentistry (Updated for 2012).
1. What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term that is used to include dental treatments (or any dental work) which aim to improve the appearance of a person’s smile – including the teeth, gums, and lips areas. There are also instances when cosmetic dentistry treatments not only improve the form of a person’s teeth, gums, or lips areas – but can also make the function of these parts significantly better, to achieve optimum overall dental health.
The results that cosmetic dentistry treatments bring can significantly boost a person’s self-confidence, and can lead to an overall feeling of well-being. There is fulfillment in the knowledge that one can smile as confidently as possible whenever the need or the desire to do so comes, and cosmetic dentistry can make these bright smiles a reality – in the safest, most convenient, and most effective ways possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry information and topics on this page (Quick-links):
- What is Cosmetic Dentistry? >
- Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Guide Options >
- Celebrity Smiles Made More Brilliant with Cosmetic Dentistry >
- Life-Changing Smile Makeovers >
- Different Types of Dental Veneers Used in Cosmetic Dentistry >
- Different Types/brands in Cosmetic Dentistry >
- How Are Dental Veneers Created? >
- What is a Cosmetic Dentistry Trial Smile? >
- What is a Smile Design in Cosmetic Dentistry? >
- Finding a Cosmetic Dentistry Dentist >
- Cosmetic Dentistry London Area and the South >
- Cosmetic Dentistry Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, & Midlands >
- Cosmetic Dentistry in the Rest of the UK >
- Cosmetic Dentistry in the UK vs. Abroad >
- Cosmetic Dentistry Costs – What Are the Prices? >
- 10 Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) >
- Cosmetic Dentistry Blog Articles & News Topics >
- Speak to an Expert Cosmetic Dentist Here >
- More Cosmetic Dentistry Related Pages >
- Useful Resources: >
2. Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Guide Options
Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic dentistry teeth whitening treatments are ideal for addressing teeth stains or discolourations, which can have an adverse effect on the overall appearance of a person’s smile. The stains or discolourations on the surface of teeth may be caused by a number of factors, including: tobacco use/cigarette smoking, tooth decay, consumption of dark-coloured beverages, and ageing).
Here are some of the teeth whitening brands/methods used in cosmetic dentistry today:
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
- Zoom teeth whitening is done by a dental professional. Zoom teeth whitening uses a whitening gel (activated by a Zoom! light) to break up teeth stains or discolourations. The total treatment time is 45 minutes, and guarantees to whiten teeth by up to 8 shades. Zoom also offers these “Take Home” home whitening sets:
- Zoom Weekender effectively whitens teeth with an average of 6 shades, in just 3 nights of use;
- Zoom Whitening Pens featuring a convenient, easy to use on-the-go pen applicator pen that patients can use to brush the 5.25% hydrogen peroxide formula directly onto the teeth surface, to serve as touch-ups between the in-office teeth whitening treatments.
Enlighten Teeth Whitening
- Enlighten – Teeth whitening by Enlighten can be done professionally in-office (by a dentist), or through home kits that can easily be managed by the patient in the comfort and privacy of his/her own home. These are some of the products in the Enlighten teeth whitening range:
- Evolution3 Whitening – The only teeth whitening system in the world that guarantees a VITA shade B1 end-result on every teeth whitening treatment case, regardless of the shade of teeth before the treatment. The treatment is done in-office, without the need for gingival protection, special lights, or dehydration whitening.
- Evolution3 Home – A complete home teeth whitening system that patient can use in the comfort of their own homes, in a convenient way.
- Enlighten Tooth Serum – Whitening toothpaste that also helps reduce teeth sensitivity, prolong results of teeth whitening, and restore the teeth’s lustre. This system can be used on a daily basis as a regular toothpaste, and also helps to repair the tooth’s enamel.
Britesmile Teeth Whitening
Britesmile teeth whitening is done in-office, overseen by a dental professional. Whitening gel is applied on teeth, and then activated with a blue light; this process is repeated twice, with the whole whitening treatment lasting for a total of about one hour. Britesmile uses a revolutionary technology that guarantees to get teeth to the whitest shade possible.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening cosmetic dentistry treatments are used to address the issues of crooked or misaligned teeth, improving the form and function of a person’s bite. Teeth straightening treatments are not only for aesthetic purposes, to improve the appearance of a person’s smile – these cosmetic dentistry treatments are also beneficial in ensuring that teeth are straightened so that they are easy to clean.
- Fixed Orthodontic Braces – Also called traditional metal braces because it involves the use of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. Fixed orthodontic braces are used to gradually and effectively straighten teeth, mostly in young patients.
- Inman Aligners – These customised orthodontic appliances are used to effectively straighten front teeth, in as little as six to 16 weeks, are considered to be more conservative cosmetic dentistry treatments than dental veneers.
- Clearstep – Clearstep uses clear, customised positioners to gently align teeth to their desired position – in a very discreet way. The positioners are clear (or “invisible”), and are comfortable to use.
- Invisalign – The Invisalign system uses clear or “invisible” aligners that are custom-made for each user, to gradually and gently move teeth to their desired position.
All on 4 Dental Implants/Same Day Implants - in Cosmetic Dentistry
These missing teeth solutions make it possible for dental implants, along with teeth restorations, to be placed in a single dental appointment. This means that the patient can enjoy the form and function of missing teeth replacements without having to wait for a few months. All on 4 dental implants or same day implants make use of less invasive procedures, eliminating the need for bone grafting procedures
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns are caps that resemble natural teeth, and are used to cover the tooth to improve both its form and function. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are considered as fixed partial dentures; these are used to bridge gaps caused by missing teeth, and are kept in place by being anchored to neighbouring teeth (on both sides of the gap).
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays are used to address the damage made on the biting surface of the tooth, which may have been caused by tooth decay or other dental problems. Dental onlays, on the other hand, are used to fix the damage to more than one of the tooth’s cusps.
Gum Contouring / Gum Reshaping
Gum reshaping or gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that aims to address the issues of a gummy smile (when the gums look significantly big when a person smiles, making the teeth look considerably smaller). This procedure results to gums that are shaped and made to look more “normal”, which can also make the teeth look bigger – and can considerably improve the person’s overall smile appearance.
Cosmetic Bonding
Also called dental bonding, this procedure makes use of composite resin to address dental problems, which include: gaps between teeth, chipped or broken teeth, irregularly-shaped teeth, or stained/discoloured teeth.
Dental Veneers
These are customised shells closely resembling the appearance of the natural teeth, and are used to address the following dental problems: gaps between teeth, damaged or decayed teeth, stained or discoloured teeth, and crooked/improperly aligned teeth.
White Fillings
White dental fillings are used in cosmetic dentistry to address the problems of damaged or decayed teeth, in a more aesthetically pleasing way (compared to silver amalgam fillings). Silver amalgam fillings are dark-coloured and very visible, especially when a person opens his or her mouth; white fillings, on the other hand, very closely resemble the natural tooth colour – making them discreet and barely visible to others.
Lip Enhancements
Lip enhancement treatments are used to improve the appearance of the lips to bring about a better-looking smile. The lip enhancement procedures can make lips look fuller, more evenly-shaped, or more youthful.
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover consists of more than one cosmetic dentistry procedure, to improve the overall appearance of a person’s smile. The smile makeover takes into consideration the person’s needs, as well as his goals or desires, to come up with a final result that will significantly improve how the smile looks like.
3. Celebrity Smiles Made More Brilliant with Cosmetic Dentistry
Here are just some of the celebrities who are believed to have enjoyed the benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures:
- Tom Cruise
- Miley Cyrus
- Hilary Duff
- George Clooney
- 50 Cent
- Zac Efron
- Eva Longoria
- Katherine Heigl
- Ben Affleck
- Demi Moore
More Cosmetic Dentistry Information
4. Life-Changing Smile Makeovers with Cosmetic Dentistry
A smile makeover is a series of cosmetic dentistry treatments that have the goal of effectively improving the overall appearance of a person’s smile. As there will be more than one cosmetic dentistry procedure involved in the overall smile makeover experience, it is important for the patient and the dentist to discuss procedures that will be undertaken to ensure that the results are truly what the patient hopes to achieve.
Listed below are some of the concerns that can be addressed with a smile makeover:
Stained/Discoloured Teeth – Stains or discolourations will be addressed with teeth whitening treatments.
Crooked/Improperly Aligned Teeth – Teeth straightening treatments or orthodontics will be used to fix crooked teeth concerns; porcelain veneers can also be used to achieve the teeth straightening goals in a faster way.
Missing Teeth – Dental implants, dentures or dental crowns & dental bridges can effectively replace the form and function of missing teeth.
Chipped/Broken Teeth – Porcelain veneers/crowns, or dental bonding, can fix the problems caused by chipped or broken teeth.
Gummy Smiles – Gummy smiles can be remedied with the help of gum contouring or gum reshaping treatments.
5. Different Types of Dental Veneers Used in Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental veneers are customised shells used in cosmetic dentistry that look almost exactly like a natural tooth; the dental veneer is placed over the surface of the affected tooth, to fix issues such as tooth decay/damage, discolourations, crookedness/improper alignment, or unsightly gaps between the teeth. Dental veneers are used not only to improve the appearance of a person’s smile – they are also used to protect the affected tooth (or several teeth) from further damage, thus preserving what is left of the healthy natural tooth.
6. There are Different Types/brands of Dental Veneers used in Cosmetic Dentistry nowadays:
Watch a Veneer being made:
Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin, customised veneers that can bring about the desired cosmetic dentistry results without the need for: injections, tooth structure drilling, and pain. The Lumineers can be attached painlessly and effectively in two dental appointments, and can last for more than 20 years.
Edelweiss Veneers
Also called Edelweiss Same Day/Direct Veneers, these veneers are placed using a minimally invasive technique – can be enjoyed by the patient after just one dental appointment. They can be used to address issues of gaps between teeth, as well as teeth discolourations; however, major teeth alignment issues or crookedness may not be effectively addressed with these veneers.
IPS E-Max Dental Veneers
The IPS E-Max system utilizes a material that is known to have superior aesthetics and strength, so these high-quality veneers are guaranteed to last a long time. The dental veneers are processed using CAD/CAM technology, and can be placed using adhesive, self-adhesive, or conventional cementation.
Da Vinci Dental Veneers
Da Vinci veneers are made of thin ceramic shells that will be adhered to the surface of the affected tooth. After the minimally invasive procedure, the veneers will form a very strong bond with the tooth – resulting to a natural-looking smile, with teeth that are highly resistant to permanent staining.
MACVeneers
MACVENEERS are considered to have twice the strength as traditional porcelain veneers, and is the choice of athletes and celebrities for their cosmetic dentistry needs. The veneers, made from pressed ceramics, are completely stain resistant, and are said to last longer than the other porcelain veneer brands in the UK today.
DuraTHIN Veneers
DuraTHIN veneers are prepless veneers – this means that there is no need for drilling or the removal of the natural tooth’s structure, prior to the placement of the dental veneers. This cosmetic dentistry procedure can normally be done without the use of an anaesthetic, with very little discomfort for the patient.
7. How Are Dental Veneers Created?
Are you curious about how dental veneers are created? Watch the video below, and discover how these cosmetic dentistry wonders are developed and created.
8. What is a Cosmetic Dentistry Trial Smile?
A cosmetic dentistry trial smile enables patients to see what the end-result will be – even before the actual dental veneers are placed. In earlier days, there is no way to see what the actual results or appearance will be without the actual placement of the veneers – so patients will just have to go through with the dental veneers placement procedure to be able to imagine what their appearance will look like. A cosmetic dentistry trial smile can now be provided for patients at the start of their treatment with the use of temporary trial veneers, so the patients can assess how the veneers will feel inside their mouth; each individual can also request for the necessary adjustments to be made to the final veneers to be used, before they are actually bonded to the teeth.
9. What is a Smile Design in Cosmetic Dentistry?
A smile design in cosmetic dentistry is a treatment plan to ensure that the ideal solutions are provided for each specific cosmetic dentistry need or desire. The dentist will give the patient a thorough assessment during the initial consultation, enabling both the patient and the dentist to work on a treatment plan that will bring about the desired results. The patient will have a more concrete idea as to what the finished result will look like, even before the treatment begins. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration when creating a smile design include:
- The position of the eyes
- Shape of the jaw
- Width of the mouth
10. Finding a Cosmetic Dentistry Dentist in ThisisDentistry
Finding a dentist Cosmetic Dentistry expert can be a challenging task, especially if you have no idea where to begin with the search. This is Dentistry makes it easy for you to find a cosmetic dentist in your local area, so you can have all of your cosmetic dentistry needs addressed without having to go too far for the consultations and treatments. A local dentist Cosmetic Dentistry will also enable you to ask a dentist your concerns, and follow up with a consultation and treatment plan without too much inconvenience and effort on your part.
This is Dentistry provides you with a comprehensive dentist directory, where you can search for dentist cosmetic dentistry expert in your local area without any difficulties. You can say goodbye to hours of endless searching for a dentist – with This is Dentistry , the information you need is just a links and clicks away!
11. Cosmetic Dentistry London Area, the South and Kent
Are you having a difficult time searching for a dentist cosmetic dentistry services in the London Area, and the South? Look no further, because This is Dentistry is here to help you find a cosmetic dentist in the London and South areas, so you do not have to travel far just to have your cosmetic dentistry concerns addressed. You can ask a dentist in the London and South areas for your immediate cosmetic dentistry concerns, and set up an appointment to go to a local clinic/office – without taking a huge chunk out of your busy schedule.
You do not have to look further for the cosmetic dentistry information you need – because This is Dentistry is here to help you find the answers you want (and the dentists you want to consult with), in the most convenient ways possible.
12. Cosmetic Dentistry Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, & Midlands
Do you find it challenging to find a dentist cosmetic dentistry professionals in the Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Midlands areas? Worry no more, because This is Dentistry is here to help you refine your search – and make the whole process a much easier one! You do not have to spend countless hours finding dentist cosmetic dentistry Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, & Midlands experts; with This is Dentistry, the information you need can be accessed with just a few clicks on your keyboard – you can even ask a dentist about your other, more pressing concerns as you go about your search!
13. Cosmetic Dentistry in the Rest of the UK
This is Dentistry is the place to get the information you need, with regards to finding a dentist cosmetic dentistry expert in the rest of the UK. Now, you can easily and conveniently search for a cosmetic dentist in the rest of the UK by doing a refined search on This is Dentistry – and you can also ask a dentist about your urgent dentistry concerns while doing your search! You can now successfully get the information you need in just a fraction of the time, with the comprehensive dentist directory that This is Dentistry provides.
14. Cosmetic Dentistry in the UK vs. Abroad
If you are planning to go abroad for your cosmetic dentistry needs, it is a good idea to do extensive research first, to determine if going out of the UK will be beneficial in the overall picture, in the end.
Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad
Going abroad for cosmetic dentistry treatments is an attractive option because of the perceived savings that you will have, with regards to the lower fees involved. However, aside from the actual cost of the cosmetic dentistry treatment, you will also have to consider these factors when computing your expenses abroad:
- Travel expenses (airfare, car rental/bus/cab fare)
- Accommodation expenses (where you will stay, especially if you are not able to travel immediately after the treatment)
- Food and miscellaneous expenses
The language barrier is also an issue that needs to be taken into consideration. A slight miscommunication may result to an entirely different end-result for your cosmetic dentistry treatment, which may bring even bigger concerns in the long run. Problems after the treatment should also be taken into consideration, especially for concerns where you may have to go back abroad to have the issue fixed – in these cases, expenses will be more considerable.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the UK
Cosmetic dentistry in the UK uses state-of-the-art technology, combined with the expertise of some of the world’s leading cosmetic dentistry professionals. There is no need to worry about additional expenses for airfare, accommodation, and miscellaneous – especially if you are going to a cosmetic dentist in your local area. You can rest assured that you can easily get in touch with your dentist, or go for a quick consultation, should there be a problem after the actual treatment. The perceived savings of going abroad for cosmetic dentistry treatments should be scrutinized in detail, taking into consideration any problems that may arise after the treatment – compared to the convenience and peace of mind of getting the treatments done inside the UK.
In addition, every dental professional working in the UK should be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), so you can be assured that standards for patient safety are strictly met; any complaints about dental services can also be forwarded to the GDC for investigation, and for proper resolution.
15. Cosmetic Dentistry Costs – What Are the Prices?
Cosmetic dentistry costs will depend on a number of factors, namely:
- The nature and amount of work that will be done with the whole cosmetic dentistry procedure.
- The qualification and level of expertise/experience of the dentist who will carry out the treatment. Specialists will normally have a higher fee, compared to non-specialists in specific cosmetic dentistry treatments.
- The location of the clinic/dental office where the treatment will be done – clinics or dental offices that offer state-of-the-art facilities and amenities will generally charge a higher fee, compared to the ones that have more basic facilities.
- Materials used for the treatment. As an example – dental crowns reinforced with a metal foundation will cost more than the ones made purely from porcelain; dental implants with known brand names will be more expensive than the non-branded ones.
- Customer service and aftercare. Higher fees may be expected for clinics that include the aftercare in the expense computation – this holds true as well for clinics/dentists that provide guarantee for their work.
It is best to find a dentist and discuss the payment plans available for their cosmetic dentistry treatments – there are some dentists who offer low cost payment options, as well as 0% financing spread over a number of years.
16. Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term that is used to encompass dental treatments (or any dental work), with the goal of improving the appearance of a person’s smile – including the teeth, gums, and lips areas.
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What procedures are considered to be under cosmetic dentistry?
These are the procedures included under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry: teeth whitening, teeth straightening/orthodontics, dental veneers, dental bridges, dental crowns, dentures, dental implants, dental bonding, dental fillings, gum reshaping/gum contouring, lip enhancements.
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Why is there a need for cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is needed not only for aesthetic purposes (to improve the appearance of a smile) – it is also necessary to maintain good overall dental health. The improved appearance brought about by cosmetic dentistry can also boost a person’s confidence, and emotional well-being.
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Should I go for orthodontic braces, or dental veneers?
You should go for orthodontic braces if your goal is to straighten your teeth, but are generally contented with their colour and shape. On the other hand, dental veneers are your best option if you want to straighten your teeth, and at the same time improve their shape and/or colour as well.
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My teeth are stained and discoloured – what caused this, and how can cosmetic dentistry help me?
Teeth stains and discolourations may be the result of these factors: the natural ageing process, smoking/the use of tobacco products, and excessive consumption of teeth-staining food or beverages (such as coffee, tea, wine, or sodas). Cosmetic dentistry through teeth whitening treatments can eliminate the stains on the surface of teeth, and significantly improve the appearance of your smile. For severe cases of teeth discolouration or staining, porcelain veneers or dental bonding can be done.
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Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
There are guidelines that can help you determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, but the decision will best be made by you AND your dentist. If you believe that there is room for improvement with regards to your smile, you can discuss the best cosmetic dentistry options with your dentist, so you can both decide on a treatment plan.
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Are dental implants better than dentures?
Yes, dental implants are better than dentures because they: provide more stable teeth replacements, can provide further bone deterioration, and can prevent facial features from looking hollowed out or sunken (due to tooth loss). However, dentures can also be good options for missing teeth solutions – especially if they are stabilised with dental implants, to prevent uncomfortable and embarrassing unnecessary movements inside the mouth.
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Will cosmetic dentistry procedures be painful?
Cosmetic dentistry treatments are now done with the combination of the cosmetic dentist’s expertise, and cutting-edge technology to ensure that there is minimal pain and discomfort on the part of the patient. The amount of discomfort will also depend on how invasive the procedure will be, but again – your dentist will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the cosmetic dentistry procedure.
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I’m afraid of the dentist, but I want to improve my smile. How can I have cosmetic dentistry if I fear the dentist?
Dental sedation can be used to calm your nerves before and during the cosmetic dentistry procedure, so you can go through the whole experience without the trauma of being scared. You will feel calm and relaxed throughout the duration of the procedure, but will still be conscious so you can freely communicate with the dentist.
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Are cosmetic dentistry treatments expensive?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments will depend on the extent of dentistry work to be done, the materials used, the location of the clinic, and the qualifications of the cosmetic dentist who will do the procedure. It is a good idea to talk to your dentist directly to have a clearer idea about the costs involved, so you will also know about the breakdown of costs – and so you can also determine the best payment plan available to you.
17. Cosmetic Dentistry Blog Articles and News Topics. See Them All>
Cosmetic dentistry continues to evolve in a fascinating pace, especially with the never-ending arrival of cutting-edge technology, new innovations, and latest discoveries. The TID Cosmetic Dentistry Blog brings you the latest cosmetic dentistry news, and provides you with helpful posts about problems, solutions, and other eye-opening pieces of news with regards to the exciting world of cosmetic dentistry. We will even bring you thought-provoking discussions on how cosmetic dentistry can have a profound impact in your life, and how you can make the most out of the treatments under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella.
18. Need to Speak to an Expert Cosmetic Dentist about Your Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment?
Ask One of our Expert Dental Advisors Here
19. More Cosmetic Dentistry Related Pages
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Dental Braces
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Dental Veneers
- Lip Enhancements
- Orthodontics
- Same Day Dental Implants
- Smile Makeover
- Teeth Straightening
- Teeth Whitening
- White Fillings
20. Useful Cosmetic Dentistry Resources:
