Cosmetic Dentistry is simply the term used to describe procedures which are carried out to improve the appearance of the teeth: the way the teeth are shaped or aligned, or their colour or texture. They are treatments that are done on an elective basis, rather than being needed to treat dental disease or functional issues of the teeth and jaw.
This means that ANY dental treatment performed to make a purely cosmetic change would be called a Cosmetic Dental procedure.
Aren’t Most Dental Treatments “Cosmetic” These Days?
We are fortunate to be living in an era where we have access to beautiful tooth-coloured materials for dental fillings and crowns. Gone are the days when the only option was silver-grey dental amalgam and yellow-gold crowns. So now we are always able to offer a natural-looking, tooth-coloured, cosmetic option for all fillings and crowns.
I Want To Change The Way My Teeth Look…
We can definitely help you to achieve the look you desire.
Sometimes this will involve a single treatment in a single appointment, and other times the path to the desired outcome is much more complex and lengthy. It all depends on where you are starting from, your aesthetic goals, your timeframe and budget.
The most important part of the process is clear communication, and that’s why we like to spend some time right at the beginning, getting to know you and finding out exactly what you are looking to achieve. Everyone is different, and so cosmetic dental solutions can’t be purchased ‘out of the box’ or ‘off the shelf’. Every cosmetic dental treatment plan is customised to the individual, taking into account all of the factors that make them unique.
The process begins with a consultation, where we meet and talk about your cosmetic goals. It’s important that we spend some time learning about what you want your teeth to look like and why it’s important to you. Your general and dental health as well as some lifestyle factors can affect the treatments we recommend, so we’ll ask you about these and will also do a thorough dental checkup, take necessary x-rays as well as photos of your teeth and smile.
Using this information, we’ll make some recommendations about the treatment/s we think will best achieve your desired outcome. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification at this stage.
Some cosmetic dental treatments require a significant investment of time and finances, so before you even begin treatment we will make sure you are completely aware of these and all options available to you.
We’re not here to push you into treatments that you don’t want or need, and we won’t tell you that something will work if we don’t believe it will. We promise to be honest about the potential complications of any treatment we recommend, and to offer alternatives when they are available.
If you need any assistance, reach out to our Woden dentists for guidance or help.