What it covers
Cosmetic dentistry deals with how teeth look: colour, shape and position in the smile. Here that means whitening in the practice and at home, whitening of a single root-treated tooth, ceramic veneers, metal-free crowns and aligners.
Before any cosmetic procedure there is an examination: decay, gum inflammation and tartar are dealt with first. Otherwise the result does not last, and some procedures must not even be started.
Teeth whitening
Whitening in the practice is done in one session, with a product applied by the dentist and the gums protected. Home whitening uses trays made from an impression of your own teeth, worn to an agreed schedule.
The result differs from person to person and depends on the starting colour and on the cause of the discolouration. Some changes — those caused by medicines, for instance — respond less well. That is why we talk about expectations before we start, not afterwards.
The effect is not unlimited and is kept up by habits: coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco bring the colour back faster. What helps after the treatment we have written about separately.
Whitening a non-vital tooth — one that has had root canal treatment — is done from the inside and charged per tooth, because it is a single tooth that differs in colour from the rest.
Veneers and metal-free crowns
A veneer is a thin ceramic shell on the front of a tooth. It is used for discolouration that whitening does not solve, for minor irregularities of shape and for gaps. The tooth is prepared minimally, but the preparation is irreversible, so the decision is made without hurry.
When a tooth is damaged beyond what a veneer can cover, a metal-free crown is made. That also belongs to prosthetics, so the plan is drawn up together with it.
Aligners and splints
Aligners correct minor irregularities of position and are worn to a plan. Whether they are enough in your case is assessed at an examination; larger irregularities are a job for an orthodontist.
A custom splint is made for teeth grinding. It does not treat the cause, but it protects the teeth from wear and takes the load off the muscles; we have written about bruxism separately.
How it goes
The first appointment is a consultation: an examination, a conversation about what bothers you and what is feasible, and a plan with a price. Then comes the procedure itself, and for veneers and crowns a laboratory stage with a try-in before the final fitting.
Price
In-practice and home whitening, whitening of a non-vital tooth per tooth, splints and aligners are in the “Cosmetic dentistry” group of the price list, and veneers and metal-free crowns in the “Prosthetics” group.
- Does whitening damage teeth?
- The product is used at a concentration and for a time set by the dentist, with the gums protected. Passing sensitivity to cold after the treatment is common and usually settles within a few days.
- How long does whitening last?
- It depends on habits — coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco shorten it. Maintenance and any repeat are agreed at a check-up.
- Can I whiten a crown or a filling?
- No. The product works on natural tooth tissue. If existing restorations stand out in colour after whitening, they are replaced; that goes into the plan in advance.
- Can veneers be taken off?
- Preparing a tooth for a veneer is irreversible, so after that it is a veneer or a crown. That is why the decision is made at the consultation, with everything it entails.
