A trip to the dentist used to mean that you had something wrong with your teeth that was causing pain or discomfort and needed to be sorted. It was purely a utilitarian practice that was a necessity. Over the last twenty years the role of the dentist has changed and they can now provide procedures that rise above the merely functional.

In a world that places increasing importance on appearance, cosmetic dentistry has provided millions of people with the opportunity to improve theirs. The teeth are one of the most obvious factors that affect our appearance to others and with smiling being one of the most important ways of communicating we have, the way our teeth look can affect the way others perceive us and even how we feel about ourselves. Bad teeth can be a source of great embarrassment and low self-confidence.

Cosmetic dentistry is capable of completely transforming a smile by using a number of procedures running simultaneously. This wider process is called a smile makeover and usually includes such treatments as teeth whitening, orthodontic straightening, cosmetic bonding, veneers and dental crowns. All of these procedures can be carried out on their own to make minor cosmetic adjustments to the teeth.

Teeth whitening and veneers are two of the most popular procedures as they can completely transform the appearance of badly stained or discoloured teeth, which can make them look very unhealthy and unattractive. Modern veneer technology allows the design and manufacture of a whole row of porcelain veneers in as little as one appointment. Cosmetic dentistry may not be essential for health reasons but the psychological and mental benefits of treatment from a London dentist cannot be underestimated.

Everybody wants to have the perfect smile. A beautiful beam, full of white, evenly sized teeth can be a very attractive and useful asset. After all, smiling is one of the most important methods we have of demonstrating our emotions and communicating with others. For those of us who have not been blessed by Mother Nature with a beautiful set of natural teeth, science has come to our aid. In the last twenty years, a vast array of cosmetic dentistry procedures have been created (or improved from former, more archaic, treatments) which has made it possible for us all to have our dream smile.

For patients who suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, there is the option of dental bonding. This involves the application of a composite resin, matching the colour of the existing teeth, which can be applied and hardened to disguise the damage. For more serious cases, patients can now be fitted with the very latest CEREC technology crowns. Made with the aid of 3D computer technology, CEREC crowns are sculpted to microscopic degrees of accuracy from a single piece of pre-matched porcelain, providing the most realistic looking crowns ever produced.

For other patients who have missing teeth, either from decay or from head traumas, there are a variety of options to replace the missing teeth. Dental bridges can be constructed and fitted that can last up to ten years, if cared for correctly. Alternatively, a dental implant, where a crown is secured to the jawbone, can provide the most stable and solid alternative to a real tooth.

Once the teeth have been repaired to look straight and even, there are a multitude of processes that can make them appear whiter. Although home whitening kits are available, it is always recommended to have this procedure carried out by a dentist for safety reasons.

Whatever the nature, or magnitude of problems you may have with your teeth, the latest in cosmetic dentistry will be able to restore or create the appearance of a healthy smile. The new technologies in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible to give you a complete smile makeover with a minimum of pain and stress. Visit a London dentist for advice on which cosmetic procedures could work best for you and treat yourself to the smile you always wanted.

Advances in cosmetic dentistry have allowed London dentists to reshape or remold your problem teeth. A dental procedure touted to change the appearance of a person’s problem tooth, teeth contouring is regarded as a quick and painless dental cosmetic treatment.
Teeth’s contouring is the solution to several dental problems, including:
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Teeth with holes or grooves
Not all individuals are suitable candidate for teeth contouring. Your London dentist will determine if you are a suitable candidate by evaluating the health of your teeth and if your bone and tissue are strong enough to support a tooth contouring treatment.
The step by step teeth contouring process follows:
• X-ray examination to determine the strength of your tissue, bone and teeth.
• If you are a suitable candidate, your London dentist will make a computer image to show how you will look after the teeth contouring process.
• Your teeth will be marked with a pen in preparation for the sculpting. Some of the materials that will be used are lasers, sanding drills and abrasive strips.
• Material bonding will be made to the tooth to fill cracks and chips, change the tooth’s colour and cover blemishes.
• The final step of the teeth contouring process is the polishing and smoothing.
With teeth contouring, it takes only two dental visits for you to have that smile that you have always dream of.

Many different cosmetic dental procedures are offered in London. When you may walk into the London Dental Clinic you may have already decided what type of cosmetic dental treatment you want, and may even have a picture of a beautiful smile with you. The first time you see your London dentist, you two will have a conversation about what you want done with your teeth and smile. The dentist will then take a look in your mouth, and you two will talk further. There are many procedures that can be performed, and your dentist will tell you which one is best. It may be the same one that you had in mind, or the dentist may suggest a different procedure. The dentist will explain to you why your chosen procedure will work or won’t work, and then tell you what can be done for you.
There are many different types of cosmetic procedures that can be performed, and these include: Teeth whitening (in-office and at-home), bonding, porcelain veneers, Lumineers, dental crowns, dental bridges, and implants for missing teeth. All of these procedures are available at your London Dental Clinic. If you want to go a step further with your consultation, your dentist with perform a complete dental exam, take the appropriate dental X-rays, take impressions of your teeth for study models, and take some digital photographs of your mouth. The dentist will place white wax on the study models and/or show you your photographs on the computer, and then alter the photographs to show you the results that can be achieved. Depending on both your time and the dentist’s time, some procedures can be immediately performed, while with others, you may need some dental appointments scheduled. Your London dentist will design the cosmetic procedures specifically for you and your dental needs.

A lot of people I meet around London ask me direct questions about the procedures involved in cosmetic dentistry, and how much it will cost them. Cosmetic dentistry could supplement an already exemplary oral hygiene, or reverse the damage of dental erosion brought about by lifestyle choices (such as extreme addiction to candy floss or smoking). The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies from patient to patient, and mostly depends on the extensiveness of the procedures.One thing that will greatly magnify the cost and extensiveness of a cosmetic teeth restoration is gum disease. Before any procedure can be implemented, the gum or gingival disorder has to be treated and kept at bay. The initial dental clinic visits will determine whether a patient’s gums are healthy enough to accommodate cosmetic dental procedures or not. Some visible signs to look out for include bleeding gums, sensitivity to heat or cold, and changes in the physical appearance of the gums and teeth over time. Once successfully treated, the dentist will then recommend the best cosmetic procedures applicable to the patient.

Whilst the initial procedures could be the most complex, a patient should go back for consultation to maintain of the beauty of the rejuvenated teeth. These subsequent visits may involve touch up, cleaning and more advice on how to continue caring for a patient’s teeth and gums outside the dentist’s office. The patient must strictly abide by the recommended after-care programme for maintenance of his dental health. That last information is crucial and I constantly remind my patients to follow my guidelines.

I have been approached several times by people who merely want to inquire about a possible dental treatment. One topic that is usually brought up is the number of sessions it will take before they complete treatment. Although they do not mention their reasons for asking about these things, I can tell that they are concerned about the inconvenience of returning to a dentist’s clinic and the cost of subsequent treatments.The potential for a more permanent establishment of the cosmetic dentistry industry in London is massive! One possible reason is the increasing awareness of the benefits. Going around the city and meeting new people, I frequently get introduced as a dentist and people surprisingly become very interested in what I do. It is quite disconcerting to be bombarded by so many questions, but I can tell that genuine interest is present. The concept of cosmetic dentistry is still new to some, as most still have lasting memories of getting dental fillings composed of amalgam or gold. Whilst these materials are effective in treating decayed teeth, they do not contribute much to the over-all aesthetics of a person’s teeth because of their unattractive colour.

There are some one-session, relatively inexpensive dental treatments that people can avail of, including composite resin bonding, which is recommended for stained or decayed teeth. This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, and is quite long lasting. The patient does have to visit again for maintenance, preferably at six-month intervals.

Dental sealants can be placed during the early phases of tooth decay, or for preventing further decay. Treatment takes approximately 15 minutes and the sealant could last up to ten years. For stains or teeth discolouration, I recommend whitening or bleaching. Tooth contouring and reshaping are also permanent treatments that a patient can avail off in just one session.

A brighter smile could drastically change a person’s life. He may soon feel more confident and more able to interact effectively with other people. A thorough treatment could rejuvenate a lacklustre smile and turn it into a powerful one. London, like any other city, has a part of the population who are not yet aware of the services offered by dentists. In fact, I think that not everyone is aware of the term cosmetic dentistry and how even the simplest treatments can improve their lifestyle.

Advertising one’s service is tantamount to describing what one does, or how one intends to tackle a patient’s problem. Some dentists resort to advertising campaigns in which they describe the procedures in detail. Whilst this could most definitely attract some, particularly the ones who can understand medical terminology, I think the best way of introducing the concept of cosmetic dentistry to an ordinary person is to hint at the end product at the onset. Would you like to own a beautiful smile to greet this beautiful city with every single day?

Amusingly, this sounds a lot like the American television series wherein two cosmetic surgery doctors ask a patient, “tell me what you don’t like about yourself”. It could also be that I am more inclined than others to encourage the patient by using his language, not mine. I am not an advertising professional, but somehow, I have a feeling that this will spell the difference between making more people aware of cosmetic dentistry and complete apathy to the industry.

1. Almost all painful dental techniques can be controlled with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A few examples’s like aspirin and ibuprofen can work really well to calm you down and soothe any dental pain. You can also use these NSAIDs before you start any painful dental treatment as it dampens the body’s pain response to dental procedures. Continue the tablets after the procedure too.
2. Cosmetic dentistry is useful to correct gummy smiles as well. All you have to do is get an evaluation with a periodontist who is a gum specialist and combine his expertise with a cosmetic dentist and you can have a good smile with expert help.
3. Flossing is really important and you should do it atleast once a week if not everyday. There are a large variety of flossing threads on London supermarket stores shelves but choose something like fine, waxed thread if you are comfortable with flossing. If you are a beginner and don’t really want to hurt yourself then you can use the newer dental tapes which are fluoride impregnated and much easier to handle. Flavoring of the thread doesn’t really matter as long as is sugarless and the best variety I usually recommend is Teflon-coated Glide which is available as both tape and thread forms.

If your face is your fortune, then a wonderful smile is really guaranteed to get you places. Most people are influenced by first impressions and if you have a smile filled with gaps then it going to be really hard to create a good one! But for the vast majority of people born without perfect teeth a specialized branch of dentistry evolved to make sure every one had the pearlies they’ve always desired!Welcome to the world of Cosmetic dentistry! This branch of dentistry deals with visualizing and creating that wonderful smile you have always dreamed of. Although every London dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist here are few things you have to be careful of while choosing some one really suitable for your dental work.

• Check to see whether you dentist has accreditation form a reputable agency like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD) or any other recognized government body like the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).
• A good cosmetic dentist should be able to listen to your needs and then plan out a series of treatments designed to suit your need .Make sure that the dentist you have selected has made cosmetic dentistry the cornerstone of his practice. Ask for his qualification and his experience
• Check out the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs of work done on patients preferable with references and telephone number of satisfied patients. Most experienced dentists will already have the information on hand and will be more than happy to share the information with you. In fact many dentist will be more than to share the type of treatment with you to brag about previous satisfied customers as well as what thy can do for you
• Make sure you check out the quality of the ceramics (or porcelain) or the lab which is working with the dentist. The level of training of the lab is as important of the cosmetic dentist as most of the porcelain art required for building you the perfectly matched bridge or caps is possible only with a trained Master ceramist

Initially when the term cosmetic dentist was being bandied about, I was pretty skeptical. I thought, “Isn’t every dentist supposed to prepare his fillings cosmetically? All fillings are supposed to look good right? So what’s the big deal of being a cosmetic dentist?”
Well, that’s where almost every one goes wrong. Dentists do need to be artistically inclined to get the tiny procedures they do to be really accurate. In fact many dentists are really good with different artistic hobbies. But not every London dentist is a cosmetic dentist.
The situation is also slightly difficult with no professional degree as such awarded to only cosmetic dentists. Well here are a few ways by which you can recognize a professional cosmetic dentist from a general dentist.
1. Most cosmetic dentists carry specific recommendations or Dental Continued Education Degrees on their clinic walls. Make sure you take a look at them check out specialties. Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have had really good cosmetic dental stuff done.
2. Cosmetic dentist has to address the patients needs for the job .So patients needs do come first. A good cosmetic dentist will discuss the patients’ needs completely before even taking a look at the patients’ teeth.
3. Smile design is a really important study as related to cosmetic dentistry .For most dentists learning about tooth opacity and reflections of tooth color can take up to ten years of clinical experience. So it’s not just enough to attend lectures, clinical experience is a must. Ask the dentist you have selected for references and pictures before you star with the work.