Eating for two

Eating for two

New to Cosmetic Dentistry?: 3 Treatments Offered by Cosmetic Dentist

Louis Stone

Teeth which are misaligned, misshapen or discoloured can lower your confidence and self-esteem. If you are unhappy with how your teeth look, you may be considering a visit to a cosmetic dentist. If you have never visited a cosmetic dentist before, you might be wondering about the different services they can offer. Below is a guide to 3 common procedures used by a cosmetic dentist to improve your smile.

Tooth Whitening

Drinking red wine, smoking cigarettes or taking medication such as the antibiotic tetracycline can all cause discolouration of the teeth. While home tooth whitening kits are available, if you want your teeth to shine, you should book an appointment with a fully trained cosmetic dentist. 

The cosmetic dentist will start by creating a custom fit mouthpiece. The mouthpiece will be designed to fit perfectly over your teeth and will ensure that the correct amount of bleaching agent is used. The mouthpiece will also help to protect your gums from the bleach. Once the bleach filled mouthguard is placed on your teeth, the bleaching agents will begin to react, releasing oxygen. This chemical reaction helps to break down any staining on the surface of your teeth. However, tooth whitening is only effective on natural teeth; it will not work when used on dentures, bridges or crowns. 

Tooth Bonding

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, your cosmetic dentist may suggest you undergo tooth bonding. During this procedure, your dentist will use a resin to fill in any cracks or gaps in your teeth. The resin used will be matched with the colour of your teeth to create a natural appearance. While bonding is a quick way of repairing damaged teeth, the bonded area will be more susceptible to staining and discoloration compared to the surrounding teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are typically made using thin pieces of porcelain which are carefully attached to the front of the teeth. A cosmetic dentist will usually recommend porcelain veneers when they wish to make slight changes to the shape, size or spacing of a tooth. Veneers are extremely tough and are not as susceptible to staining as bonding resin. 

When fitting veneers, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth so they can calculate the size of the veneers. They will then buff your teeth to remove a small amount of enamel. Doing so creates space for the veneer to be fitted. The dentist will then use dental cement to attach the veneer to the front of the tooth.

If you would like further information about these treatments, contact a cosmetic dentist, like one from Dental Smile Clinic, today.


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Eating for two

When you are pregnant it's important not just to eat more than you have been eating previously but also that you are eating the right types of food to make sure that you and the baby stay healthy. Having a healthy diet and not eating the wrong foods can help to keep you feeling comfortable and happy throughout your pregnancy and ensure the best outcomes for you and the baby. This blog has some nutrition advice from parents and health professionals so that you can have a healthy diet throughout you pregnancy journey and includes details on where to get specific advice if you need more help.