Oral health is a bit of a sensitive subject for most people. Everyone aspires to have a perfect smile, and yellowed, chipped or crooked teeth could make one lose confidence. If chipped/broken teeth are left untreated, it could also result in several oral health issues.
Fortunately, the advent of technology has made cosmetic dentistry affordable and efficient. Complicated procedures such as dental implants, fillings, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening have become widespread and easily accessible. It has become easier to manage dental implants compared to traditional dentures due to innovative technological advancements.
Cosmetic dentistry has been pivotal in helping entire populaces regain their confidence and smile. Australians have started to embrace the field of cosmetic dentistry due to various factors.
Need of Cosmetic Dentistry in Australia?
A steady rise in purchasing power and demand has resulted in cosmetic dentistry becoming a major trend. This is evident in the metropolitan regions of Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. Another factor contributing to this rising popularity is the ageing Australian population. Research has indicated a link between population demographics and the rise of cosmetic dentistry.
Periodontal disease and dental caries are common problems amongst the elderly and could lead to the loss of teeth. Hence, the older generation has started to rely on technology to uplift their oral health and appearance. It is pertinent to understand the different procedures under cosmetic dentistry and their benefits.
Porcelain Veneers
A dental veneer, also called a porcelain veneer, is a thin, tooth-coloured shell that covers the front surface of the teeth. They enhance the appearance of the teeth by giving them a shine. They are custom-designed to fit the person using them. These veneers are bonded to the teeth and change their shape, size and colour. These veneers are commonly made from materials like porcelain (hence the name) or resin. Porcelain veneers are considered the ideal standard in modern cosmetic dentistry.
These structures are attractive, strong and durable. Dental veneers help resolve various oral health issues. These include –
- Teeth that are discoloured due to excessive fluoride, large fillings or root canal treatment
- Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
- Gaps/space between teeth
These veneers also have several advantages over other procedures. The reduction of teeth is much lesser than in dental crowns. Porcelain is a stain-resistant material and provides a natural tooth-like appearance. When the procedure is performed meticulously, the veneers can last for several years. Thus one may fix physical and aesthetic problems by opting for this solution.
Teeth Whitening
This procedure is also known as cosmetic tooth bleaching. Ageing, smoking and consuming stain-causing foods can lead to teeth discolouration. Yellowed teeth could dent self-confidence and cause embarrassment and a host of other psychological issues. Hence, it should come as no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.
Teeth whitening procedures utilise hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When these substances break down, they release oxygen. Oxygen plays an important role in lightening discoloured teeth. Teeth whitening can be performed both at home and at a cosmetic surgeon’s office. Both of these procedures have their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Dental Bridges
As the name suggests, this procedure bridges the gap between two teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more dental crowns. This procedure has several benefits such as –
- Restoring the ability to chew and speak properly
- Maintaining facial structure
- Preventing other teeth from shifting their position
For further information about cosmetic dentistry in Australia, click here.