Aesthetic Dentistry is an evolving field that helps improve the appearance of your smile. In this article, Dr Parita Shah, a dentist at Denticare Dental Care in Surat, answers some frequently asked questions regarding aesthetic dentistry.

What is aesthetic dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry involves dental treatments that improve the overall appearance of your teeth and smile. Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on improving the general health of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry is a need-based approach, and the treatment options depend on your needs.

Who benefits from cosmetic dental treatment?

Cosmetic dental treatments can benefit individuals who have chipped, cracked, or broken front teeth, minor gaps or spaces between their front teeth, tooth discoloration, stained teeth, crooked teeth, or malaligned or malpositioned teeth.

Are cosmetic dental treatments painful?

No, cosmetic dental treatments are relatively pain-free due to recent advances in technology, modern equipment, sedatives, and local anesthesia.

What are the options for a smile transformation or a smile makeover?

The following are the options for a smile makeover:

• PORCELAIN VENEERS: Thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front surface of your teeth can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks, and discolouration.
• DENTAL BONDING: Direct dental bonding procedures can correct minor flaws in the teeth.
• TEETH WHITENING: Professional chair-side teeth whitening can effectively remove teeth stains and discolouration.
• INVISALIGN /CLEAR ALIGNERS: Virtually invisible clear retainers called aligners are worn ideally for 22 hours/day to straighten or reposition the teeth.

Is cosmetic dentistry safe?

The safety of cosmetic dentistry depends on where the treatment takes place and the patient's existing dental health. At Denticare Dental Care Centre (Surat), a detailed case study of each patient is conducted, and a customized treatment plan is made.

Will dental veneers make my smile unnatural?

Porcelain veneers are thin or ultra-thin, making them look pretty natural. However, bulky or small veneers can protrude out of the teeth in a way that calls attention to themselves. It is always best to seek treatments under a skilled dentist in a full-fledged dental setup.

Are there any side effects to tooth whitening?

Professional tooth whitening may cause transient tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which is temporary and can be monitored by the dentist.

How long does a smile makeover treatment take?

Teeth whitening can usually be completed within 45 minutes to an hour. Porcelain veneers may require around 3-4 visits to the dentist, while tooth bonding or composite veneers can be completed in a single visit. Invisalign treatment may take anywhere between 6-12 months or more depending on your case and should always be done under the guidance of a skilled orthodontist.

Conclusion

Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve your oral health while achieving the perfect smile you have always wanted. Therefore, the purpose of modern dentistry is to have the best possible result with minimum tissue invasion and time, giving the patient a beautiful smile, with long-term predictable results.

Don’t let the concern for pain, stop you from seeking cosmetic dental treatments. Aesthetic dentistry is an emerging field with a wide array of options to choose from, for both patients and clinicians alike.

Dr. Parita Shah

Dr. Parita Shah is a proficient dentist who specializes in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. She takes immense pleasure in enhancing the smiles of her patients and boosting their confidence. After completing her graduation in dentistry, she pursued a fellowship in aesthetic dentistry from NYU, USA. Dr. Parita Shah is associated with Denticare Dental Care Centre, a five-floor multispecialty dental hospital that has been operating successfully for the past 42 years. Situated in the heart of Surat city, the clinic is one of the largest private clinical setups in the country. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and modern equipment, and has a team of skilled doctors representing all specialties.