08 Oct 2024
Visit cosmetic dentists in London to discover the root cause of what’s holding you back from smiling freely. Take a look at the blog to learn about the key procedures in cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve your quality of life and aesthetics by giving you a confident and beautiful smile. The emergence of various cosmetic dentistry procedures, empowered by modern technology, has revolutionised smiles worldwide. If you’re looking to enhance your appearance and meet your aesthetic goals within an affordable budget, cosmetic dentistry is undoubtedly the right choice for you!
However, it’s important to remember that there’s no "one size fits all" approach in cosmetic dentistry. That’s why it’s essential to choose an expert dentist to receive a personalised treatment plan for your dental needs.
Even if the shape of your teeth is in good condition, you may not be satisfied with their colour. Lifestyle habits such as drinking red wine, coffee, smoking, or consuming pigmented foods can cause stains and lead to yellowing over time.
Professional teeth whitening is the best solution in such cases. This non-invasive procedure focuses solely on correcting the colour of your teeth and is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options. You can get teeth whitening done at a dental clinic or at home with a whitening kit.
Professional cosmetic dentists in London offer customised whitening treatments to restore the shine of your teeth and achieve your desired shade. Always consult a dentist before using teeth whitening products, as some can damage your gums and enamel.
Teeth can suffer damage from minor cracks, chips, awkward gaps, or irreversible discolouration. Dental veneers are an ideal solution for these problems. Veneers are thin layers of ceramic or porcelain bonded to the surface of your teeth. They can conceal cosmetic imperfections and protect your teeth from further damage. Veneers can be applied to a single tooth or multiple teeth.
Don’t worry about your appearance—well-fitted veneers offer a completely natural look, customised to match the colour and opacity of your teeth. However, getting veneers is an irreversible procedure, as it involves slightly eroding the tooth surface for better adherence, meaning you can’t return to your natural teeth once they’re fitted.
The process of getting veneers is simple and usually requires just 1 to 2 appointments. If you maintain proper oral hygiene, veneers can last 10 to 15 years.
While dental veneers are a permanent solution, composite bonding is a great option for fixing minor cosmetic flaws. This procedure helps you achieve a uniform smile by correcting chips, reshaping teeth, or filling gaps. It can also cover minor discoloured spots by bonding tooth-coloured resin to the affected surface.
This process involves a single appointment, where the dentist shapes the resin and bonds the material to your teeth. UV light is then used to secure it in place, giving your teeth a natural shine. Composite bonding blends perfectly with your teeth, making it difficult to detect.
However, it’s a temporary solution and can stain over time, just like natural teeth. With proper care, composite bonding can last between 4 to 8 years.
If you have a broken or decayed tooth, dental crowns are an ideal solution. Made from a mixture of metals, ceramics, or porcelain, dental crowns (or caps) restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. Crowns are customised to fit your dental orientation and can be placed on upper or lower teeth depending on the area of damage.
Dental crowns offer a quick solution, protecting your teeth from further injury or decay. You’ll typically need two appointments: the first to take a tooth impression for moulding the crown and provide a temporary crown, and the second to fit the permanent crown. With proper care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, fill gaps caused by missing teeth, giving you a complete smile. They consist of two dental crowns connected by a prosthetic tooth to fill the space. Dental bridges need replacing every 5 to 10 years.
If you’ve had a tooth extraction due to injury or decay, you may be looking for a permanent solution to cover the gap. Dental implants offer an excellent long-term solution! These implants consist of a porcelain or ceramic crown attached to a titanium root.
The dentist inserts the implants directly into your jawbone, which takes several months to fully integrate. Although the treatment process is lengthy, the results are life-changing. Implants restore your ability to speak, chew, and bite normally while providing a natural smile. They also help prevent bone density loss and can last over 20 years.
Many teenagers develop crooked, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth due to lifestyle habits. Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics can adjust tooth alignment and improve your bite. Invisalign braces are a popular orthodontic solution for achieving a straight and uniform smile.
Unlike traditional metal braces, which use fixed wires and brackets, Invisalign features customised, clear plastic aligners. You’ll need to wear these for 20 to 22 hours a day. Since the aligners are removable, they don’t interfere with eating, drinking, or brushing. Although Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces, the benefit is that they’re nearly invisible, allowing you to maintain your aesthetic smile.
The skin and muscles around your mouth are also important for achieving a healthy, straight smile. As we age, the skin develops wrinkles, fine lines, and unwanted folds, losing elasticity. Facial aesthetic treatments, often associated with cosmetic dentistry, focus on tightening the skin to reduce the visible signs of ageing.
This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting dermal fillers or muscle relaxants beneath the facial skin to smooth the area. You may experience mild bruising or discomfort during healing, but most cosmetic dentists use numbing creams for a more comfortable experience. The results can last up to 4 to 6 months.
You should self-assess to determine if you need a cosmetic dentist. Here’s a list of criteria to help you decide:
If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, it’s time to visit a private cosmetic dentist in London.
Here’s how to locate cosmetic dentists in London:
After collecting contact details, compare and shortlist the dentists that best suit your needs:
Once you’ve found a suitable dentist, schedule a consultation to discuss your dental concerns.
Dental problems can prevent us from smiling confidently and enjoying life to the fullest. Contact top cosmetic dentists in London at our Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic to achieve a beautiful, confident smile with the best solutions for your dental health.