Dentistry is essentially divided into two complementary fields, dental health and cosmetic dentistry. The easiest way of finding out which field a type of dental practice would fit under would be to consider whether it would be paid for by the state, thus, whether it is deemed to be essential or non-essential work.
Anything that doesn't have a direct and clear health benefit would normally be considered cosmetic. For example, teeth whitening has no direct medical benefit.
Traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene first and foremost in preventing problems before they occur, secondly, diagnosing dental problems and thirdly, treating oral disease. In contrast, cosmetic dentistry concentrates on enhancing the appearance of an individual's teeth, the overall shape of their mouth and their smile.
A Smile Makeover is no Longer Just for Celebs
The smile makeover is now a major part of the beauty industry and there is hardly a celeb left in the media eye who has not been party to it.
A smile makeover uses methods such as dental implants, dental veneers and teeth whitening can now transform a patient's previously reluctant grin into a fully-fledged beaming smile.
Veneers are often used, which are false porcelain teeth, overlaid on the natural teeth (which are often filed down to provide room). It is impossible to tell if a tooth is a veneer or natural enamel.It is a speedy process and can transform a smile in days, which is ideal for a bride to be or a television appearance for example.
The downside of veneers is that they are relatively expensive (prices range according to the amount of work – between £1,000 and £6,000 or $2,000 and $9,000).
A disadvantage of veneers is that they do not genuinely fix dental problems such as crowding, gaps or overbite - it's just a visual fix.
Fixing Broken or Chipped Teeth
Bonding or crowns is now an extremely common method of fixing broken or chipped teeth. It is simply the addition to the tooth of a composite material that in appearance is identical to natural enamel. It is fixed to the surface of the tooth and then shaped and reshaped until it fits perfectly. It is then polished until the join with the natural tooth is no longer visible. Bonding is ideal for a tooth chipped in an accident for example. It is almost impossible to spot a bonded from a natural tooth.
Bonding can also disguise gaps between teeth, stained teeth and crooked teeth. The treatment is carried out in a matter of hours or less and with prices ranging from £150-£200 per tooth or around $300 to $500.
Teeth Whitening Comes in Various Forms and Prices
There are now a huge amount of dentists offering teeth whitening and DIY whitening kits are available in every supermarket or chemist. Patients can choose from various shades of white - some more realistic than others. Teeth are not naturally a bright white in colour. In fact people's teeth are uniquely their own colour - presuming they are not stained or damaged in any way.
People wishing to whiten their teeth at home should be careful to choose a kit that does not damage tooth enamel. Some products may be recommended by the British Dental Health Foundation. Current opinion suggests that the best and safest treatments are available from dentists and orthodontists, although many over the counter products will be weaker than those. Patients should bear in mind that teeth whitening doesn't mean that teeth do not have to be cared for and cleaned.
Teeth Straightening with Invisible Braces
One of the latest advancements in technology has allowed for teeth to be straightened without the use of metal wiring. Clear plastic braces, which are almost invisible to the eye, are now available at affordable prices. These invisible thin plastic trays fit perfectly over a patient's teeth and step by step move the teeth into the correct position. However, they are not suitable for all individuals and those with severe malocclusion. Patients should discuss their dental needs with an orthodontists before making a decision on whether invisible braces are suitable for them.
Clear braces do the job in the same amount of time as metal braces and are also more comfortable in the mouth, especially as they can be taken out for meals.
They are ideal for adults wishing to straighten their teeth but not wanting people to know about it.
There are so many new ways people can enhance their natural smile, so take the time to research and investigate before you make up your mind on how to free your perfect smile.
Sources:
NHS, nhs.uk, "Orthodontics" (accessed March 2, 2010)
Invisalign, Invisalign.com, (accessed March 2, 2010)
British Dental Health Foundation, dentalhealth.org.uk, (accessed March 2, 2010)
British Orthodontic Society, bos.org.uk, "Adult Orthodontics" (accessed March 1, 2010)
BUPA UK, hcd2.bupa.co.uk, (accessed March 1, 2010)
Dermot Bolger - Dermot is a freelance journalist who has worked on various weekly and daily newspapers in England and written for various consumer and ...
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