Cosmetic dentistry has been described as the field of dentistry dedicated to “the art and science of enhancing a person’s overall appearance and oral health” and aims to produce a natural, confident smile. There is a harmony between your overall appearance, your lips, gums, and teeth that can enhance your quality of life, self-confidence and the way others see you.

A wide range of recognised modern dental techniques is used in cosmetic dentistry. As every individual is unique, Dr Turner needs to plan a course of treatment carefully to ensure optimum results. Sometimes the treatment needed to obtain the desired results can be simple and straightforward or it can be quite complex.

Planning cosmetic dentistry involves in-depth discussion between you and Dr Turner, to agree on the result that you are hoping to achieve. For some, this may be the “Hollywood Perfect Smile”. Others may prefer a smile with slight irregularities an enhanced natural smile. Whatever you are hoping to achieve, Dr Turner will need to look at your teeth, check your gums and “bite”, take x-rays and impressions of your teeth, and take photographs.

Next, teeth sizes are measured and calculations made about the ideal length and width of the teeth in your new smile. Width to length proportions are considered key to obtaining the correct balanced appearance. For example, a pleasing ratio for upper front teeth (central incisors) is a proportion of between 0.75 to 0.85:1 width to length. When viewed from the front, the next set of teeth (lateral incisors) are narrower. Here the ideal ratio is considered to be between 1 and 1.6:1 of the central incisor width the so called “golden proportion”. In the same way, the ideal widths and lengths of the canine and premolar teeth also need calculating and including in the overall plan.

Another consideration is the amount of tooth which shows below the gum as this may be irregular. If necessary by using plastic surgery techniques, your gums can be reshaped and teeth lengthened to match the chosen smile design. In addition, irregular and spaced teeth can be rebuilt to the desired shape and function using a combination of veneers, crowns, bridges and implants, adult orthodontics and tooth whitening. These techniques are described here:

White fillings can be used to reshape teeth when simple restorations are required. They usually involve minimal or no drilling of the teeth.

Reshaping upper central incisors using white fillings

Before and after laboratory made white fillings in posterior teeth

Veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain fitted over the front surface of the tooth to change its shape and colour as well as to close small gaps between the teeth. Some tooth preparation (drilling) is required. Both upper and lower teeth can be veneered. Best results are often achieved by veneering a number of teeth as part of the overall smile makeover.

Tooth irregularity corrected by simple veneers on 4 upper front teeth

Worn palatal (inside) upper teeth caused by excessive consumption of sugary drinks. Treated by a combination of palatal veneers and white filling build ups.

Multiple veneers before, during with prototypes made to diagnostic plan. Final result after treatment, 10 veneers (upper right premolar to upper left 2nd premolar).

Crowns fit over shaped down teeth and are made to match original tooth shape and colour. They are made of porcelain or porcelain fused to gold where increased strength is required.

Crowns, upper canines and incisors. Implants to replace missing right premolars ready for crown fitting.

Bridges are a method of replacing lost teeth by using crowns on either side of the gap, or “wings”, and are fixed in place on the adjacent teeth.

Smile improvement by removal of upper lateral incissors and replacement with tooth coloured Maryland bridges.

Implants are titanium screws (fixtures) placed into the jawbone which they then become joined to by a process called osseointegration. The whole process takes 4-6 months after fixture placement after which the crown(s) or bridge can be fitted.

Tooth Whitening or bleaching is a process used to help provide you with a more attractive and confident smile and can use one of two techniques. The first involves applying a tooth whitening gel, which is placed in a tray made specially to fit your teeth. This is worn at night until the desired level of whitening is achieved normally within 14-28 days. The alternative method employs a stronger whitening gel applied directly to your teeth in the dental surgery and “activated” using a special light. This is a much faster process and results are normally achieved within an hour or so.

In both cases your teeth may become sensitive during the whitening process, more especially so with the more rapid method. This is usually short lasting. Existing fillings in any of the bleached teeth will not be whitened and may need replacing to achieve a good colour match.

The future of Cosmetic Dentistry

More patients are looking to enhance their personal image. A happy, confident smile is an important factor in how other people see you.Dr Turner can help you improve your smile. Contact Cotswold Dental Specialists for a consultation with him.