When you’re searching for a dentist, you’ll likely come across the terms general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Often, clinics will provide both types of dental care, but each type differs widely in terms of the treatments that they involve – and their purpose.
While general dentistry refers to your general dental health care, like check-ups, cleanings and restorative treatments to improve the function of the smile, cosmetic dentistry is all about the appearance of your smile.
Let’s explain what cosmetic dentistry involves in more detail and go over the types of treatments that cosmetic dentists can offer.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Essentially, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile.
Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments that aim to alter the colour, shape, size, or alignment of the teeth. These treatments can involve minor adjustments or more involved procedures, depending on what is needed to achieve the intended result.
Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be performed to address multiple concerns at once, like discolouration, chips, and minor misalignment. When you choose a cosmetic dentist who knows how to take a more comprehensive approach to changing the smile’s appearance, they’ll typically be able to discuss a variety of options with you to meet your needs.
While cosmetic dental treatments aren’t based on functionality, they can still actually contribute to the function of the smile in some ways. For example, strong, porcelain veneers can be highly effective in covering up chips and closing gaps between the teeth, which can make a small improvement to your bite.
At the same time, although the treatments are cosmetic-based, they do still rely on the health of the natural teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentists will often make sure that there are no underlying problems like decay or gum disease before going ahead with any cosmetic work, as the health of the teeth and gums provides the foundation for any cosmetic changes to last.
Common cosmetic dentistry treatments
There are a variety of treatments that fall under cosmetic dentistry, and each works a little differently depending on what it’s aiming to change or improve.
Teeth whitening is a very commonly performed procedure and involves lightening staining and discolouration. It’s usually recommended for people whose enamel has dulled over time due to food, drink, smoking, or general ageing. Whitening is carried out either in the clinic or sometimes with a take-home kit that is designed specifically for the patient’s teeth.
Then there’s veneers, which are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front of the teeth. They are often used to change the colour, shape, size, or even the length of the teeth. Veneers can be made from porcelain or resin-composite materials, and the process usually involves preparing the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel before the veneers are bonded in place.
Similar to veneers, composite bonding is another treatment that involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps. It’s often used for minor repairs where only a small area of the tooth needs adjustment.
Orthodontic treatments like clear aligners can also fall under cosmetic dentistry when the goal is to adjust crooked or spaced teeth for a more even smile. Treatments like Invisalign® are commonly used for this purpose, offering a way to straighten the teeth without the look of traditional braces.
What to expect from cosmetic dental treatments
Cosmetic dentistry procedures can vary widely in terms of how long they take, how invasive they are, and what kind of aftercare is needed.
Some treatments, like teeth whitening or bonding, can be completed quickly, often in just one appointment. Others, like veneers or Invisalign®, usually involve several steps and more planning.
After cosmetic dental work, it’s common to need a little time to adjust, especially if changes were made to the bite or tooth surfaces. Some procedures may involve temporary sensitivity, but this generally improves overtime with an initial aftercare period.
Your dentist will typically provide you with clear aftercare instructions, including how to clean and maintain the new restorations, which helps them last longer and keep looking their best. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, remains important even after cosmetic dental work.
Cost considerations in cosmetic dentistry
The cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments can vary depending on the type of procedure, the materials used, and the amount of work needed.
Treatments like teeth whitening are generally at the lower end of the scale, while more involved procedures like veneers or aligners tend to cost more.
Since cosmetic dentistry is generally considered elective, it’s not usually covered by Medicare or health insurance. Medicare and health insurance can only provide assistance when a treatment is a medical necessity.
Your cosmetic dentist will need to provide you with a detailed quote, after assessing your teeth and discussing the best options for your individual needs.
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist who can offer a tailored approach and understands the importance of balancing aesthetics with the health of the teeth, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with a clinic that has experience across a wide range of cosmetic procedures.
See a cosmetic dentist at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville
Not only do our dentists at Oasis Dental Studio provide a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments, but we also provide treatments in general dentistry and restorative dentistry.
Taking a personalised and comprehensive approach to every treatment, we can offer treatment with teeth whitening (in-chair or take-home), porcelain veneers, composite bonding and Invisalign®.
Visiting the same clinic for all of your dental needs can make the process a lot simpler, as our team can offer holistic advice and consider how each area of dental care you need can influence each other.
To get started on your cosmetic dentistry treatment journey and discuss how your chosen treatment can work for you, please get in touch with our team to book your consultation in the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville!
