What is cosmetic dentistry?

Looking to improve your smile? Got cracked, crooked, missing or discoloured teeth? From veneers to Invisalign, learn what is cosmetic dentistry here.

Are you looking to improve your smile? Have you got cracked, crooked, missing or discoloured teeth? From porcelain veneers to Invisalign, learn what is cosmetic dentistry and how you can benefit from a smile makeover below.

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, particular within the 20’s – 30’s demographic. It provides an opportunity to improve your teeth and smile through various methods. While cosmetic dentistry can be heavy on the pocket (we discuss the different methods and costs later), it can completely transform your smile, making you feel confident in your teeth.

In more complex cases, you may need to seek out a specialist. However, speaking to your trusted dentist will help you understand more.

So, What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry, also known as aesthetic dentistry, is a series of treatments which can help to improve the appearance of your smile. Aside from the functional benefits, this can also have a massive impact on your self-image to restore your confidence. Having strong teeth and a beautiful smile is essential for many reasons.

Not only will a damaged, chipped, discoloured or decaying smile affect your oral health, but it will affect your self-confidence and how others perceive you. This is because a smile is often the first thing that people notice.

Some of the procedures included in cosmetic dentistry include:

Teeth Straightening – from ceramic braces to invisalign, straightening your teeth can completely reshape your smile. Invisalign are clear aligners which are a fantastic and more recent orthodontal solution. They are a transparent, plastic form of dental braces used to straighten teeth and usually cost between $6,000 – $9,000 AUD.
Teeth whitening – the process of whitening discoloured teeth through a fast and safe tooth bleaching process. According to the Australian Lending Centre, this costs approximately $600 – $1,200 AUD and is much more effective than at-home whitening kits or teeth whitening which is offered at some beauty salons. Dental level whitening can be up to 5 x more effective and longer lasting than alternative, cheaper methods of whitening.
Gum reshaping – Those who are unsure what is cosmetic dentistry have often never heard of gum reshaping, otherwise known as gum contouring. This involves reshaping and removing excess gum tissue around your teeth to remove the presence of a ‘gummy smile’. A gummy smile is identified as the appearance of too much gum above the top of someone’s teeth.
Gum bleaching – this helps to recolour gums which have been affected due to inconsistent melanin levels, long term effects of taking certain medications or bad hygeine.
Porcelain veneers – veneers are a very thin, strong shell of porcelain which covers your teeth to make your once crooked, chipped, discoloured or missing teeth beautiful. According to Paramount Dental Sydney, this costs approximately $1,800 AUD per tooth.

Dental bridges – two or more crowns are bonded together in order to replace missing teeth and fill a space where one or more teeth have been lost.
Dental crowns – crowns are a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over your tooth, completely covering it to hide issues such as lost fillings, cracked teeth and root canals.
Dental implants – if you are missing a tooth, a small titanium rod can be inserted into the jaw bone to act as an artificial base to a porcelain tooth designed to look and feel like a real tooth.
Dental bonding – this is a versatile and cheap alternative to porcelain veneers. Dental bonding is a material which can fill gaps from cracked or missing teeth and help to recolour stains.
Dentures – this is a replaceable device containing artificial teeth and gums which is created to replace missing teeth and support the structures around your cheeks and lips.

Who Can Benefit from Cosmetic Procedures?

If you are wondering what is cosmetic dentistry and whether you can benefit from it, then these stats might interest you. In 2019, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) took a sample from 363 dental professionals in relation to cosmetic dental patients and here are some of the key findings:

96% of patients who undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures are female.
86 percent of cosmetic dental patients wanted to improve their appearance
Almost 50% of cosmetic dental patients hope to look and feel younger
Just over 50% of patients have cosmetic dental work in preparation for an event such as a wedding
In 2017, 50% of patients spent $7,000 AUD or more on cosmetic dentistry in the year.
While some patients paid up front for their treatments, many paid via third party finance.
Teeth whitening has become less popular in recent times since the increase in home whitening kits and the lower prices offered at some beauty salons.

When considering what is cosmetic dentistry and what are the most popular treatments, according to Bunker Hill Dentistry, in 2017, dental bonding accounted for 43% of all cosmetic dental treatments. crowns & bridges accounted for 31% and veneers accounted for 8%.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) also posted a report in 2015 stating that tooth decay is the most common oral health problem facing Australians, with 90% of tooth loss being attributed to this. Also, according to the report, 25% of Austrlians are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth. Even more shockingly, 19% of adults aged 65 and above had none of their natural teeth remaining.

Why You Should Choose Cosmetic Dentistry

Some of the most common reasons that people pay for cosmetic dentistry are:

Teeth crowding
Tooth discolouration
Gappy teeth

Most of the time, people tend to opt for dental veneers due to the fact that they can correct all cosmetic issues listed above. Whenever proceeding with a complicated dental procedure it is important to prioritise quality over price and seek out a trusted and highly qualified dentist. Finding a dentist with a specific focus on cosmetic procedures will ensure that you receive the best looking and safest results.

How To Finance Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are dealing with issues with your teeth and wondering what is cosmetic dentistry, it is worth doing your research. If finances are an issue then third party financing is a very popular way to pay for treatment (as discussed above), however if you have a bad credit score then it can be difficult being approved for funding.

Clean Credit can help to repair your credit score so that you can get a good rate on a loan to help you to afford your cosmetic treatment.

What You Need to Know Before Your Treatment

Before you begin your chosen procedure, you will need to have your mouth thoroughly checked. This way, you can:

Work out a plan that suits you
First treat any underlying issues
Find out what is causing the unsatisfactory appearance of your smile
Talk and be advised about your treatment options

You need to identify what is most important to you. Before you see your dentist, you will need to consider:

If you need dental finance
What you like about the appearance of your teeth
What you don’t like about your teeth
Any symptoms such as pain or difficulty eating
Other treatment you’ve had
How much effort you will put in to improve your smile in the future
How much time and money you can invest in your smile
How much of your procedure a personal loan can cover
Whether you are willing to change your diet in order to get the best results and keep them

It is always a good idea to write down your thoughts so that you don’t forget anything. With the tips above, you can be 100% prepared for your dental procedure when the time comes.