Cosmetic dentist

Description of specialty

Cosmetic dentistry improves our smile by dealing with the positioning of teeth, their shape, colour and convexity. It is a field that uses knowledge and tools from several dental disciplines, from conservative dentistry, through ortho­don­tics, to prosthetics and implantology. The final effects of cos­me­tic treatments usually involve the work of a whole team of doctors of various specialties.

As a beautiful smile is not just about appearances but also about oral health, any cosmetic treatments should be preceded by a consultation with a dentist. A specialist will assess your needs and perform detailed diagnostics.

• If you don’t like your smile for any reason and want to improve it – cosmetic dentistry offers many options, such as teeth whitening (in the office or at home), crowns, veneers or porcelain onlays.
• If you have stains on your teeth from medications – some medications, such as inhalators for asthmatics, leave dark brown or brown stains on the teeth, resistant to cleaning with professional methods, you can consider a whitening treatment, veneers or prosthetic crowns in the same shape and colour as our natural teeth.
• If you have had orthodontic treatment and:

1. your teeth are still not ideal – the shape and distances between the teeth can be corrected with porcelain veneers or crowns, and the space between the posterior teeth can be closed thanks to aesthetic onlays;
2. you have lighter stains or white spots on the front teeth – this problem is due to improper oral hygiene, but it can be eliminated non-invasively with ICON.

• If your tooth has darkened after root canal treatment – you can whiten it from the outside and restore its natural shade after just a few treatments.
• If you want to whiten your teeth for any other reason and professional cleaning does not work.
• If you are planning prosthetic procedures (crowns, bridges etc.) – you might consider porcelain veneers to even out the colour of the crown and the remaining teeth.
• If your tooth is broken or damaged – it is not always possible to recreate its shape and colour using traditional fillings. Porcelain veneers, recommended especially for front teeth, provide a more durable effect.
• If you need to replace large fillings – similar to a damaged or broken tooth, it may be necessary to additionally strengthen it with a veneer, onlay or a crown.

Cosmetic dentistry at enel-med

At enel-med dental offices, we offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry services.

Learn more about what we offer:
Consultations with doctors of all specialties

Cosmetic treatments often require prior preparation. Before starting them, a specialist may recommend endodontic treatment, caries removal, orthodontic or tooth cleaning procedures. At enel-med, the entire process is supervised by an experienced team of doctors of various specialties.

• Complete diagnostics

Each cosmetic treatment should be preceded by a consultation with a specialist. During this visit, the dentist carries out detailed diagnostics and performs tests, e.g. X-rays, planning based on plaster models, imitating the patient’s teeth, and facial arch measurements. Only on the basis of the tests is the full treatment schedule determined.

• Composite fillings

Composite fillings used in the treatment of caries are made of highly aesthetic and durable materials. Their colours can be adapted to the natural colour of the teeth, especially in the anterior region.

Fillings are also used to make composite veneers. They help to shorten the process of applying veneers, make it possible to make minor adjustments to the shape of the tooth and improve its colour.

• Veneers, crowns and bridges

These are aesthetic and durable fillings made of the highest quality composite, porcelain or ceramics. The doctor selects them depending on the patient’s health and aesthetic needs, as well as the condition of their teeth: the degree of damage to the crown, the colour of stains, etc.

• Internal whitening

Internal whitening is used only on teeth that have darkened after endodontic (root canal) treatment.

The whitening treatment consists of applying a whitening gel to the inside of the tooth followed by a tight dressing. This action is repeated regularly every 4-7 days, at least twice, until the desired tooth colour is obtained. At the last visit, the final filling with composite material is made.

GOOD TO KNOW: The internal whitening method can only be used for teeth that have had proper root canal treatment.

• External whitening

External whitening is used only for natural teeth. It consists of applying of a whitening gel to the tooth enamel. This process takes place in two ways:

1. self-application of the gel using a splint: a transparent mould, made on the basis of the patient’s tooth impression (at-home whitening);
2. application of the gel with a higher concentration by the dentist (after protecting the gums) or activating it with a special lamp or laser (in-office whitening).

At-home whitening takes about a week and is closely supervised by the attending physician. In-office whitening requires 3 or 4 changes of the applied layer of gel.

After the whitening procedure, the patient is asked to follow a so-called white diet. Food and drinks causing discolouration should be eliminated from the menu for at least a week. It may be necessary to replace the old fillings with lighter ones, to better match our whitened teeth. Composite fillings do not brighten under the influence of the gel, like natural teeth.

The tooth whitening treatment may cause temporary tooth hypersensitivity, lasting about 3-4 days. During this time, standard painkillers can be taken to eliminate any discomfort.

GOOD TO KNOW: The first whitening treatment should absolutely be preceded by a dental cleaning procedure performed at the dentist’s office.

• Onlays

Onlays are the most aesthetic and durable form of filling. They are made in a laboratory, based on an impression from the patient’s jaw. Permanently pasted in one piece, like a missing puzzle. Onlays are fitted on worn or broken parts of the tooth and strengthen the rest of the tooth. This is important especially in the case of a significant tooth fracture or extensive carious cavity.

Tooth reconstruction with onlays allows for thorough anatomical profiling of the treated area. It also gives great options when it comes to colour: you can consolidate the shade of all the fillings.

FAQ

How to prepare for the first visit?

1. Think about what you want to change in your smile: what is bothering you, is it the shape of your teeth, do they need to be lightened, or perhaps positioned more evenly in the arch? Bring a smiling photo of a person whose teeth you like to your appointment – it will help determine your aesthetic needs.
2. Write down your expectations and questions– the doctor will explain everything to you.
3. Bring with you any prosthetics you use (removable dentures, relaxation splints, anti-snoring devices) -this will help the doctor determine what is convenient for you.
4. Be prepared for possible diagnostics: panoramic X-ray, impressions – sometimes treatment planning requires additional examinations, plaster diagnostic models or consultations with another specialist.
5. Bring your test results with you – panoramic X-ray, tomograph, even if they were done years ago.

What are the benefits of cosmetic treatments?

• Your dream smile: thanks to the work of a whole team of specialists who follow your treatment plan step by step.
• Self-esteem: you will never be embarrassed about your teeth again.
• Health: We also take your health needs into account when we create the cosmetic treatment plan.
• An individual plan of diagnostics and treatment, which you will receive along with the cost estimate during the consultation visit.

Consequences of non-treatment:

• health problems: unsightly spots and stains may indicate caries, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications;
• everyday discomfort;
• lower self-esteem.

GOOD TO KNOW: Don’t wait! The sooner you start treatment, the fewer treatments you will require. This will not only affect your comfort, but also the cost of treatment.