Bleaching/Whitening
This is the least invasive cosmetic treatment. It does not remove any tooth structure. It involves wearing bleaching trays which hold the bleaching gel in close proximity to the teeth. This changes the colour of the teeth from within. This procedure does not change the colour of any crowns, bridges or dentures.
Contouring
This involves reshaping the natural teeth. It may involve recontouring tips or edges of teeth that have chipped or worn away abnormally. It does involve removing some tooth structure.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of either porcelain or composite white fillings. Veneers are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of the front teeth, just like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneers are used to treat discoloured teeth which could not be treated by whitening.
They are also used in closing gaps between front teeth or repairing chips or cracks. Porcelain veneers are made in the laboratory and give excellent cosmetic results. Composite veneers can be made directly in the mouth or indirectly (like a porcelain veneer) in the laboratory.
Composite White Fillings
For more than 150 years, standard fillings have been made out of a silver-grey material called amalgam. This is considered one of the strongest and longest lasting materials for fillings. However many people find it unattractive and some are concerned about possible health risks. Changing an old dark filling to a white one will make it less noticeable as the filling can be matched to the colour of the natural tooth. White fillings can also be bonded to teeth to close gaps, to rebuild chipped edges or tips and also change colours of teeth (as a composite veneer).
Crowns
When a tooth is badly broken or heavily filled, a crown or a “cap” is the best way to restore the appearance and strength of the compromised tooth. The crowns are made of porcelain in the laboratory. The colour of the porcelain is matched with a shade guide to try match the colour of the natural tooth.
Cosmetically restoring a gap between teeth
If a tooth is missing or needs extracting, there are several ways to fill the gap left. In some cases, it is important to replace the missing teeth to balance the way the jaw bites. If several teeth are missing, the remaining teeth are under more pressure leading to potential broken fillings and jaw problems.
A partial denture is the simplest way to replace missing teeth. However, some people find dentures uncomfortable and will look for alternatives like bridges or implants.
Bridges are ideal for patients who do not like dentures and only have a few teeth missing. Bridges are usually made by putting a crown on the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a false crown in the middle. The bridge is cemented permanently and cannot be removed. If cases are suitable, adhesive bridges are another way of bridging the space . These are made of a false crown with a metal wing which is cemented on one of the teeth next to the gap.
Implants are an alternative to dentures and bridges. They are a permanent option utilising titanium implants which are surgically placed in the jaw bone and act as anchors for fastening crowns and bridges.