The Five Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry may seem multi-faceted and complicated, but in fact all procedures fall into five neat categories.

Cosmetic dentistry is professional oral care that improves the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. And while cosmetic dentistry procedures are normally thought of as “elective treatments,” in many cases they go far beyond that – actually providing restorative and dental health benefits as well as improving appearance.

At Bondi Dental our cosmetic dentistry procedure range from some that are surprisingly quick and simple to some that involve specialized procedures and equipment.

To help you understand cosmetic dentistry better, we group our treatments into five general groups.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings. Unlike some treatments, which fully take place in your dentist’s office, inlays and onlays are manufactured in dental laboratories. Inlays are normally used in cases of mild to moderate decay or if insufficient tooth remains to support a filling.

If there is no damage to tooth cusps (the little “hills” on the top of teeth, in non-scientific terms), an inlay is placed directly on top of the tooth surface. If, however, the cusps or a substantial portion of the tooth are damaged an onlay is placed to go over the tooth’s entire surface.

Inlays and onlays are constructed, in dental laboratories, from a composite resin material and are then fixed to teeth with adhesive dental cement. Because inlays and onlays provide support to strengthen teeth, restore their shape, and prevent further tooth decay or deterioration, they are cosmetic, restorative, and preventive!

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are normally constructed from medical-grade ceramic, and individually created for each patient to ensure that they resemble the patient’s natural teeth. Veneers are often indistinguishable from real (and attractive!) teeth and are used for many cosmetic problems, including crooked teeth, damaged or cracked enamel, and unsightly gaps between teeth.

Veneers are applied to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is the repair of decayed, damaged or aesthetically unpleasing teeth using materials that are close fits to the color of your natural tooth enamel. Your dentist removes tooth decay and applies composite onto the tooth’s surface. Then, your dentist “carves” the composite into a pleasant and functional shape and cures it with high-intensity light.

The name of this process is often shortened to “bonding” but, whatever the name, the process effectively covers tooth damage while restoring the appearance of the original tooth – often, bonding even improves the look of the original tooth or teeth!

Compared to many other cosmetic procedures, bonding is inexpensive, making it an economical and effective treatment for patients with decay, chipped or cracked teeth, or worn-down tooth edges.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and best-known cosmetic dentistry procedures. Teeth whitening is recommended when teeth become stained and worn due to the effects of some foods, drinks, medications, and personal habits including tobacco use.

Professional teeth whitening or teeth bleaching takes place in your dentist’s office, after your dentist first ensures that no plaque, tartar, or other debris are present. Teeth can be bleached to shades that are even lighter than those of the original teeth!

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace teeth if they are lost due to accident, extraction, or other dental issues. Your dentist places a small titanium screw into the jaw where the missing tooth used to be. The screw, after bonding to the bone, becomes support for a crown. Once the crown is placed on the screw, implants fit in perfectly with their surrounding natural teeth. Because the jaw’s bone and supporting tissues fuse to the implant, implants are permanently secured into place.

However, during the screw placement period patients need to be particularly attendant to their dental hygiene. Food debris and plaque must not be allowed to accumulate in the area of the implant!

The Bondi Dental Advantage

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s critical to find a cosmetic dentist Bondi beach who offers the treatment you need. Visit Bondi Dental to discuss cosmetic, preventative, or restorative dentistry!

FREE Cosmetic Consultation

• Dental Implants
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Smile Make-over

Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.