The rise of cosmetic dentistry
Print Edition
I have been working since 2012 for a large international practice that has been providing dental care for expatriates in Shanghai for almost 15 years. It has grown from a single office in the 1990s to six locations today.
The increased focus on keeping a youthful appearance has made cosmetic dentistry more popular than ever. Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options for people seeking to enhance their smile. The options range from tooth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers and crowns to braces.
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to improve your smile. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
The growing possibilities, especially with composite-resin (tooth-colored) fillings, have changed the way we treat certain dental problems today. Only a few decades ago people who had a minor problem with a tooth had to have a dental crown prepared. While crowns are still frequently used, it is now possible to repair minor imperfections, such as chips or fractured teeth with a composite resin that is not only very strong but can be color matched to the surrounding teeth.
Sometimes the demands for cosmetic changes in the mouth are too extensive for composite-resin fillings. This is when crowns or porcelain veneers may be used. They can alter shape, color, size and position or any combination of these factors. Treating teeth with crowns or porcelain veneers may require several visits.
In some cases it may be necessary to consider orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic braces correct the position of one or more teeth to obtain a better smile. In the past, mainly children used braces. Nowadays, it is becoming more accepted for adults to wear braces. Orthodontic treatment with less visible methods using clear ceramic brackets or the Invisalign system are becoming more and more popular.
Dr Abraham van der Velden is from DDS Dental Care in Shanghai.
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