COSMETIC DENTISTRY
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field that aims to improve the appearance of teeth, mouth, and smile. It includes various procedures such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers, aesthetic crowns and bridges, and teeth whitening. These procedures are designed to treat common cosmetic dental issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, missing teeth, and discoloured or stained teeth.
Many people choose cosmetic dentistry in addition to enhancing their oral health to feel more confident and present themselves more favourably in social and professional contexts.
At Westgate Dental Centre, we provide a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry in Maple Ridge, make sure to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Maple Ridge Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a painless procedure that involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the surface of a tooth and hardening it with a special light. The material is carefully matched to the tooth’s colour to look natural and blend in with the surrounding teeth. The resin is applied in a putty-like consistency and can be moulded to the desired shape before it is hardened.
The tooth bonding procedure is typically done in one dental visit and can be used to:
- Repair tooth decay
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Close spaces between teeth
- Treatments to amalgam fillings
- Improve the appearance of discoloured teeth
- Protect a portion of the tooth’s root exposed when gums recede or gum disease to prevent laser gum surgery.
Dental bonding is an affordable and quick way to enhance the appearance of the teeth. It can be a good choice for people not candidates for veneers or other more extensive cosmetic dental procedures.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells over your teeth’ front surface. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry option because they can effectively address various dental issues, including stained, misshapen, or crooked teeth.
Compared to composite resin veneers (also known as white fillings), porcelain veneers are more durable and resistant to staining. They are also known for maintaining their colour over time, so you can enjoy a bright, natural-looking smile for years to come.
Veneers are used to treat a variety of common cosmetic dental problems, including:
- worn or chipped teeth
- misshapen or crooked teeth
- stains that cannot be removed by bleaching
- a large gap uneven or spaces between the upper front teeth.
If you’re considering veneers as a cosmetic dentistry option, it’s important to understand that the process can differ depending on the type of veneers you choose. Porcelain veneers take two or more dental visits to complete, while composite resin veneers can often be completed in a single visit.
Despite the longer treatment time, many people choose porcelain veneers because of their durability and natural-looking appearance. They are also known for resisting staining and maintaining their colour over time.
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile without undergoing more invasive procedures. Let our experienced team help you determine the correct option for you based on your needs and goals.
Aesthetic Crowns/Bridges
At Westgate Dental Centre, we specialize in creating beautiful and long-lasting restorations for our patients using the latest materials for tooth replacement procedures. Our team carefully selects the most appropriate materials to ensure the health and longevity of your gums and teeth, giving you a stunning smile you’ll be proud to show off.
There are several situations where a dental crown may be necessary.
- A crown can prevent potential fractures or future damage if a large part of a tooth’s midriff is missing.
- In cases where a tooth has suffered a fracture or breakage, dental crowns can reinforce the tooth structure during chewing and biting. When a tooth breaks beneath the jawline due to neglect and overuse, it may be beyond repair and need to be extracted.
- Additionally, if the tooth’s cusp is missing, a dental crown may be the only suitable option since a filling is typically insufficient.
At Westgate Dental Centre, we understand the importance of restoring your natural teeth’s function, and that’s why we offer aesthetic crowns and bridges to help you achieve a beautiful and functional smile. Whether you need a crown for a damaged tooth or a bridge to replace missing teeth, our team can help you find the right solution for your unique needs.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthy and beautiful smile.
Teeth Whitening
Westgate Dental Centre offers aesthetic dentistry with a range of bleaching techniques and products to help our patients achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Our cosmetic dentists specialize in two methods of teeth whitening:
- Vital bleaching is a procedure that targets stains on “living” teeth caused by food, tobacco, or aging. This method is incredibly effective and can leave your teeth looking noticeably whiter in just one treatment.
- Non-vital bleaching is a teeth whitening procedure that targets teeth that have undergone a root canal and are no longer “alive.” Over time, these teeth can darken due to the absence of blood flow. Non-vital bleaching can help to restore their natural color, giving you a more youthful-looking smile.
At Westgate Dental Centre, we believe that tooth bleaching should always be performed under the careful supervision of a cosmetic dentist. When done in a dental office setting, tooth bleaching is considered safe and effective, with minimal risk of damage to your teeth and gums.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and convenient way to brighten your smile, contact Westgate Dental Centre today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experienced cosmetic dentists can help you choose the right whitening method for your unique needs and goals so that you can enjoy a beautiful, confident smile.
BOTOX
At Westgate Dental Centre, we are proud to offer Dental Botox Treatment as part of our comprehensive aesthetic dentistry services. Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that has been used for years to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but it also has several dental applications.
Dental Botox is a non-surgical treatment that can help manage various dental and oral health conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), bruxism (teeth grinding), and chronic headaches. By injecting Botox into the muscles responsible for these conditions, we can help to reduce pain and discomfort, improve jaw movement, and alleviate tension headaches.
In addition to its therapeutic applications, Dental Botox can also be used for aesthetic purposes. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles form around the mouth and chin. Dental Botox can soften the appearance of these lines, giving you a more youthful, radiant smile.
At Westgate Dental Centre, our experienced cosmetic dentists are trained in the art and science of Dental Botox Treatment. We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure our patients receive safe, effective treatment tailored to their unique needs and goals.
BOTOX Treatment
At Westgate Dental Centre, our dentists are highly skilled in providing safe and effective Dental Botox treatments. The procedure typically begins with thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the ideal location for the injections.
Once the injection sites have been identified, our dentist will clean the area and apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Using a fine needle, our dentist will carefully inject a small amount of Botox into the targeted muscles. The entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
After the injection, our dentist may provide post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding touching the treated area, refraining from strenuous physical activity for a few hours, and avoiding alcohol consumption for the rest of the day.
The effects of Dental Botox can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Our dentists may recommend repeating treatments to maintain the desired results.
Overall, Dental Botox is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can help manage various dental and oral health conditions and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and chin. If you’re interested in exploring Dental Botox as a treatment option, our dentists at Westgate Dental Centre are here to help.
Benefits of BOTOX
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and chin
- Alleviates jaw pain and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Relieves muscle tension and headaches caused by teeth grinding and clenching
- Reduces excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the mouth and face
- Improves the appearance of a “gummy” smile by relaxing the muscles that control lip movement
- Can be a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical treatments for some conditions
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments at Westgate Dental Centre
At Westgate Dental Centre, we aim to help you attain and sustain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile makeover. We understand that not everyone looks forward to visiting the dentist. Rest assured that your comfort is our highest priority when you walk through our doors.
Our experienced cosmetic dentists will collaborate with you to identify the ideal cosmetic dental services to meet your unique needs and create a personalized payment plan that fits your budget.
As a leading provider of cosmetic dentistry services in Maple Ridge and surrounding areas, we urge you to schedule your next appointment with us. Don’t wait until you have a dental emergency. Instead, proactively safeguard your smile by booking an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the overall aesthetic appearance of teeth. In comparison, general dentistry is concerned with preventing and treating oral disease. Knowing the distinction between the two can assist you in determining which dental service or dentist is fit for you.
Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and bites. It includes a range of procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments such as metal braces and clear aligners. Cosmetic dentists aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a person’s smile and boost their self-confidence.
No, cosmetic dentistry procedures should not damage your natural teeth when performed correctly by a qualified dentist. Some cosmetic procedures, such as dental bonding and veneers, can even strengthen and protect your natural teeth by covering cracks, chips, and other imperfections.
Artificial tooth roots, or dental implants, are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for replacing missing teeth. The implant is a titanium screw surgically placed in the jawbone and acts as a replacement root for the missing tooth. Once the implant is in place, a prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
Yes, it is possible to treat gingivitis with natural remedies such as oil pulling and salt water rinses. These remedies can help kill bad bacteria and promote healing of the gums. Additionally, a salt water rinse can also be helpful after gum surgery, including minimally invasive procedures for treating gingivitis. But still, the suitable option is to consult a dental professional to check your condition.
The best way to determine which cosmetic dental treatment is right for you is by scheduling a dental consultation with a cosmetic dentist. They will examine your teeth, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on your needs and budget.
Poor oral health can be a barrier to cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth whitening. However, addressing any underlying oral health issues, such as gum disease or cavities, can improve the success of cosmetic procedures and ensure the longevity of your results.
Teeth whitening treatments performed by a qualified dentist are generally safe and effective. However, some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure. Overusing at-home whitening kits can also lead to enamel erosion and gum irritation, which is why it’s essential to consult a dentist before beginning any whitening treatment.
