Cosmetic Dentistry


Cosmetic dentistry in Asia is gaining more popularity.  India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and other Asian countries are offering specialized dental services with quality healthcare. Facilities provided are of international standards and many medical tourists are finding it to be a lot cheaper and find money’s worth and also get to tour around some of the great tourist destinations.  One of the main reasons for cosmetic dentistry to become popular is many people opting for a better look with a great smile.

What is Cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, smile and overall facial look.   Although, the term ‘Cosmetic Dentistry’ is not used much by dentists across the globe, but this segment of dentistry is seeing a huge growth rate.  Many popular personalities, film-stars, artists, socialites have undergone cosmetic dentistry to improve appearance and to have a nice smile.  Although, the American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry, many dentists have focused and specialized in cosmetic dentistry.  This specialty has given many ‘a great look with a great smile’.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options.

There are various options available in cosmetic dentistry and depending on personal requirement and after consulting a dentist, the procedure will be undertaken.  Some of the common cosmetic dentistry options are;

  • Addition of dental material to teeth or gums, such as bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum grafts
  • Removal of tooth structure or gums such as enameloplasty.
  • Teeth whitening (bleaching).
  • Teeth straightening to improve face appearance, such as treatment of orthodontics.

Dental Bonding:
In dental bonding the procedure utilizes a composite resin which is used for a variety of structural as well as cosmetic purposes.  Using dental composite resin bonding chipped or broken teeth can be restored, gaps can be filled up, reshape, recolor to match other teeth and also polished.

Dental Bridges:
In dental bridge, false teeth are created and gap is filled in place of missing tooth (or teeth). Dental bridges are fused between two porcelain crowns holding it that is permanently placed between two healthy teeth. The two crowns holding it in place that is attached onto teeth on each side of the false tooth is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of mouth unlike partial dentures. In areas of mouth that are under less stress, such as front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space.

Veneers:
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. They are an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures. Depending on the procedure, tooth reduction may be necessary.

Gum Lift:
Gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. The procedure involves reshaping the tissue and/or underlying bones to create the appearance of longer or more symmetrical teeth.

Bite Reclamation:
Bite Reclamation procedure is for those with worn out teeth due to grinding or acid reflux that alter teeth vertical dimension giving a closed or shorter look to the face and smile.   Cosmetic dentistry helps in reclaiming vertical dimension and may even remove unwanted wrinkles on teeth as well.

Teeth Whitening/Bleaching:
Teeth whitening or “tooth bleaching” as is commonly known, is a procedure that is most common cosmetic dentistry.  Although, many teeth bleaching/whitening options are available, including over the counter products, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Tooth Reshaping:
Tooth reshaping removes parts of the enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth. It may be used to correct a small chip, or to alter the length, shape or position of teeth; it can be used to correct crooked or excessively long teeth. The removed enamel is irreplaceable, and may sometimes expose dentin. It is also known as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, contouring, recontouring, slenderizing, stripping or sculpting.  This procedure offers fast results and can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances.

While planning a cosmetic dental makeover, it may be worth planning a holiday in any Asian country as well, as these dental procedures are competitively priced compared to the U.S. or Europe, and in the end, one may find some savings too by choosing dental medical tourism in Asia.