Whilst not strictly essential, there is a lot to be gained by having a nice smile that you can be proud of. It can effect your confidence a great deal and cause you to be more out going and less self-conscious.

Whilst dentistry always focused on the essentials of oral health and hygiene, it’s only relatively recently that a lot of emphasis has been placed on new advancements in cosmetic dentistry.

How the finished “product” looks is now deemed as important as it’s functionality.

So what are some of the main advancements in cosmetic dentistry over recent years?

One technique that certainly deserves a mention is dental implants. A good cosmetic dentist can make the false teeth attached to an implant look every bit as natural as real teeth, and provide the same amount of functionality.

Whereas in the past, bridges, crowns and dentures looked only slightly realistic, false teeth attached to dental implants are almost indiscernible from natural teeth. They also function in the same way, whereas false teeth in the past could become loose leading to embarrassing situations.

There was also a limit to the types of foods that someone could eat with conventional bridges, crowns and dentures. With dental implants, individuals can consume a much greater variety of foods.

The implant itself consists of a (usually) titanium shaft-shaped object that is implanted directly into the bone of the skull and jaw. The bone then osseointegrates (bonds) with the implant. Which means that the implant mimics a real tooth root. This can either be done as a single implant, or a series of implants, depending upon the amount of lost or severely damaged teeth.

In the case of former Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitarist, John Fruciante, he had all of his front teeth removed and replaced by dental implants after a mouth infection. Looking at him now, you would never know the difference between his implanted teeth and natural teeth.

Since their inception, dental implants have improved a great deal, and are now skilfully used by almost every cosmetic dentist. As their use with implants increases, dentists are becoming increasingly more advanced in the techniques they use with regards to dental implants.

In the coming years, it may not even be necessary for the process to contain separate components. There is work under way to create dental implants which are a one-piece. These one-piece implants will be manufactured from zirconia, which is a material widely used already in hip replacements. This zirconia has properties similar to that of titanium, but has a white, tooth-like appearance. After a few more years of extensive testing, it’s thought that zirconia dental implants will be available to every cosmetic dentist.

It’s not only implants which have come a long way in recent years

Anyone who had fillings in the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s or earlier, will testify to the fact that they often looked ugly. These fillings were manufactured using silver, which would quickly turn black and was not an attractive look.

Although silver fillings are still available, any good cosmetic dentist worth their salt will offer their patients the option of using a composite resin. This composite resin is much closer in color to that of a natural tooth, so these fillings are only visible upon a close inspection.
They are every bit as strong and binding as a classic filling, but significantly more attractive.

Modern dentistry is evolving rapidly

It’s not only that the techniques are changing rapidly. It’s also that people are becoming more aware of what their dentist can offer them, and the reasons to visit their dentist.

In the past, going to the dentist was a preventative measure, to ensure you teeth do not become damaged or fall out. You could have minor repair work carried out, but it was never comparable to preserving your teeth through excellent dental hygiene.

Although dental hygiene is still essential to good oral health, a dentist is not just someone who preserves your smile, they can increasingly restore you smile as well. We are not all perfect, and we don’t all take good care of our teeth. For those who have lapsed in their oral health, or who have had an unfortunate accident, a cosmetic dentist can put things right again and help you smile with confidence.

There are so many new techniques in cosmetic dentistry, that they are almost too numerous to mention. And things are improving all the time. For more information about cosmetic dentist Gold Coast, contact Robina Dental Group.