Did you know that nearly 40% of Britishers are not happy with the appearance of their teeth? And this number is growing alarmingly every year. As people become conscious of their smiles and appearance, the demand for cosmetic dental treatment has also increased considerably. But is cosmetic dentistry really effective, and will it help me eliminate my facial flaws? You may ask! The answer to this question is given in this blog. So, read till the end to get the answers to all cosmetic dentistry-related questions. 

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry Or Teeth Whitening?

Cosmetic dentistry involves all dental procedures that are aimed at improving one’s facial aesthetics and smile while optimising oral health and dental function. Teeth whitening is one example of a cosmetic dentistry procedure. This procedure involves the application of a strong yet safe bleaching agent on the teeth. The patient is asked to bite on a custom-made whitening tray filled with the bleaching agent, typically carbamide peroxide, for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, the tray is removed, and the teeth are washed to observe a definite improvement in one’s tooth colour and shade. 

Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Causing Long-Term Side Effects?

Many people believe that teeth whitening can cause long-term damage to the teeth. However, this statement is only partially correct. Teeth whitening can damage one’s teeth permanently if one uses a low-quality domestic whitening formula or if they whiten their teeth very frequently. The teeth whitening formulas used by dentists, although very potent, are safe for use in the oral cavity. Besides, dentists do not recommend whitening one’s teeth very often, as they believe that it should not be considered an alternative to regular oral hygiene maintenance. So, professionally done teeth whitening will not damage your teeth or cause long-term side effects. 

Is It A Bad Idea To Do Your Cosmetic Dentistry?

Like any other dental treatment, cosmetic dentistry is safe, provided it’s done by an experienced and qualified dentist. You will find numerous dental practices in your area offering amazing results at an unbelievably low price, but you should beware of them. Most of these practices have novice dentists who don’t have sufficient experience in providing cosmetic dental services. Instead, you should always go to an experienced, renowned, and qualified cosmetic dentist for an excellent aesthetic outcome and safety. 

How Safe Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

As discussed earlier, cosmetic dentistry is safe and does not cause long-term side effects. However, one must ensure that they rely on experienced and qualified dentists for their treatment. Many novice dentists make tall claims of completely transforming one’s smile, but they fail to back their claims. Furthermore, they use low-quality materials to cut their costs which can lead to complications and side effects. So, cosmetic dentistry is safe if one visits an experienced cosmetic dentist. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you are considering whether you should undergo cosmetic dental treatment, here are some pros and cons of cosmetic dentistry for you. 

Pros of Cosmetic Dentistry 

Some of the advantages of cosmetic dental treatment include:

  • Considerable improvement in the smile and facial aesthetics 
  • Boost in self-confidence 
  • Improvement in dental function

Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry 

Cosmetic dental treatment also has certain drawbacks:

  • Expensive 
  • Not many dental insurance plans cover cosmetic dental treatment 
  • Can result in complications if not performed by an experienced and qualified dentist

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful In Smile Designing?

Cosmetic dentistry and smile design go hand in hand. Smile designing refers to a process where your dentist will use digital technology to prepare a fully customised cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. For example, your dentist will make digital impressions of your teeth and feed them into software, allowing them to identify cosmetic defects and plan procedures for their correction. So, smile designing is extremely helpful in performing cosmetic dentistry procedures. In fact, it is recommended that you visit a dentist who offers cosmetic treatment using a digital smile design. 

What Are The Biggest Challenges For Cosmetic Dentists?

It may come as a surprise to you that the aim of cosmetic dentistry is not just to ensure optimal smile and facial aesthetics but also to ensure optimal dental function. So, whenever dentists prepare a treatment plan for a patient, they always choose cosmetic procedures that will restore aesthetics and dental function. So, the biggest challenge for cosmetic dentists is to use dental materials that do not cause any untoward reaction and perform procedures that restore one’s smile and dental function at the same time. 

What Can A Cosmetic Dentist Do?

A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who has undergone additional 3-4 years of clinical training, besides their basic training at a dental school, to diagnose and treat cosmetic problems in their patients. So, a cosmetic dentist will perform all those procedures that are aimed at improving one’s smile and dental function. For example, some of the procedures commonly performed by cosmetic dentists are teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. Besides, cosmetic dentists perform complete smile makeovers to overhaul one’s smile and rejuvenate their facial aesthetics completely.

Cosmetic dentistry has the power to transform your smile and appearance completely. However, an essential factor when considering cosmetic dental treatment is to visit an experienced and renowned dental professional. If you reside in New Cross, you don’t have to worry about finding the best cosmetic dentist in town because Waldron Dental Clinic is at your service! No matter how blemished your smile is, our cosmetic dentists will fix it and give you the smile you genuinely deserve. So, book your appointment today and let us take care of your oral health and smile.