Cosmetic Dentistry

Centre West Dental’s experienced and courteous professionals deliver a full spectrum of dental services, ranging from routine care to complex cases requiring the latest oral surgery, bone modification and augmentation techniques.

Whitening

Adult teeth, over time, can often become darker or off-coloured, usually as a result of enamel becoming less porous, staining (due to food or tobacco) or changes to the mineral composition of the teeth themselves. Dental bleaching (or tooth whitening) was developed as a means of counteracting these effects. This is a fairly common procedure that can be conducted either by a cosmetic dentistry professional or at home, though results may vary. This usually involves the application of a bleaching gel that is held in contact with the teeth via guard trays. The shade of the teeth is lightened by its exposure to oxidizing agents, including hydrogen peroxide. The agent permeates the crystalline structure of the tooth enamel and whitens stain deposits. In some case, over a long period of time, the dentin layer that rests beneath the enamel is also whitened. As previously mentioned, results may vary, normally based on the subject’s consumption habits. Smoking and coffee-drinking are especially known to adversely affect the colour of teeth.

Veneers

For cosmetic dentistry patients looking for a non-invasive alternative, the application of veneers may be the ideal procedure. Veneers are custom-designed, wafer-thin plates that mask the front surface of the teeth. The procedure is considered non-invasive because only a small portion of the enamel must be removed in order to allow for the veneers. The procedure is perfect for patients looking to conceal oddly shaped, damaged or stained teeth. Veneers can also give the impression of longer teeth without the need of orthodontics(braces). After an initial consultation, your dentist will remove layers of enamel in order to accommodate the veneer, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will then take an impression of your teeth and, in order to bridge the gap until your next visit, apply a temporary material to protect the prepped teeth. At your final visit, usually two weeks after the last, your dentist will permanently affix the veneers to your teeth.

Crowns

Crowns are extremely common in cosmetic dentistry and are useful in a number of different capacities. These synthetic coverings are usually employed to protect the body of a tooth that has been heavily restored or operated upon, helping to restore the tooth to its natural size and shape. For this procedure, your dentist must first resize and reshape the affected to tooth in order to accommodate the crown. An impression of the tooth and its surroundings is taken and a temporary crown is applied to protect the structure of the tooth until the next visit. Two weeks later, the patient is asked to return so that the custom-made crown can be permanently inserted.