Transcend-Dental Malformations

Although many people are self-conscious about their smiles or the way their teeth look, many are not aware of the large array of new procedures, techniques and materials that modern dentistry has at its disposal to help them. One of the most exciting and gratifying aspects of my practice is doing cosmetic dentistry. I am always amazed at the large impact that a small change in someone’s appearance can have on them.

Whether we like it or not, the fact remains that we are judged to some extent on our physical appearance. Dr. Ronald Goldstein (perhaps the most renowned expert in the field of aesthetic dentistry) writes, “the way you see yourself and think others see you has a great deal to do with the way you feel about yourself. If you feel good about your smile, you are far more likely to flash it on someone else in a pleasing, perhaps disarming manner. A charming smile can open doors and knock down barriers that stand between you and a fuller richer life.”

It is now possible to change the shape, length, color and/or position of existing teeth as well as to replace missing teeth. These procedures often do not involve a great deal of expense, time or discomfort and can frequently be done without anesthetic and extensive altering of teeth.

There are a variety of concerns that people may have about their teeth or smile. Crowded teeth, overlapping, crooked or uneven teeth, spaces or gaps, stains and discolorations, too small or too large teeth, too dark or light teeth and unattractive gums are all problems that can be improved.

One of the simplest yet very often effective techniques is called Cosmetic Contouring. By
reshaping the teeth slightly, teeth can be made to look straighter, narrower or wider, less crooked or overlapped, or more even. Probably the most versatile and useful technique is Bonding. Here a very hard tooth-colored material is added to or painted over teeth to create a variety of improvements. Teeth that are broken, too short or tilted can be lengthened. Gaps between teeth can be closed. Discolored, stained or poorly matched fillings can be replaced or repaired to blend in. Dark or stained teeth can be covered with a thin layer of material which can dramatically improve their appearance. Teeth that are unusually dark can sometimes be lightened by Dental Bleaching. Cosmetic Contouring, Bonding and Dental Bleaching are all conservative techniques that are not very expensive and can usually be done without local anesthetic.

When teeth are too damaged for the above procedures to help the next step is to Crown (Cap) or Porcelain Veneer them. Here the tooth is reduced in size and then that tooth structure isreplaced with a porcelain restoration. While Crowns and Porcelain Veneers involve more expense, time and loss of tooth structure they also give the most natural looking results.

When teeth are missing they can be replaced by several methods. A bridge is a device which is attached to “holding” teeth on either side of a space to hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place. Most Bridgework requires the “holding” teeth on either side of the space to be crowned, but this can sometimes be avoided by the use of a Resin Retained (Maryland) Bridge. Here, instead of crowns holding the replacement teeth in position, replacements are bonded in place between the “holding” teeth. The nice thing about the Resin Retained Bridge, when it can be used, is that it conserves more tooth structure, is healthier, less expensive and can be done without anesthetic. Implants are a newer option to replace missing teeth. This involves a metal post being surgically placed in the bone of the jaw for several months, after which a replacement artificial tooth is cemented onto the implant.

Missing teeth can also be replaced by a Removable Partial Denture, a device which clasps onto the remaining teeth to hold the replacement teeth in place. This device is taken out of the mouth each evening and replaced each morning. It is less expensive but also less healthy and less stable. While Removable Partial Dentures are not always ideal, they are at times the best way to deal with some problems. When all of the upper and/or lower teeth are missing an attractive smile can still be achieved with Full Dentures.

One of the best ways to treat twisted or crooked teeth or to close spaces is by Orthodontics (Braces). The treatment is long and somewhat costly but can achieve superior results on people of any age. In extreme cases whole sections of the jaws can be surgically lifted and repositioned by Orthognathic Surgery.

Red swollen gums are unattractive as well as unhealthy. These are also treated by a variety of procedures.

While this is just an overview of the ever expanding field of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry it should give you a basis with which to discuss your particular needs with your dentist, who may recommend one or some combination of these procedures to you. It’s also important to realize that these cosmetic changes aren’t for everyone.

How you view yourself is a very personal matter. If you’ve never been concerned about your smile, you probably needn’t be.

“What’s the use of worrying? It was never worthwhile, so pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile!”

-Richard B. Shapiro, D.D.S. (404) 523-2514
Reprinted from The Bond Community Star