Cosmetic dentistry is a fantastic way to improve both the look and health of your smile. Whether you’re missing teeth and need them replaced with high quality dental implants, or you’re simply looking to brighten your smile through professional teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry can provide the dental solution you’ve been searching for.
Cosmetic dental procedures have increased in popularity in the UK in recent years, mainly due to modern advancements in dental technology which have made procedures safer, more effective and more affordable than ever before.
However, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. There are a lot of options out there and each one offers differing advantages and solutions, as well as different price points and procedures.
This guide on cosmetic dentistry looks to explain all the most common cosmetic procedures, detailing the benefits, costs and potential drawbacks of each.
What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry are two different branches of dentistry, each with a unique focus.
General dentistry focuses on preventive dental care, ensuring that the patient’s teeth and gums are as healthy, clean and strong as possible. A general dentist usually performs routine checkups, cleanings, and fillings, and are trained to detect and treat common dental problems, such as tooth decay, fillings, cavities, gum disease and oral health problems.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is focused on enhancing the appearance of a patient’s teeth, gums, and smile. Cosmetic dentists offer procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s smile by correcting issues such as discoloration, misaligned or gapped teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, or even missing teeth.
In short, while general dentistry focuses on the overall health and function of the teeth and oral cavities, cosmetic dentistry is more focused on the appearance of a patient’s smile. That being said, cosmetic dental procedures can also benefit long term oral health and fix troublesome issues such as broken, chipped or damaged teeth.
Who is cosmetic dentistry for?
There are no real limitations as to who cosmetic dentistry is for. If you are eager to improve the aesthetic appeal of your teeth and gums, then cosmetic dentistry can work for you!
In addition, if you face any type of issues with your teeth or gums, cosmetic dentistry can be a great solution. Whether you have discolored, chipped, misaligned, or missing teeth, there’s a cosmetic dental procedure available to help transform your smile and boost your confidence.
It’s also a great option for those who have experienced significant dental trauma, such as losing or severely damaging natural teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is not just about looks, but also about improving oral health and functionality.
The only times cosmetic dentistry may not be a suitable option is if your jaw bone is found to be too weak for dental implants, or your gums or existing teeth are not strong enough to withstand invasive surgery. However, even in these rare cases, there are still actions that can be taken to properly prepare your teeth and mouth for your chosen cosmetic procedure.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, but unsure what treatment type is best for you, get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll be happy to give you our free, no-obligation advice. You’ll also find more helpful information below!
Different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments
To help our patients understand the various forms of cosmetic dentistry, we’ve listed all the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures below.
We’ve included information on what the treatment is and what the specific cosmetic procedure involves.
Teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a great option for anyone looking to brighten their smile!
There are several different teeth whitening options available, including:
- Professional in-surgery treatments
- At-home whitening
- Over-the-counter products.
Professional in-surgery treatments typically involve the use of a strong bleaching agent applied to the teeth by a cosmetic dentist, which is then activated with a special light.
At-home whitening involves the use of whitening trays, which are custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth and contain a lower concentration of bleaching agent, allowing for gradual whitening over several weeks. At-home whitening involves the advice and help of dental professionals, but the patient will be the one responsible for wearing and whitening their teeth at home.
Over-the-counter products, such as whitening strips and toothpastes, are also available. However, these treatments may not be as effective as professional whitening treatments and are generally best to avoid as they can harm tooth enamel and be unreliable at best.
Regardless of the option chosen, teeth whitening works by breaking down stains and discoloration on the surface of the teeth, revealing a brighter, whiter, and more youthful smile.
Dental implants
Dental implantsare a popular solution for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, trauma, or other reasons. They are a permanent and durable option that can look and feel just like natural teeth.
The process involves invasive surgery, where your dentists will place a small titanium screw directly into the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root. The implant is then capped with a crown or bridge to act as the replacement tooth, which will be custom-made to match the colour and shade of your existing teeth.
With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, even for a lifetime! If you’re missing a tooth and are looking for a reliable, permanent solution to fix the issue, dental implants might work for you.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to fit over the front of the teeth. They are an excellent option for patients suffering from stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.
The procedure for fitting dental veneers involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel before bonding the veneers onto the teeth. The enamel is removed so that the veneers sit flush against the teeth and blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, rather than protruding outwards
Our experienced Glasgow dentists will ensure that the veneers are seamlessly blended into your natural teeth for a stunning result, matching the veneers with the exact colour, shade and shape of your natural teeth.
Veneers help create a beautiful, even smile and can help protect damaged teeth from further wear and tear.
With proper care, veneers can last for many years, providing patients with a confidence boost and a beautiful smile they can be proud of.
Composite bonding
Composite bonding treatment involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to the teeth, which can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Composite bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that typically requires only one visit to our Glasgow dental clinic, and it can be completed in just a few hours. The composite resin material is applied to the affected teeth and shaped to match the natural contours of the surrounding teeth, creating a seamless, natural-looking result for your smile.
Overall, composite bonding is a safe, effective, and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your smile. The friendly team of dental professionals at The Berkeley Clinic is here to guide you through the composite bonding process every step of the way.
Orthodontics
At our professional dental clinic in Glasgow, we understand that having straighter teeth can have a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem. That’s why we offer adult orthodontics and teeth straightening treatments, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect.
These treatments involve the use of braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances to gradually shift teeth into their proper positions.
We understand that many adults may feel hesitant about undergoing orthodontic treatment, but we want to assure our patients that modern orthodontics have come a long way in recent years. Adult orthodontics does no longer have to involve the use of traditional metal braces. There are now a variety of discreet, comfortable, and convenient options available for adults who want to straighten their teeth, including clear aligner systems like Invisalign.
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems like ClearCorrect all work in a similar way. Instead of wearing fixed braces, adult patients progress through a series of custom-made aligners that are designed specifically for their mouth and teeth.
Each set of clear aligners will gradually move teeth into their desired positions, with the patient returning to our practice every couple of months to swap out their old aligners for a fresh set. This process repeats until the desired results have been achieved.
Clear aligner systems can take anywhere from 6 months to two years, depending on the patient’s smile goals and the starting position of their teeth.
Our team of dental professionals is here to help our patients explore their options and choose the treatment that is right for them. We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile, and we are committed to helping our patients achieve that goal through adult orthodontics.
The benefits of cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry can offer a wide range of benefits to both adult and older teen patients. While traditional dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and smile, but it can also help solve troublesome dental issues and help contribute to a happier, healthier mouth.
One of the main benefits of cosmetic dentistry is improved self-confidence.
Many people are self-conscious about their smile and feel embarrassed when they smile or speak. Cosmetic dentistry can help to improve the appearance of the teeth, making them look brighter, straighter, and more symmetrical. This can lead to increased self-esteem and a greater willingness to smile and interact with others.
Additional benefits of cosmetic dentistry are:
- Improved oral health
- Can correct bite problems and misalignment
- Reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
- Improve the functionality of the teeth
- Replace missing teeth with dental implants
- Strengthen weak teeth with veneers and composite bonding
- Can help patients eat and speak more comfortably
- Improve the alignment of the teeth, making it easier to bite and chew food.
- Helps to preserve the natural teeth
- Improved self-confidence
If you are interested in learning more about the cosmetic dental treatments that we offer at The Berkeley Clinic in Glasgow, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 0141 564 1900.
Potential risks involved with cosmetic dentistry procedures?
While cosmetic dental procedures are generally considered safe, any dental procedure carries some degree of risk.
One potential risk of cosmetic dentistry procedures is damage to the teeth or gums. For example, if a dentist is not careful while applying veneers, they may accidentally remove too much of the tooth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity or even tooth decay. Similarly, if a dentist is not careful while applying dental crowns, they may damage the surrounding gum tissue.
Another potential risk of cosmetic dentistry treatments is infection. Any time the skin or tissues are penetrated, there is a risk of infection. This risk is higher for procedures that involve drilling into the teeth or gums.
In some cases, cosmetic dentistry procedures can also cause allergic reactions. For example, some people may be allergic to the materials used in dental fillings or veneers.
Finally, there is always a risk of complications during the recovery period. For example, patients may experience swelling, bleeding, or pain after a procedure. In rare cases, more serious complications such as nerve damage may occur.
However, despite all this the risks from cosmetic dental treatment are very minimal. As long as you work with an experienced, professional dentist, the risk of any infection or harm to your mouth will be highly unlikely.
In the vast majority of cases, your cosmetic procedure will be carried out safely and effectively, and the worst-case scenario for most patients in heightened sensitivity and pain in the hours and days after their procedure.
It’s also important to carefully follow all post-procedure aftercare instructions to ensure your teeth and gums heal properly. You should also be honest with your dentist about any medical conditions or allergies you may have to avoid any unexpected complications from arising
The cost of cosmetic dentistry in Scotland
The cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures range from as little as £200 to over £4000. Costs will change depending on the type of procedure, the amount of work being done and the specific materials used.
The average costs of cosmetic dental treatments in Scotland are:
- Teeth Whitening costs can range from £200-£400.
- Dental Veneers costs can range from £300-£900 per tooth.
- Dental Implants cost can range from £1,500-£3,000 per implant.
- Composite Bonding costs can range from £100-£400 per tooth.
- Orthodontic Treatment can range from £1,500-£3,500 per arch.
It’s important to note that these are just estimated costs and they may vary depending on your individual case, treatment type and smile goals.
There’s also the option of combining multiple treatments together into a full smile makeover, that can help you save on overall costs whilst tackling multiple dental issues at once.
To help our patients manage the cost of cosmetic dental treatment, The Berkeley Clinic offers dental finance plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over several months, making it far more manageable.
To find out more about dental fiance and to receive a more accurate quote for your chosen cosmetic dental treatment, book an initial consultation at The Berkeley Clinic today.
We’ll be happy to provide an initial assessment along with a no-obligation quote so you can decide on the best course of treatment to suit your exact needs.