Case Study: Cosmetic Dentistry
Achieve your perfect, dream smile
Cosmetic Dentistry Case Study
Achieve your perfect, dream smile
Cosmetic dentistry case
Mr Y always wanted to close the dark spaces between his two front teeth and get a more even look to the size and shape of his teeth to refresh his smile. After just a few hours, the team bonded his resin veneers and he walked out with his dream smile on his face.
1. Cosmetic consultation
Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide range of treatments such as whitening, Invisalign, resin bonding, ceramic veneers, laser treatment and dental implants.The cosmetic consultation is the first stage in determining the most suitable cosmetic options for a patient’s concerns. It consists of an examination, photographs and x-rays to assess the health and position of the teeth and jaws. The cosmetic dentist will assess the shape, size, colour and position of the patient’s teeth in relation to their facial features and recommend the best treatment options. A 3D scan of the patient’s teeth is taken to plan and design the new teeth.For Mr Y, we wanted to improve the shape and size of the teeth while maintaining a minimally invasive approach. Resin veneers, also known as direct or composite veneers, were chosen as the treatment of choice with the option of ceramic veneers in the future. Resin veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues including discolouration, chipping and cracks, gaps and discrepancies in the shape and size of teeth.
2. Mock up trial smile
With the dental records taken at the consultation appointment, the cosmetic dentist and the dental technician can design a 3d model of the proposed smile that can be trialed on the teeth. This allows the patient to see their smile design prior to proceeding with treatment, and is an important part of the planning phase of cosmetic dental treatment.The final design of a person’s smile will depend on several factors including the shape and size of their teeth, the colour and texture of their enamel, the alignment of their teeth, the shape and position of their gums and the overall symmetry of their face.Some common types of smile designs include:- Hollywood Smile Design: This type of smile design involves creating a long-lasting bright, white and perfectly aligned smile that reflects Hollywood celebrities.
- Natural Smile Design: This type of smile design aims to look more natural and is the most commonly requested design these days. It focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of a person’s teeth and face.
- Youthful Smile Design: This type of smile design is designed to make a person’s smile appear more youthful and vibrant by addressing issues such as discolouration, tooth wear and gum recession.
With every smile design, tooth shape plays a crucial role in the perception of personality. Teeth that are too small or too large in relation to the other teeth and facial features can create an unbalanced and disproportionate appearance. Similarly, teeth that are too short or too long can have a similar effect. The shape of a person’s teeth can also influence the perception of age. Teeth that are too worn or flattened can make a person appear older, while teeth that are more rounded can create a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
Ultimately, the type of smile design that is right for a person will depend on their individual needs and preferences. A consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists can help determine the best smile design for each individual.
3. Bonding day
Resin bonding involves:- Preparation: Preparation of the enamel can involve reshaping of the enamel in preparation for bonding.
- Bonding: Composite resin is applied to the tooth surface with a bonding agent. This resin is then sculpted to the desired shape and size.
- Curing: The resin is hardened using a special light.
- Polishing: The veneers are polished to give them a smooth and natural finish. Custom tinting can be applied for individual characterisation.
Resin veneers are faster and less costly than traditional ceramic veneers. Resin is, however, not usually as long lasting as ceramic, and is not suitable for all patients. We advise speaking to one of our cosmetic dentists to assess if resin or ceramic veneers are suitable for your teeth and concerns.
