Teeth

Increasingly, dentists are being asked about problems associated with cosmetics and aging. The list of potential problems associated with teeth is long and includes teeth that are:

*discolored
*worn
* chipped
* missing
* misaligned.

The victim of these problems wants to smile again without embarrassment or discomfort.

The shape and color of teeth may be altered through bonding or with crowns. Missing teeth can be replaced by fixed or removable bridges, or dentures. 'Tooth alignment can be altered using orthodontics (braces). Facial features are sometimes dramatically altered with orthognathic surgery.

There are ways to keep your smile healthy and beautiful and to alter and reverse those changes caused by either neglect or aging. Options for enhancing the smile are impressive. This area should not be ignored as you strive to look as young as you feel.

DENTAL COSMETICS

'Smile, please!' As the flashbulbs pop, some people grin from ear to ear while others barely smile. If you're one of those who hate to smile because your teeth are chipped and discoloured, don't be discouraged, there are new techniques available that can make them pictureperfect.

Bleaching is done by applying peroxide solution to stained teeth. This technique might require several visits to the dentist before complete results. Some stains, however, such as those caused by consuming antibiotic tetracycline in childhood, may not be removable.

Bonding corrects the shape and colour of teeth through the application of tooth coloured dental plastics. The technique covers stains completely, rebuilds cracked or chipped teeth, closes gaps, and builds up old, eroded teeth to make them look younger. Bonding can be done with one visit to the dentist, and with proper care can last up to five years. It is not a cure all but suitable in certain cases.

Laminate veneers are thin layers of plastic or porcelain that are bonded to the surface of the tooth for cosmetic purposes. Some cases require the tooth enamel to be partly removed, but the process is usually safe. This technique requires multiple visits to the dentist, but the effects last much longer than regular bonding.

Caution

Discuss with your dentist the cost, durability and appearance of each of these procedures to find out which is best for you.

Implants: An implant is a false tooth, in the form of a metal stump, which is inserted into the jaw bone and then crowned. It is a possible alternative to wearing dentures.