Esthetic Dentistry represents another specialty within the branch of fixed prosthodontics. It refers not only to the function of restorations but most of all to the esthetical outcome of the therapy that should be both attractive and natural in appearance. Esthetic Dentistry therapies tend to correct tooth shape anomalies, discoloration (dark or yellowish teeth), and in some situations even small tooth malpositions (slightly rotated teeth, spaces, etc.). This specialty often utilizes metal-free ceramic restorations that are very translucent and can be applied in reduced thicknesses allowing for the maximum preservation of the natural tooth structure. These ceramic materials usually are literally bonded to the tooth by mean of special bonding agents.
Main treatments in Esthetic Dentistry are:
Veneers are a very thin layer of porcelain (ceramic) bonded directly onto the outer tooth surface. Because of the minimal thickness of such restoration (0.3-0.6mm), the tooth is prepared (reduced) very slightly, almost only roughened, the intention being to preserve the natural enamel underneath the bonded veneer. Porcelain veneers can be totally transparent or slightly coloured to cover dental discolorations. Porcelain veneers are mainly used to correct tooth anomalies in relation to form (shape), proportion (length, width), color.
Photo gallery: Veneers
All-ceramic crowns are metal-free fixed restorations (no metal coping is present underneath the ceramic). By virtue of this characteristic and composition, all-ceramic crowns show excellent optical properties and natural appearance, being easily crossed by light as occurs with natural dentition. The esthetic outcome of these restorations is superb: the field of application being mainly for the teeth of the anterior part of the smile, defined as “the esthetic zone”.
Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure which gives brilliance and whiteness to teeth darkened by antibiotic assumption (i.e. tetracyclines), bacterial pigmentations, food (coffee, tea, red wine), tobacco, and by the structural changes of dental tissues (enamel and dentin) due to aging. The most utilized and longer lasting method is the one that uses a carbamide peroxide whitening gel. This oxidant agent penetrates through the micro-porosities of enamel and reaches the deposits of pigmenting substances all the way into dentin. The whitening gel is provided in different concentrations and is applied on the tooth surface with customized transparent trays similar to mouthguards used by athletes. These trays can be worn at home during the night for about 8-9 hours (home treatment), or in the dental office waiting room for about one hour (in-office treatment). Other gels can be applied directly over the tooth surface by the dentist while the patient is seated in the dental chair (chairside treatment) for about one hour. These gels may require activation with a light source.
Photo gallery: Bleaching
