Do you have a bad smile?

Although this is a bit of a trick question, an alarmingly high percentage of the population would automatically answer “yes!”

In reality the holy grail of a completely symmetrical smile composed of perfectly even, glistening white teeth is that: a holy grail. Very few people are born with this feature and, although a perfect smile may be desirable, it is far from the norm.

Although it has long been known that facial symmetry is a universal constant in rated attractiveness, and there are valid evolutionary reasons for this; this is not the case with all the features we consider to be part of a perfect smile.
As with any other physical attributes deemed to be “perfect”, the nature of a perfect smile is both a matter of personal preference and cultural influence.

Whereas current Western culture favours the perfectly aligned, shiny white teeth we see regularly on most popular celebrities, this is not constant historically or across cultures.

Tooth fashions can change. Some fashions have included dental embellishments such as gold pieces, jewel incrustations or tooth tattoos which for the record, are not actual tattoos, but dental crowns featuring a design.

It is currently considered fashionable amongst some people in Japan for young women to permanently or temporarily modify their teeth by altering the size and shape of their incisors. Snaggletooth or “yaeba” is considered by some to give a more youthful, attractive look.

Cosmetic products and procedures aimed at altering your appearance, providing greater aesthetic appeal and improving confidence have been available throughout history. Dental practices aimed at making smiles more aesthetically appealing have existed for a long time so, dental health issues aside, whether you have a bad smile or not can greatly depend on what is en vogue.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

The term cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures concerned with improving the appearance of teeth, with the main focus not being strictly that of oral health. That said, there is bound to be some crossover, as an unhealthy smile is rarely an attractive one.

Typically, cosmetic dentistry treatments include:

Teeth whitening:
There are various systems for teeth whitening, starting with professional cleaning, which can obtain impressive results.
For more in-depth whitening, home treatment plans can be designed using peroxide gel. These plans involve application of peroxide gels for varying lengths of time and are ideal for removing stains safely and effectively.
If you prefer in-chair treatment, fantastic results are currently being obtained with Bio-bleaching. This treatment uses additional nano-Hydroxyapatite serum to remineralise enamel and strengthen tooth structure.

Veneers:
Porcelain veneers are fine, custom-made mouldings. Their main purpose is to provide an even, homogenous look for slightly misaligned, misshapen teeth or to close gaps without the need for teeth to be moved through orthodontic treatments. Veneers are bonded to the front of teeth mimicking the shape, size and colour of original teeth to offer a more even, natural look.

Teeth straightening:
Teeth straightening, also known as orthodontics, is the process of aligning crooked and/or crowded teeth. In the case of crowding, this treatment often includes the removal of teeth to provide space. There are a range of treatments including lingual braces, removable retainers, London Invisalign treatment and surgical treatment.

Composite bonding:
Composite bonding or cosmetic bonding is the process used to correct minor gaps, chips and cracks. Teeth are treated with a coloured resin, designed to match the natural colour of your teeth. This resin is shaped on the damaged tooth in order to provide a natural appearance.

Smile Makeover:
A smile makeover is a personalised cosmetic dentistry treatment plan designed to tackle all of the different dental issues you may have in order to achieve your perfect smile. The plan will usually involve a combination of treatments tackling both dental health and cosmetic issues.

What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of benefits aside from the obvious aesthetic improvements. For anyone working in a customer facing role or in the public eye, cosmetic dentistry can be as essential as wearing the right clothes.

Another clear benefit is that a number of the procedures available can correct issues which can lead to complications further down the line.
Correcting dental alignment with orthodontics improves the bite and ensures that teeth wear evenly and correctly. Correcting chipped or cracked teeth with composite bonding prevents further damage and protects teeth with a smooth surface that helps prevent bacteria from agglomerating, reducing the likelihood of the need for fillings further down the line.
Even removing stains can be beneficial, as this may make it easier to spot any small cavities sooner rather than later.

But perhaps the most important benefit to cosmetic dentistry treatment is the improvement in self confidence that comes along with feeling you have a beautiful smile. This is a change that will radiate out into all of your social, personal and professional interactions, resulting in improvements in all aspects of your life.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in London, and would like to speak to a specialist regarding any cosmetic dentistry procedures, get in touch with E11even Dental today. Our team of award-winning dentists near Harley District can advise you on the procedures that will put the confidence in your smile. Get in touch today on 0207 487 27 11 or click here.