Aesthetic Dentistry

The concept of aesthetic dentistry is closely intertwined with restorative dentistry, whose task is to replace lost tooth tissue with appropriate different materials and, in addition to functional, achieve an aesthetic effect. This is achieved through various procedures and using different materials.

For a long period of time, the most optimal functional solution was the replacement of tooth substance with amalgam (black) fillings. For many years, scientists searched for a material that would retain mechanical properties and improve aesthetic characteristics. The appearance of (white) composite fillings became a true revolution in the world of dentistry. With the emergence of composites, aesthetic dentistry developed and gained more importance, developing new therapeutic procedures and techniques for replacing lost tooth substance.

Composite Materials

Since composites brought a revolution to the world of dentistry, a few words about them:

• They are a mixture of:
  • Resins (due to which they are in a semi-solid state during application to teeth)
  • Particles (of different sizes on which strength and aesthetics depend)
  • Activators (which is activated most often by a lamp and accelerates the transition of the material to a solid state)
• Different combinations of these basic structures produce a wide spectrum of composite materials, so their indications are very diverse.
• For front teeth, we use composites with higher aesthetic characteristics, and for back teeth, in addition to aesthetics, mechanical properties must be ensured to withstand strong masticatory forces.

Often, with larger losses of tooth tissue, it is necessary to additionally strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth using pulpal and parapulpal pins, most often in previously endodontically treated teeth.

Composite Veneers

Composite materials are also used for making aesthetic composite veneers on front teeth.

• They are mainly used for correcting aesthetic irregularities, but also for changing the color, position, and shape of teeth.
• Also, when there is a problem with small teeth or chipped teeth.
• Composite veneers are also used to correct gaps (diastema) between teeth.
• They are made in one visit, by direct modeling in the patient's mouth.
• Prior tooth preparation is negligible and is based on minimal removal of tooth substance.
• By combining different colors and applying the appropriate type of composite, the tooth acquires high aesthetic and functional characteristics.

Aesthetic Tooth Reconstruction

A fractured tooth crown with preserved tooth vitality is a major challenge for the dentist.

• The goal is to return the tooth to its previous functional state and to look natural.
• In addition to making prosthetic restorations, one solution is composite reconstruction.

Teeth Whitening

There are two ways to whiten vital teeth:

In-Office Whitening

• Chemical process using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in various concentrations.
• The process lasts one or two visits.

The in-office whitening procedure begins with placing a cheek and lip retractor that will expose the aesthetic zone of the teeth. Then a special gel is applied to protect your gums. This is followed by the application of the whitening gel (35% - 40% concentration). It is applied on the visible surfaces of teeth in the area from the second premolar (five) of one to the second premolar of the other half of the upper and lower jaw. The procedure lasts 15 minutes, then the gel is removed from the teeth and then reapplied one to two more times, depending on the obtained and desired color.

Home Whitening

• Performed using trays (splints) and gels based on carbamide peroxide (10%, 16%, 22%).
• The process lasts about two weeks.

Whitening of Non-Vital (Dead) Teeth

A non-vital tooth (dead tooth) refers to a tooth from which the nerve (pulp) has been removed for some reason (disease, injury). Various problems accompany such a tooth, one of which is the color change of the tooth of varying intensity, which disrupts the aesthetics of the tooth. There are many solutions for such a tooth, one is tooth whitening.

• There are various techniques, including the "walking bleach" technique.
• Whitening is performed in clinical conditions under the supervision of a professional.
• This treatment requires patient patience and involves therapy in several sessions.

Aesthetic dentistry also involves changing the aesthetic characteristics of teeth with various prosthetic restorations. More about this in the services dental prosthetics.