Most people are not aware that dentistry is more than root canal procedures and treating cavities. It is also an excellent way to improve your appearance. Dentists have a wide array of tools and technologies available to enhance your smile. Also known as aesthetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry refers to any procedure that is widely used to improve the look of gums and teeth. Though the primary focus is on enhancing the dental aesthetics including position, colour, shape, size and the alignment of the teeth, these procedures may or may not also improve the functionality. Cosmetic dentistry typically involves the following aspects:

• The addition of a dental material to gums or teeth such as laminates or cosmetic veneers, caps, bonding, and gum grafts.
• A gingivectomy, which is the removal of gum tissue.
• Other treatments do not involve the addition or removal of teeth, gums or dental materials but include procedures such as bleaching or whitening teeth.
• Orthodontics, which include the prevention and correction of mispositioned teeth as well as enhancing the overall appearance of the face.

Common Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Here are the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry used to improve dental aesthetics: 1. Bleaching Teeth (Whitening Teeth) This is the most common dental procedure used by cosmetic dentists. When teeth become discoloured or stained due to a variety of reasons such as smoking and taking certain medications, your dentist may recommend bleaching your teeth. Although over-the-counter remedies are available, it is best to consult a dentist when you are looking to whiten your teeth. 2. Cosmetic Veneers A popular dental procedure widely chosen by many people second only to teeth whitening. Veneers are thin, porcelain laminates that are custom made to suit your mouth and directly bonded to the teeth. They are often used to:

• Reduce the gaps
• Change the colour
• Treat or replace broken or chipped teeth
• Provide a superior appearance.

Cosmetic dentists use mock-ups to help prepare for the actual procedure by evaluating and determining the changes required with regards to the patient’s smile line and lip contour. 3. Implants Although implants are expensive, they offer long-lasting results, providing an effective dental solution for missing teeth. The procedure involves a comprehensive dental exam, followed by surgical implantation, taking impressions, making a model to fit your mouth, and post-op check-ups. These prosthetic tooth replacements typically have the following parts:

• A post made from titanium that is inserted into the bone.
• The abutment which fits over the implant.
• A crown to create a natural appearance.

4. Reshaping Tooth reshaping is often used for the following purposes:

• To correct a chip in a tooth.
• To alter the shape or length of a tooth.
• To correct crooked teeth.

Contact Our Dentistry Office in Ottawa Today

If problems such as crooked teeth or discolouration are a concern for you, visit Westboro Dental Clinic today. We have qualified dentists who can provide the best options for correcting them and help create a beautiful, healthy smile that you can be proud of. For more information about our dental treatments and services, get in touch with our consultants by calling 613-722-4450. You could also fill out our online form to book an appointment with our dentists.

Dentists believe that even if you practice good dental care including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing correctly, and visiting your dentist regularly, it may not be enough to maintain your oral health if you also have any bad dental habits.

Dental Habits You Need to Avoid

Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

Many people believe that brushing with a firm toothbrush can help clean teeth better and more thoroughly. However, this is not true. Hard bristles tend to do more harm to your teeth than good and do not offer any cleaning benefits. They can also increase tooth sensitivity and wear away the enamel, making the underlying layers of the teeth susceptible to damage. This is why using a soft-bristled toothbrush will give better results.

Chewing on Ice

Eating ice can be quite harmful to your dental health because the cold, hard substance can damage your teeth. The pressure required to bite and crunch the ice can cause chips and cracks in your teeth and damage dental appliances or devices such as veneers and porcelain crowns. In addition to this, the cold temperature of ice cubes can trigger sensitivity, causing pain and discomfort.

Biting Your Fingernails

Similar to chewing ice, biting your nails can also damage your teeth. The pressure from continuously biting your fingernails may cause your teeth to chip, shift, or crack. Moreover, fingernails, even on freshly washed hands, tend to have germs which could get inside your mouth, resulting in gum infections.

Using Teeth as Tools

According to dentists, people use their teeth for many odd jobs such as opening bottles, tearing open a bag of chips, and ripping a tag off a piece of clothing. This can damage your teeth and cause the edge of a weakened tooth to crack, break off or even fracture. Do not use your teeth for things which could otherwise be done using a pair of scissors or any other tool.

Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth could be due to many reasons such as anxiety, and stress. This habit could wear them down gradually, causing significant damage. Dentists suggest a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night. You could also consider counselling or an exercise program if it is due to stress. Giving up these habits as soon as possible can help you keep your teeth in better shape, preserve them for a long time, and improve your dental health. In addition to this, reducing your consumption of alcohol and soda and quitting smoking and chewing on random things such as pencils is also beneficial.

Contact Us for Dental Care in Ottawa

At Westboro Dental Clinic, we care about your oral hygiene. We provide many dental services including cosmetic dentistry in Ottawa. We have qualified dentists and friendly staff to assist you and provide accurate dental solutions. We can help improve the appearance of your teeth and brighten your smile. If you would like to explore your options through cosmetic dentistry, get in touch with our professionals by calling 613-722-4450 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.