Cosmetic Dentistry in Maryborough
Maybe there’s one tooth you always notice in photos. Perhaps years of coffee or tea have changed the colour of your teeth, or you’ve been thinking about doing something about a chip, gap or uneven smile.
Whatever has you considering cosmetic dentistry, you don’t need to know which procedure you want before you come in. At Pullen Dental, we can start with what you’d like to change, look at your teeth and oral health, and talk through the options that may be suitable for you.
What Would You Like to Change About Your Smile?
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on what’s bothering you, the condition of your teeth and gums, your budget and how much of a change you’re looking for.
Depending on your needs, options we may discuss include:
- Staining or discolouration: Professional teeth whitening may be an option when the main concern is tooth colour.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: Dental bonding or veneers may be considered, depending on the tooth and the extent of the damage.
- Small gaps: Bonding or veneers may help change the appearance of spaces between certain teeth.
- Uneven edges or tooth shape: Contouring removes a small amount of enamel to reshape selected areas, while bonding can add tooth-coloured composite resin where needed.
- Several cosmetic concerns: Veneers may be considered when you’re looking to change the colour, shape or appearance of multiple teeth.
There can be more than one way to approach the same concern. That’s one reason we recommend starting with a consultation rather than choosing a procedure based on photos or information online.
Comparing Your Cosmetic Dental Options
Professional whitening is designed to lighten the colour of natural teeth. At Pullen Dental, our in-practice whitening uses a light-activated gel and may be completed in a single appointment. Whitening won’t change the shape or position of teeth, and existing restorations such as veneers won’t whiten in the same way as natural enamel.
Bonding uses tooth-coloured composite resin that is applied and shaped directly onto a tooth. It may be considered for small chips, gaps, discolouration or changes to tooth shape and size.
One advantage is that bonding is generally more conservative than veneers because less alteration of the natural tooth is required. The practice advises that bonding may last approximately 3-10 years, although this varies with oral habits, diet and care.
Sometimes the change you’re after is quite small. Contouring, also called tooth reshaping, involves carefully removing a small amount of enamel to adjust an uneven edge, minor overlap or tooth shape.
It can often be completed in one visit and may also be combined with bonding or whitening when appropriate.
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite coverings placed over the front surfaces of selected teeth. They may be considered for concerns such as discolouration, small chips, gaps, worn teeth or differences in shape.
Porcelain and composite have different costs, characteristics and expected lifespans. Porcelain veneers may last around 10-15 years or longer with appropriate care, while composite veneers typically last around 5-7 years. Individual results and longevity vary.
What Happens at a Cosmetic Consultation?
Your first conversation is about much more than picking something from a menu of treatments.
We’ll ask what you like about your smile, what you’d prefer to change and what matters most to you. Your dentist will also need to assess your teeth, gums and overall oral health before recommending cosmetic work.
This is also your opportunity to ask practical questions. How many appointments could be involved? What maintenance might be required? Are there alternatives? What are the likely costs? How could habits such as grinding your teeth or playing contact sports affect your options?
Meet Dr Don Kelly (Dentist)
Dr Don brings decades of dental experience to Pullen Dental. A graduate of the University of Adelaide, he has practised across different regions of Australia and provides care across general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
He takes your lifestyle, oral health and longer-term goals into account when discussing your care. For cosmetic patients, that means looking beyond how a tooth appears today and considering how a proposed change fits with the rest of your smile and dental health.
How Long Will My Results Last?
That depends on the procedure, your oral health and how you care for your teeth afterwards.
Whitening can require future touch-ups as teeth naturally pick up new staining. Composite bonding may need repair or replacement over time. Veneers also have a finite lifespan and may eventually require replacement. Because contouring permanently removes a small amount of enamel, that change to the tooth itself is permanent.
Before proceeding, we’ll explain what you can reasonably expect from the option being considered, including ongoing care.
Choosing Cosmetic Dentistry That Fits You
A cosmetic change doesn’t have to mean changing everything about your smile. For some people, whitening is enough. Someone else may want to repair one chipped tooth, while another person may be considering changes to several teeth.
The best place to start is with a clear idea of what bothers you and an open conversation about the available options.
Contact our Maryborough practice today to book a cosmetic dentistry consultation and discuss what may be suitable for your smile.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
