If you are a middle-aged adult, you probably have undergone at least one cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Various types of dental problems require specific procedures. For example, you might have worn corrective braces for your teeth in your younger days. You could also have removed your wisdom teeth as a young adult.
Human Dental Development
Adult humans typically have 32 teeth – eight incisors in the middle, four each for the lower and upper jaws; four canines just outside the incisors; eight premolars between the canines and molars; eight molars; and four wisdom teeth.
Except for the wisdom teeth, all other permanent teeth erupt by the early teens. The wisdom teeth, known as third molars, typically erupt by age 18.
Like many other mammals, humans replace our teeth only once in our lifetime. We are diphyodonts, but some mammals like kangaroos and elephants are polyphyodonts, capable of multiple teeth replacements throughout their lifetime. This biological ability is absent in humans, but we have artificially solved this problem through dental science.
Factors such as genetic predisposition, diet and oral hygiene affect the long-term health of your teeth and gums. Ageing, of course, is a natural process and affects oral health to a certain degree.
As you grow older and become a senior, you might need other dental procedures such as fitting prosthetic teeth, implants, veneers and crowns.
Here are some common cosmetic dentistry problems and the corresponding procedures used to solve them:
1. Uneven, Overlapping or Crooked Teeth
This is the most common cosmetic problem among children transitioning from deciduous teeth (commonly called "milk teeth") to permanent teeth. The presence of milk teeth while the permanent teeth are erupting often causes the misdirected or crooked growth of the permanent teeth.
If you want your child to have even tooth growth, you may consult a dentist if it is advisable to extract the decayed milk teeth. In most cases, the milk teeth fall off naturally, but there are some cases where they may impede or redirect the eruption of permanent teeth. Another solution is to fit braces to guide the cosmetic contouring of the teeth.
2. Teeth Protrusion or Overbite/Underbite
The misalignment of the upper maxilla of the skull and the lower maxilla or jaw commonly causes teeth protrusion. This condition can undermine the overall aesthetic attractiveness of the face. It can also cause some patients not to chew their food correctly. In addition, in some cases, the mouth cannot be adequately closed because of overbite or underbite.
You will need the expertise of an orthodontist to correct this condition. However, in most cases, the problem can be solved by fitting metal braces that can gradually be adjusted to guide the proper alignment of the lower and upper maxilla.
3. Teeth Discolouration
People who habitually smoke typically suffer from tooth discolouration. Those who regularly drink coffee and wine are also susceptible to teeth discolouration. This may range from greyish to yellowish stains that are virtually impossible to remove through brushing alone.
Teeth stains are embedded in the tooth enamel's porous surface, making them very hard to remove. Therefore, a dentist might recommend bleaching or other abrasive approaches. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an active ingredient in teeth-bleaching products. The extra oxygen in the bleaching solution breaks down the molecular bonds of the stains.
However, stains from smoking are more challenging to remove through chemical bleaching. Therefore, your dentist might recommend other procedures, such as abrasive or ultraviolet light bleaching.
4. Dental Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is perhaps the most straightforward problem to address, typically not requiring professional treatment from a dentist. Plaque is a colourless film comprising bacteria and the substance that they secrete. It is easily formed after a person eats sugary food, creating a condition where bacteria multiply faster.
Children who like to eat sweets are susceptible to plaque, but proper brushing and flossing can remove this substance before it turns into tartar. Therefore, it is essential to teach basic oral hygiene to children as early as possible.
On the other hand, if the plaque is not removed and calcifies or mineralises into tartar, professional cleaning will be required.
5. Tooth Decay
Once your permanent teeth are already out, you must take extra care of them to avoid tooth decay.
Daily brushing, flossing and gargling with an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals help maintain dental health. You should also be careful about your diet and avoid food and beverages high in sugar.
Tooth decay typically starts with plaque that has progressed into tartar which was not removed. The bacteria in tartar secrete acidic metabolic wastes, which then gradually dissolve the teeth.
Small cavities can be cleaned and filled, but once the pulp is already affected, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. If the decay level worsens, your teeth might need to be extracted. Dental prostheses, implants and veneers are some of your options.
Professional Dental Care from a Family Dentist in Melbourne
Whatever dental problem you have, you need to find the right professional to help you have the best possible treatment without necessarily spending a fortune.
If you want dependable and affordable dental care, you may want to drop by Bayside Smiles.
We offer state-of-the-art dental services at reasonable fees.
Here at Bayside Smiles, your comfort and safety are paramount.
We encourage you to call now to book an appointment with us.