When Did You Last Smile?

Extraordinary advances in cosmetic dentistry mean you can realise your dream smile with safer, faster, and more affordable procedures.

For some people, the simple act of smiling can be distressing. Whether it’s meeting and greeting friends or posing for a happy snap, many people are so self-conscious about their appearance they make a habit of not smiling. Your teeth need not be cause for distress, in fact, they can be one of your main assets.

Crooked, crowded, gappy, discoloured, worn, or chipped teeth can be corrected, giving the appearance of a youthful and healthy smile, whilst at the same time establishing a healthy, functional and biologically sound oral environment.

With advances in technology and new techniques, there is now a strong focus on complementing the personality and the shape of the face. Creating natural balance and harmony in the least invasive way possible, whilst retaining or improving the functionality of the mouth, is known as the artistic science of aesthetic dentistry.

With an eye for beauty, specially trained in aesthetics, and relying on classical theories of mathematical proportions and ratios, a dentist like Dr. Yvonne King B.D.Sc., Dip. Clin. Hypnosis at Melbourne’s Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry Centre can complete a detailed analysis when designing a new smile. The procedures not only rectify the appearance and function of teeth but may re-establish the soft tissue support and rejuvenate the entire face.

A popular smile makeover technique often featured on television and favoured by celebrities, is porcelain veneers. These very thin shells or caps are crafted in a dental laboratory then bonded directly to the teeth to create a straighter, whiter-looking smile. Advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing now allow for the production of even thinner, stronger, and much more affordable veneers.

One such product is the GlamSmile system. In most cases these minimally- invasive veneers require little tooth preparation, meaning there is much less damage to the healthy tooth structure.

Alternatively, a dentist can create a new smile with resin veneers in a single appointment by skillfully building up layers of composite resin (also known as dental bonding) directly onto the teeth. The end result is a custom crafted new smile, with a natural-looking finish transforming the face’s appearance instantly. Dr. King, describing this process as one of the most rewarding and creative experiences in her profession, takes delight in how a beautiful new smile empowers her patients.