Australians are now spending three times more on their teeth than they did 15 years ago, and many are choosing to spend it on “cosmetic” dentistry in their desire to achieve a celebrity smile according to reports.

This increased demand for cosmetic dentistry, especially in young adults aged between 18 and 25, has meant increased interest in veneers, crowns, orthodontic and teeth whitening procedures. 

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is keen for young people to understand what these procedures are designed to do, and to stress that good oral hygiene practices are the best way to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted with tooth-colored materials that cover the front of teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth by changing their shape and colour, masking stains and replacing fractured pieces of teeth. They can also artifically make teeth appear straighter.  

Veneers are usually made from porcelain which keeps its appearance far longer than tooth coloured resins that wear away more quickly .

Porcelain can be brittle however and chip. If you have porcelain veneers, the ADA recommends ditching habits like biting fingernails, chewing pens/pencils, and taking care when biting into stone fruits or using teeth to open packets (which should really be avoided regardless of veneers or not).

Orthodontic Procedures

Orthodontic dentistry is the treatment of ‘malocclusion’, which literally means bad bite.  Orthodontists realign teeth and jaws, and traditionally use corrective appliances like braces, plates and other dental equipment. 

Whilst procedures that make the teeth and jaw more symmetrical are gaining in popularity, people are demanding that orthodontic appliances be more aesthetic.  New technology has helped traditional braces or brackets to become much smaller and harder to see. ‘Space age’ wires are also able to move teeth more gently and quickly resulting in shorter treatment times. Other, less visible orthodontic options are also now offered including:

• Ceramic and polycarbonate brackets (braces): which blend in with the colour of the teeth and cannot be seen from a metre away.
  
  
• Lingual brackets: Applied behind the teeth as opposed to the front, they can be more difficult to maintain and can irritate the tongue.  They also tend to be more expensive because they are harder to place and adjust.
  
  
• Invisalign: Often promoted as an "invisible" way of straightening teeth, this technique uses a series of clear, custom-fabricated aligners that gradually move teeth to their desired positions. Invisalign is appropriate in simple to moderate cases only. 
  
  This treatment requires a teamwork approach that involves, at the very least, a general practitioner dentist and an orthodontist.

Teeth Whitening

There is a plethora of teeth whitening procedures and products available. They range from over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpastes and strips, to tooth lightening and polishing procedures conducted by dentists and dental hygienists, and bleaching methods that can be purchased over the counter and done at home. 

The ADA recommends that people ask their dentist to assess their teeth before undertaking any bleaching or whitening, so that they can get the right advice on what procedure is suitable for them, to avoid undesirable side effects.

The ADA’s top ten tops for a sparkling smile:

The ADA says following the tips below will contribute to a sparkling, healthy smile, reducing the need for any non-essential dental procedures. Nothing can substitute for regularly visiting the dentist and traditional oral care practices like brushing, flossing and rinsing:  

• There is no such thing as a “cosmetic dentist”: If you are interested in so called cosmetic procedures, ensure you consult a registered, qualified dentist, preferably your regular dentist.  General practice dentists can advise and perform most “cosmetic“ treatments.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.

• Drink fluoridated tap water: as much as possible, especially after drinking alcohol, soft or sports drinks.  Water fluoridation helps prevent decay and lessens the need for intervention from your dentist. Soft and sports drinks contribute to dental erosion, which lead to damaged and ugly looking teeth.

• Don’t smoke: Smoking is terrible for both overall and oral health.  It damages gums and teeth and greatly increases the chances of oral cancer.  Also, smoking stains teeth, turning them an ugly yellow colour, and contributes to bad breath.

• Eat a balanced diet:  Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, especially those rich in calcium and low in acids and sugars.

• Floss and rinse every day: It is very important to clean between your teeth and flossing is another essential tool for good oral health. Flossing helps to promote healthy gums and prevent dental decay. Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash after flossing.
  
  
• Have regular dental checkups:  The old saying “prevention is better than cure” is most appropriate when it comes to healthy teeth. Your dentist can assess your teeth and recommend preventive strategies both in the surgery and at home.

• Beware the quick fix: There is a plethora of ‘extreme makeover’ programs that give people unrealistic expectations of treatment outcomes from certain procedures.  The ADA wants to stress to people that the best way to make teeth look good is through good oral hygiene practises.

• Remember: If you have any questions or concerns, see your dentist: Only a dentist can advise you on how to care for and treat your mouth. 

• Visit www.ada.org.au for more information on good oral health tips.