Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged or misshapen teeth. They protect, cover, and restore the shape and appearance of the tooth in situations where fillings are not a viable option. Dental crown procedures often take place over two or more visits.

During the first visit, the tooth receiving the crown is examined for oral diseases, and x-rays are taken to check for any underlying issues. If your dentist deems that a crown is suitable for your situation, the tooth will be filed down on all sides to make space for the crown. An impression of the tooth is then taken of the tooth and surrounding bite area. A temporary crown is then placed on the tooth.

The second appointment will take place when the crown is finished. The temporary crown is removed while the fit and colour of the permanent crown are checked. If your dentist is satisfied with the results, the crown is cemented in place. Patients may experience some sensitivity and discomfort for a few days following the procedure.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is typically done to erase years of staining or to whiten naturally yellow teeth. There are many different treatments used for teeth whitening, more complex treatments are available by our experts, but many can also be applied at home by the patient. These include sanding down stains, bleaching, ultraviolet light therapy, and simple methods such as whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Talk to our dental team about which method might be right for you. 

There are some side effects to teeth whitening, such as tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances and gum irritation. However, these side effects are temporary, and you should contact us if they persist longer than a few days.

Teeth whitening processes are available to all ages once mature teeth have set in; however, they are not available to those who’ve had crowns or veneers put in, as it can damage these appliances and create an uneven shading appearance.

Veneers

Veneers are porcelain sheaths that easily fit over a patient’s tooth, with the goal of aesthetic correction. Front teeth that are chipped, misshapen or discoloured can be covered with a veneer to give an overall appearance of naturally beautiful teeth. Veneers are easily applicable, thin, comfortable, and durable with a low risk of breaking or fracture.

Although easy, a veneer application can take a few appointments over a couple of weeks to complete. At the first appointment, impressions are taken, and your teeth are prepped for application. Temporary plastic veneers are placed on your teeth to protect them while your permanent veneers are constructed. During this time, you can also judge the feeling and overall appearance of the veneer, so that changes can be made to your porcelain veneers if needed. 

At the next appointment, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are bonded to your teeth. Your dentist may ask you to come in again at a later date to check in on both you and your veneers.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges close gaps where teeth are missing along the jawline. A dental bridge consists of a false tooth (or pontic) that is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. Pontics are typically made of porcelain to match the overall look of the other teeth. Although the main purpose of a dental bridge is usually cosmetic, it can also:

• Restore a patient’s pronunciation during speech.
• Restore the ability to chew.
• Help maintain face shape.
• Prevent adjoining teeth from moving out of position and becoming crooked. 

There are four kinds of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. Traditional involves the typical method of placing a pontic in a tooth gap and holding it in place by attaching it to crowns covering both the adjoining teeth. The cantilever method is similar to the traditional one, although only one natural tooth is required to be next to the tooth gap. Like the traditional method, the Maryland method requires a tooth on either side of the tooth gap; however, the pontic is held in place by wires or porcelain bonded to the actual adjacent teeth. The implant-supported bridge requires two surgeries to attach the bridge directly to the jaw.

Dentures

Dentures are a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and their surrounding tissues, whether through accident, oral disease, or tooth decay. While the primary function of dentures is cosmetic, they also allow the patient to chew and eat a regular diet; however, the patient should avoid sticky, durable, or hard foods to avoid damaging the appliance.

There are three kinds of dentures. Two of these types fall under the category of ‘complete’ dentures. Conventional complete dentures are designed and constructed for the patient anytime after eight weeks post-tooth extraction or loss. Immediate complete dentures are constructed pre-tooth extraction and can be worn immediately after the procedure. Partial dentures, also known as removable bridges, consist of a set of replacement teeth that attach to the remaining teeth via a metal framework.

Dentures are made by taking impressions of your teeth, which is used to create several models of the appliance. These models will be tried on so that corrections can be made before the final denture is cast, thus ensuring a device best customized to the patient. The removable feature of dentures means that they are easily cleaned and taken off for the patient’s comfort whenever they choose.

Invisalign

Gone are the days of relying on bulky metal braces as the only way to correct your crooked smile! Invisalign treatment can be a great solution – for adults, teens, and even children – using clear aligner therapy to improve your smile and bite. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners that work to correct your orthodontic issues while offering the appearance of wearing no braces.

For over 20 years, Invisalign has invested in innovations and technological advancements to make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex. Rest assured, Invisalign clear-aligner treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. And, at Metropolis Dental Group, our entire practice team is here to improve your oral health and support you through this journey.