In the search for a perfect smile…

Nowadays, dental aesthetics is a hot topic. With the increasing popularity of aesthetic medicine, cosmetic dentistry has naturally become a key contributor in the pursuit of the perfect smile.

Today, dentists specialised in aesthetic procedures have access to a wide range of tools and techniques to enhance the appearance of your smile. Advances in technology and dental materials allow for treatments that look more natural—both in colour and overall appearance—while being more durable and predictable. Additionally, professionals now use more conservative techniques that help preserve the natural structure of the tooth.

Before deciding on an aesthetic dental procedure, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential risks throughout the process. One essential aspect is to evaluate the professional’s experience with these treatments, as well as to find out if any special maintenance will be required after the procedure.

The main aesthetic treatments available today include:

TEETH WHITENING

Over time, teeth tend to become stained or darker—especially in people who smoke or take certain medications. Pigmented foods and drinks can also cause discolouration.

There are two main whitening methods:

• Using a custom-made mouth tray filled with a whitening gel that is worn at home. This at-home whitening method usually takes two to four weeks to complete.
• Using a laser to activate the whitening agent in a professional in-clinic session. This method uses a stronger concentration of chemicals and is typically done under supervision in about an hour and a half.

Depending on your habits, whitening results can last between 2 and 3 years.

ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS

Crowns, often called “caps”, cover the entire tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. Due to their cost, crowns are not always used even when indicated—often being replaced by resin restorations that may fail over time. Crowns offer greater longevity than most other aesthetic treatments.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Veneers are thin ceramic shells applied to the front of the teeth to improve their colour or shape. They are recommended for worn, chipped, dark-coloured, oddly shaped, gapped, or misaligned teeth.
Each veneer is custom-made based on a professional impression and preparation of the tooth.
They have a similar lifespan to crowns and maintain their colour stability for many years.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Implants act as “artificial tooth roots” and support ceramic or acrylic teeth. They are the closest replacement to natural teeth. Besides improving your smile, implants can also rejuvenate your facial appearance, as missing teeth can alter the face’s structure and cause premature ageing.

SMILE MAKEOVER

A smile makeover involves a detailed assessment of all aesthetic issues. It usually requires more than one procedure to achieve a perfect result—such as veneers, implants, gum contouring, and teeth whitening across both the upper and lower arches.

FULL-MOUTH REHABILITATION

For patients with severe dental deterioration, full-mouth rehabilitation may be necessary. This comprehensive treatment corrects functional issues related to bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure. Thanks to modern, high-quality materials, a full reconstruction can now be natural-looking, durable, and highly functional.

The key question is:

• What is the most suitable treatment for my case?

Only an experienced and qualified professional can help you answer that. Your dental condition and expectations will determine which treatment is best for you. If you’re considering a smile makeover, here are some questions you should ask your dentist before choosing the right treatment:

• What changes will be made to my smile?
• What should I expect during the treatment process?
• What type of maintenance will be required afterwards?
• What guarantees do you offer for the treatment?

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN AN EXPERIENCED COSMETIC DENTIST?

To find a professional with experience in aesthetic dentistry, we recommend asking the following questions:

• Ask to see real before-and-after photos of patients treated by that specific professional—not cases done by others.
• Request examples of cases similar to yours and how they turned out. This will help you evaluate whether their results meet your expectations.
• Look for references or reviews about the professional to understand the quality of their treatments and patient care.
• Check whether the dentist stays up to date with the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry.
• The professional should answer all your questions clearly and explain the techniques used to improve your smile. They should make you feel confident and reassured about the treatment plan they recommend for your case.

The CERO team wishes all our readers a wonderful week!