A beautiful smile is a great asset and everyone knows it makes a great first impression.
It is one of the key reasons people are perceived as being attractive or successful. A smile can also show a person’s age. In fact, it is one of the first facial features to show signs of ageing.
‘Teeth basically hold the facial bones in place,’ Sydney cosmetic reconstructive dentist Dr Sarkis Nalbandian explains. ‘As we get older or lose teeth the jawbone is less supportive and the face sinks, contributing to an ageing appearance. Maintaining a youthful smile becomes more and more challenging.’ Fortunately today’s cosmetic dentistry techniques are enabling more people to benefit from an aesthetically pleasing smile. It is important to be aware of all available options when seeking advice.
Dr Nalbandian favours minimally invasive treatments, rather than unnecessarily comprimising the structure of the teeth. This improves a patient’s quality of life as well as addressing the dental and aesthetic needs. There are several conservative options available to improve the colour and shape of the teeth and the smile. Whitening teeth between three and 12 shades can be achieved by the use of a whitening conditioner under a special light. There are also many options available to remodel the shape, to close gaps and to improve the gum line.
Dr Nalbandian recommends the ‘One Visit Smile Lift’, a procedure that normally requires no local anaesthetic and is of minimal discomfort to the patient. ‘Composite veneers are applied and the procedure does not require cutting a sound tooth structure,’ Dr Nalbandian explains. It can be used on people of all ages and the effect is immediate. It is non-invasive and relatively inexpensive because there are no laboratory fees, but the improvement is dramatic.
Cosmetic dentistry should improve the attractiveness of the smile while addressing the dental needs. No matter what level of treatment is required the dentist should assess the patient’s smile as part of the overall facial appearance. This means taking into consideration the symmetry of the individual’s facial features, including the positioning of the eyes, nose, lips and chin, the ears, the hairline, cheekbones and teeth across the midline.
The proportions to each other vertically and horizontally must also be considered with how the smile harmonises within these elements. Aesthetics may be a matter of individual preference, however there’s no doubt that everyone responds to an attractive smile. bella