Paradoxically, a beautiful smile is both the most understated aspect of our grooming and the most sought-after treatment in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. While everyone has a unique smile, some smiles have become signature cult classics like the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa, the ethereal charm of Madhuri Dixit, the disarming smile of Madhubala or the gregarious one from Jim Carrey. Smile opens doors and sets the tone in many situations.
In this article, Dr Kamlesh Kothari, Dental Implantologist, Cosmetic Dentist and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Director, Aesthetica Clinics, Kolkata, explains the reasons why people seek cosmetic dentistry and procedures to achieve the desired smile.
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with a Smile
“Nobody is born perfect and not everyone is happy with their smile for various reasons. Cosmetic dentistry or aesthetic dentistry is a branch which has come to the rescue of those who want to change their smile. Peer pressure and awareness in a super connected social networked world have fuelled the need for cosmetic dentistry to greater heights”, said Dr Kothari.
The usual reasons for dissatisfaction with a smile, as listed by Dr Kothari are as follows:
- Teeth alignment not satisfactory
- Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
- Discoloured
- Spaces between teeth
- No teeth or more teeth visibility on smiling
- Excessive gums display while smiling.
- Forward-placed teeth (buck teeth/bunny teeth)
- Dark gums
- Improper jaw profile
- Missing teeth
Advances in Cosmetic Dentistry
A giant leap in progress in the field of digital dentistry, 3D printing, CAD CAM, and material science has enabled dentists. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), enhancing your smile can significantly transform your overall appearance; even minor improvements can boost your confidence and self-esteem, making you want to smile more often. Cosmetic procedures now range from simple colour corrections to replacing missing teeth and everything in between.
Smile designing or smile makeover is a term used to alter an existing smile and achieve a desired one. Various options are available with a cosmetic dentist to address this issue. Here are some listed by Dr Kothari:
- Veneers: Dental Veneers are thin custom-made tooth-coloured shells placed over your existing front teeth to conceal stains, cracks, and chips and restore contour.
- Tooth contouring and Crowns: When thin-shell veneers fall short in addressing complex alterations, more durable 360-degree structures, known as crowns, become necessary. Crafted from glass-like ceramic, these crowns offer natural aesthetics.
- Bonding: Gap closure between teeth or chipped and cracked teeth can be managed by reconstructing the affected part with a colour-matched tooth-like material called composite bonding. Actor Mouni Roy has her gaps closed with this technique.
- Teeth whitening: Yellowish or stained teeth can be whitened, the effects of which last for a year and need to be repeated.
- Cosmetic gum contouring: It is a procedure by which excessive gums can be recontoured and made symmetric.
- Laser gum depigmentation: It helps to get rid of dark-coloured gums in a single sitting.
- Invisible braces: These are the latest methods of non-invasive teeth alignment without the need to shave tooth structure.
- Jaw recontouring: It is a surgical procedure which helps to reshape the contours of the jaws to a desired position
- Maxillofacial surgery: This is performed by maxillofacial surgeons where the jaws are partially or completely sectioned and reset into a desired position.
- Aesthetic gum surgery: Periodontists can augment, alter or reset gums that are receding or have thinned out due to habits or trauma.
- Botox and Fillers: These are additional procedures performed to alter the shape of the lips or other parts of the face to achieve a holistic smile makeover.
The Concept of the Hollywood Smile
“The term 'Hollywood smile' is a well-established concept where the front teeth are altered and set in a harmonious curve with impeccable aesthetics. Celebrities who have undergone cosmetic dental procedures include Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen, Ranbir Kapoor, Miley Cyrus, Nicholas Cage and Jacqueline Fernandes”, said Dr Kothari.
The Impact of Aesthetic Dentistry
“Aesthetic dentistry has been a boon to people who have only dreamt of a particular smile. The common person undergoes far more cosmetic dental procedures than would be normally assumed. The new GenZ mantra is YOLO (You Only Live Once) and they are surely living it up”, highlighted Dr Kothari.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. We advise you to consult your expert if you have any queries regarding cosmetic dentistry opting for one.]