A smile increases the face value. But just imagine, you smile and your stained teeth are visible! Appalling, isn't it? People don't really cringe at the mention of a visit to the dentist anymore. There's more to dentistry than just a filling or a root canal, today dentistry can dramatically alter the appearance of teeth to a great extent - a fact that spells hope for people who have lived with various cosmetic problems linked to their teeth.

Numerous models and actresses, including many of India's own famous beauty queens, have also had their teeth cosmetically altered and the numbers seem to be growing by the day. The reason is that a smile is a reflection of one's personality and health, and even indicates confidence. A smile that reveals bad teeth can really mar the impression a person makes. In such situations, cosmetic dentistry can save the day and offer various procedures that shape, correct and beautify a person's set of teeth and smile.

Though cosmetic dentistry sounds scary to a layperson, the following terms are the most commonly used jargon likely to be encountered if you consider cosmetic dental surgery to correct your teeth. Here's what they entail:

Bleaching

This is a relatively new and desirable way of eliminating unattractive dark stains from your teeth - caused by beverages, tartar and medication like tetracycline. It's a painless and safe procedure involving the application of a chemical solution on the stained tooth surface.

Bonding

In this simple process, a tooth-colored plastic material is coated onto the teeth in layers after it has been etched first with a mild acid to help the material bond better. This procedure doesn't require any reduction in the teeth in most cases. This is perfect for people having discolored teeth or worn out teeth, and even those who need to fill in the gaps between their front teeth. Maintenance is very important to ensure long lasting results in this situation. One has to be extremely careful to prevent any fracture to the bonded teeth for a while.

Veneers/laminates

Laminating is an extension of the bonding technique that involves fabricating a thin pre-formed tooth colored layer on the teeth. Two dental visits are required to complete this process. On the first visit, a minimal reduction of the outer surface of the tooth is carried out, after which an impression of the tooth is taken. On the second visit, the dental surgeon fits the laminate with composite cement providing a chemical seal. Veneers are apt for people with discolored teeth caused by tetracycline stains. This procedure also helps contour overlapping front teeth.

Crowns

Crowning or capping is the most extensive form of treatment since the entire tooth surface has to be reduced and replaced with artificial tooth-colored material. On the first visit, the tooth is shaped and measured. In the subsequent visit, the crown is adjusted and fixed onto the tooth with the cement. This works best for badly stained teeth, and in cases where root canal treated teeth have to be capped. This is also used to replace missing teeth, often referred to as bridges. Crowns are aesthetically designed to look and feel like real teeth.

Restorations

The most recent cosmetic material that has replaced silver fillings is composite restorations - commonly called cosmetic fillings. This helps restore the cavities in the anterior teeth, and repair the erosions at the neck of the tooth - caused by bad brushing. Cavities in the posterior teeth can also be fixed with these cosmetic fillings. These fillings have an advantage because they blend and chemically bond with the tooth, which ensures its durability. The procedure also results in minimal tooth reduction when compared to silver fillings.

Cosmetic gum surgery

Healthy gum tissue acts as a frame that provides form and shape to the crown of the tooth. The problem arises when the frame is impaired or the gum tissue between the teeth weakens. Gum tissue is generally lost due to poor oral hygiene (gum disease and pyorrhea). Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of options like composite resin bonding, full crowns, and fixed porcelain inter-dental addition to correct the problem. Cosmetic gum surgery is also used to correct 'gummy smiles' where a great portion of the gum tissue is exposed when a person smiles. The surgery involves lengthening the teeth from the neck upwards. As a result, teeth appear longer and lesser gum tissue is visible when smiling.

Dentures

Perfectly designed dentures can improve a person's looks, reduce the appearance of age and increase self-confidence. Dentures are designed depending on the face structure and gender of the person, teeth size, shape and set up. Advancing age robs teeth of its color and it becomes more opaque. Dentures of the right colour correct that problem.