Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized oral care process focusing on improving your mouth, teeth and smile appearance. Though some treatment cases are essential and provide restorative benefits, most procedures are normally elective and for anyone who desires it. Cosmetic dentists involve a treatment plan through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures required for the patient. In Johannesburg, cosmetic dental surgeries tend to have more than one professional attending to the cosmetic surgery. Larger practices tend to have full-time specialists in anesthetics, oral hygienist, and a range of professionals attending to every cosmetic procedure and treatment plan. Availability of state of the art dental equipment and quality materials in today’s day and age is an added advantage for cosmetic dentists. The expertise offered in cosmetic dentistry quite vary. They include;
• Inlays and Onlays
These are also referred to as indirect fillings. They are molded and made by a dental laboratory from composite materials, gold or porcelain. When bonded within the tooth’s center, they are referred to as an inlay and are known as an onlay when the filling includes or covers the biting surface. They are used when a tooth has mild decay.
• Teeth whitening
This is one of the most basic and simplest procedures. It can be performed with in-office products at the dentist’s office. After cleaning the surface of each tooth from tartar, plaque and debris, whitening occurs, restoring their natural appearance. To achieve a lighter shade, teeth are bleached by whitening products.
• Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers are custom made for each patient to resemble natural teeth. They are manufactured from medical grade porcelain, ceramic or resin to cover the front surfaces of the teeth. They resolve numerous cosmetic problems, from crooked or cracked teeth to noticeable gaps between teeth.
• Implants
In dental implants, a missing tooth is replaced by inserting a titanium screw in place of the missing tooth root which anchors it securely in the jaw. The healing process allows growth around the implant and is permanently secured when the bone and the supporting tissue fuse to the implant.
• Dental Bonding
A tooth-colored, putty-like composite resembling the tooth enamel is used to repair discolored, decayed or damaged teeth. The composite is applied to the tooth after the dentist drills out the decay and bonds the material to the tooth using high-intensity ultraviolet rays. The dentist will shape it by trimming and polishing giving it in place an appearance of a healthy tooth. It is an affordable procedure for emergency dentistry such as cracks, chips, tooth decays or worn out edges.
The costs for cosmetic dentistry procedures in Johannesburg vary according to the simplicity or complexity of the specialized care required and the cosmetic dentist. The most popular of the cosmetic dental procedures in Johannesburg, teeth whitening, costs from R3000 or 43$. Dental veneers cost up to 1300$ per tooth. Dental bonding, which takes about sixty minutes costs 400$ per tooth. Inlays and onlays cost about 1200$ per tooth while implants will cost you about 3000$. Emergency dentists and reviewed orthodontist specialists in the field of cosmic dentistry in Johannesburg include;
• Dr. AK Seedat based in 22 Bonanza Street, Fordsburg, Johannesburg. He, according to his website, specializes in proficiency by using the latest technology.
• Greenside Orthodontist in Barry Hertzog Avenue, Johannesburg who specializes in dental braces, retainers and orthodontic emergency dentistry, according to his website.
• Dr. Shameer and Dr. Muhammad Gani, who are brothers and dentists at the same time according to a reviewer on their website are based in St. Albans Avenue, MayFair West, Johannesburg. They generalize in cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, prosthetics, implant surgery, dentures and procedures under general anesthesia.
• Dr. R Ming Fok based in Houghton, Johannesburg. From his website, he specializes in dental veneers, dental jewellery, dentures and orthodontic emergency dentistry.
