The dental industry has made great strides in the last decade, and part of that progress has been possible due to technological changes and vast improvements in the types of equipment now available.
As with any new technology, understanding the process, capabilities, and limits of the technology is key to ensuring the best possible treatment for each patient.
From the patient’s point of view, new technology and the treatments that it provides can be confusing and daunting. Many of us grew up in a world where crooked teeth could only be fixed with braces, extracted teeth could only be replaced by uncomfortable and often ill-fitting dentures, and cosmetic dentistry meant bleaching our teeth.
Those days are over, thank goodness, but the sheer variety of treatments and the volume of information available online can make it hard for people to know what kind of treatment will work for them.
We at Meza Dental Care realize that building trust in a new process often requires a better understanding. To that end, we are developing a series of articles explaining the various methods so you can have an informed conversation with your dentist or one of us.
We want you to understand your options and have enough knowledge to choose the treatment best suited to your situation and needs.
Firstly, What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
While all dental work should provide teeth that function properly, cosmetic dentistry refers to procedures primarily concerned with improving your teeth’ appearance.
In some cases where the teeth are highly misaligned or crooked, the best treatment might involve orthodontia, such as traditional braces or newer products like Invisalign.
In less extreme cases, however, many new and improved treatments are available that will even out your smile and improve your overall appearance, ensuring you can let your personality shine through without feeling self-conscious.
A Modern History of Cosmetic Dentistry
Depending on your age (don’t worry, we won’t ask), you may remember a time when being born with less-than-perfect teeth was something you just learned to live with. (History buffs may very well point out that ancient Egyptians have been found with dentures of ivory and bone, but let’s stick with our millennium, shall we? Unless you’re curious… then click here!)
Good dental health meant avoiding cavities so that you didn’t lose your teeth because the alternative was horrible.
Eventually, technology advanced to the point where dentists could brighten your teeth using bleaching agents or straighten them with braces… and many people who could afford it were ecstatic. Even then, if your teeth weren’t ‘bad enough’ to need braces, you were still more or less stuck with the teeth you were born with.
In the early 1900s, porcelain dental crowns and dentures were invented. However, they eventually became too expensive and were replaced by the combination of plastic and acrylics that we still use today.
In the 1930s, dental veneers were invented, but they were mainly used as a temporary fix for Hollywood stars because they were costly. Since they were attached using the dental adhesive available then, they quickly fell off, making them highly impractical for everyday use.
In the 1950s, composite teeth filling material was invented, which meant we were no longer doomed to noticeable black or silver fillings… Thank goodness!
Laser-based dental treatments were invented in the 1960s but were primarily used to treat gum disease until 1996, when the FDA approved a laser that could be used for whitening.
Still, despite all these advancements, how we could improve our smiles’ look was pretty limited.
Hello, Dental Veneers!
Fast-forward to the 1980s and the invention of adhesive systems and resin cements. This is when the fun begins. The ability to bond materials to tooth enamel was a game-changer. Now, those dental veneers from the 1930s have become much more helpful. From that time on, the design and production of dental veneers have improved steadily.
The first permanent veneers required the underlying teeth to be shaved down to stumps to fit the veneer over the top, like a sleeve.
While this works quite well, removing nature’s best protection, enamel, from the teeth themselves increased the chances that bacteria could work under the veneer and eat away at the tooth’s structure.
Since then, new techniques have been developed that allow the veneer to be attached to existing teeth with minimal damage. These are known as prep-less veneers, and we prefer this method here at Meza Dental Care.
The veneers we use today are thin, natural-looking, and durable enough to last 10-15 years with proper care.
On the Cutting Edge of Cosmetic Dentistry
Perhaps the most impactful advancement in the development of dental veneers today has little to do with the veneers themselves but everything to do with the ability to build them to spec. I’m referring, of course, to digital technology.
Today’s dentists have access to some truly unique technology. This allows them to do fully digital scans that show our teeth and the underlying bone structures beneath them.
It also allows them to design prototype veneers. This is done using dental impressions and digital imaging uploaded into a computer program.
With this new technology, dentists can create your perfect smile. They then use a 3D printer to build the prototype so you can try them on to see how they look and feel. Then, they take the second set of measurements and photos, allowing them to make the minute adjustments and tweaks necessary before your final veneers are made.
This technology helps create teeth with more natural tones and shading within the tooth itself, unlike the original veneers, which often look flat and unnatural. Modern custom engineering creates a beautiful and natural smile while allowing you to change the things that bother you.
But technology isn’t the only thing that goes into creating the perfect smile. Cosmetic Dentistry is a very intricate balance of design and artistry. It involves having the knowledge, experience, and artistry to make their smile look beautiful and natural by using the patient’s bone structure and facial traits and following the natural rules of proportion and symmetry.
Your Perfect Smile
One thing is for sure: every smile is unique and special. So, the best way to find your perfect smile is to speak to a qualified dentist, discuss your dental history, and talk to them about your ideal smile.
Let them guide you towards a treatment that will provide the best possible results for your needs. Whether you want to replace that crooked tooth that’s always bothered you or you suffer from stained or discolored enamel, your dentist can provide you with options that will improve the look of your smile while maintaining the same functionality you enjoy now.
Getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of is easier than ever. Meza will help you find the least invasive solution possible to achieve your desired look because we believe saving your natural teeth is always the best option.
The Meza Dental Advantage
At Meza Dental Care, we believe in providing every patient with the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics. We are experts in our field. Dr. Meza was the first dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry outside the United States.
We pride ourselves on having extremely high standards, and to ensure that every crown and veneer matches these high standards, we developed our dedicated laboratory.
Our lab is staffed with trained technicians who go above and beyond every time, producing only the best products using the highest-quality materials, technologically advanced methods, and a touch of artistry.
We offer a wide variety of cosmetic treatments, including:
- dental crowns,
- veneers,
- teeth whitening,
- dental composites,
- And more.
With dental clinics in Costa Rica and Cancún, Mexico, you can enjoy the benefits of modern, up-to-date procedures and beautiful tropical locales. Imagine their surprise when you come home with a tan and a beautiful new smile.
We will answer any questions and discuss your treatment options if you want to learn more. Just ask for your free estimate, and start the journey to your perfect smile today.
You can also E-mail: contact@mezadentalcare.com
Or, you can also call directly, toll-free from the U.S. & Canada at 1-(877)-337-6392
Article written by Dr. Alberto Meza
Dr. Meza provides patients with valuable insights and expert guidance to help them achieve optimal dental well-being.
His commitment to delivering high-quality care and staying updated on the latest dental advancements makes him a trusted source for comprehensive dental solutions.
