A boom that has really taken off in recent years, is cosmetic dentistry in South Africa. South Africans are now privy to the latest in dental advancements to get their teeth into the best possible shape. Cosmetic dentistry is different from regular dentistry in that the dentist here is concerned with the appearance of the teeth.

A cosmetic dentist can be described as an artist of sorts

Their skill set lies in being able to give people that yearned for, perfect smile. When teeth have gotten into bad shape from general wear and tear or through improper care, a cosmetic dentist is there to rectify this. Seeing as this is mostly irreversible it would be wise to choose a cosmetic dentist who has an excellent record of performing these procedures and has some level of expert training. There are many options for cosmetic dentistry in South Africa but when making your choice, it is best to go with a practice that keeps abreast with cutting edge technology. Advancements are made in the field all the time and for the most part will include treatments that are done faster and with better results.

Why do People want Cosmetic Dental Procedures Done?

Basically, to improve the appearance of their teeth. A smile is what conveys a friendly demeanour and having discoloured and misaligned teeth will take focus away from this. With all of the options available with cosmetic dentistry in South Africa, anyone can have good teeth, whether you have slight crookedness or if all of your teeth have fallen out. Cosmetic dental procedures bring back a person’s level of confidence.

Having a warm and inviting smile opens you up in social situations. Being afraid of showing your teeth can lead to some awkward situations and give the impression that you are not totally up for any interaction. This can be a real hindrance in both a social and business setting. People in this predicament can now take advantage of cosmetic dentistry in South Africa and change their teeth and life for the better.

The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry in South Africa

When compared to most other countries, cosmetic procedures are drastically cheaper in South Africa. Because of the very weak Rand your money goes so much further – allowing you to pay for a complete dental makeover and a luxury holiday in the sun for the price of only half your dental treatment at home

South Africa is a destination of  high calibre medical staff

Combined with the high calibre of doctors and dentists available in the country, many people are making their way to get their cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dentistry in South Africa. It provides a 2 in one deal of having these procedures while taking a holiday. Due to the downtime and relaxation in this sunny country, any healing time that may be needed is also much faster.

Cosmetic Dentistry is not covered by Insurance

Cosmetic dentistry in South Africa is not covered by health/dental plans. This will have to be done on a cash payment basis or it can be covered with a payment plan. Since cosmetic dentistry is not vital but more of an optional process, a good way forward would be to just meet with a cosmetic dentist. This initial consult will give the dentist an idea of what needs to be done and the options that can be taken. This gives the patients a chance to review their options and formulate a plan of action. At Silver Oaks, we provide cosmetic imaging. This will give patients an idea of what can be achieved with the different options that can be taken forward. No amount of explanation from a cosmetic dentist does the justice of actually being able to physically see the improvement that can be made to the teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in South Africa

People have an array of options when it comes to doing cosmetic dentistry in South Africa. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the tooth degeneration. The cosmetic dentist will suggest the course forward in attaining perfect teeth.

If the tooth structure is healthy and the only change needs to be for more brightness then you can go with one of the most popular options of cosmetic dentistry in South Africa, teeth whitening. Over time, the colour of ones teeth will become duller and restoring colour leads to a more youthful look. In-office teeth whitening gives the best results as the gel and light combination is the most effective.

Again, if the tooth structure is intact and healthy, veneers can also be an option. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that will be bonded to the front of the tooth. The colour, shape and size of the veneer can be manipulated to create a straighter and whiter smile. It is described as minimally invasive because a very minute portion on the front part of the tooth is shaved off. This space will then allow for the veneer to have a snug fit.

If a small portion of the tooth is decayed or chipped and a portion of it has to be removed, then this can be filled out with a dental filling. Once the filling is in, the decay no longer has a chance to eat its way further into the tooth.

If the damaged portion is larger, then a dental crown will be suggested. Unlike the veneer which covers the front of the tooth, the crown will encase the entire tooth. One of the latest offerings of cosmetic dentistry in South Africa is the option to have veneers and crowns done in a one day visit.

It may seem like technology from the future, but today, people who have lost a tooth or all of their teeth can have them replaced. This is possible with a dental implant. As the name suggests, a small titanium screw will be implanted into the root area of the tooth. Once this bonds firmly into the area, a crown will be attached to it. The end result is a normal looking tooth.

Straighter teeth no longer has to take years of uncomfortable metal braces and wires. The Inman Aligner is able to adjust the front teeth in a matter of weeks and is finally available through cosmetic dentistry in South Africa. They are removable and a cheaper option for straightening the teeth.

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