For a long time, the first association with dentistry was visiting the dentist only when you had a toothache. Today, alongside functionality, aesthetics plays an increasingly important role in dentistry, improving patients’ psycho-social quality of life. A smile has a significant impact on overall satisfaction and self-confidence.
Due to high demand, aesthetic dentistry is becoming increasingly important. Patients visit the dentist not only for regular check-ups and treatment of pain or dental issues but also to correct minor or major cosmetic imperfections. New methods are constantly being introduced to help patients achieve a perfect smile quickly, simply, safely, and painlessly according to their preferences.
The most important factors in dentistry when choosing materials have traditionally been their physical and mechanical properties. Recently, however, aesthetic characteristics have become increasingly significant. As early as the 1960s, the desire for improved aesthetics led to the development of composite materials.
The most common question patients ask before an aesthetic dental restoration is whether the “margin” of the restoration will be visible. The primary goal of any cosmetic dental procedure is to achieve a completely natural-looking restoration, without visible transitions or color differences from the natural teeth. Advances in dental material technology now allow us to restore lost tooth tissue quickly and with minimal invasiveness, bringing patients’ smiles back to life.
What Is the difference between ceramic and composite veneers?
Although ceramic veneers are considered one of the most beautiful dental restorations, their preparation often requires minimal tooth reduction and usually several visits. In contrast, composite veneers can be completed in a single visit, are minimally invasive, and typically do not require any prior removal of tooth structure. The injection technique is one of the most advanced methods for aesthetic tooth restoration. Unlike traditional veneers and crowns, which involve removing or grinding part of the tooth, the injection technique is completely non-invasive ("non-prep"). It allows natural teeth to be enhanced without any drilling.
Who are candidates for the injection technique?
Candidates are patients who are unhappy with their teeth' color, shape, or alignment but do not want them to be drilled. Treating the front teeth is often necessary as a final step after orthodontic treatment to optimize both aesthetics and function.
What does the injection technique procedure look like?
For us dentists, it is imperative that patients feel comfortable in the clinic. During the first examination, the overall oral health is assessed, and patients' wishes are listened to to achieve the desired result together. If you are a candidate for the injection technique, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. There, a new smile is digitally or analogically designed, and using a transparent silicone guide, the material is "injected" onto the teeth. Afterward, the teeth are polished so that no visible transition remains between the natural tooth and the artificial material.
Is the procedure painful?
The injection technique is entirely painless. Therefore, if you want a beautiful smile in a short amount of time, this method is the right choice for you. Today, a beautiful smile can be achieved using modern, minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry methods. The injection technique is an ideal option for anyone seeking this path to a new, enhanced smile.
Dr. Sc. Antonija Jurela, DMD, Orthodontic Specialist
Tena Stilinović, DMD
Source: The List magazine
