Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a selection of dental treatments that aim to enhance or create a more beautiful smile.
There are a number of treatments that fall under the realm of cosmetic dentistry and this includes whitening, composite bonding/veneers and porcelain veneers. The right treatment depends on what's bothering you, what options are suitable for you, and how invasive you would like treatment to be The first step is always a conversation at an appointment, rather than a price list.
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, Dr. Shelley and his team offer high-quality dental treatments at our newly-renovated, spacious clinic in Dublin 14.
Call us today to book a consultation.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is used to describe treatments that improve how your teeth look, rather than to treat any specific pain or disease. But, in practice, it tends to do both. For example, repairing a chipped tooth protects it as well as improves it.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening is a non-invasive treatment that allows you to reverse years of drinking coffee, tea, red wine, as well as smoking. Our take-home whitening kit involves two visits. On the first visit, we copy the teeth which will be used to make your custom whitening trays. On the second visit, we give you your whitening kit, professional whitening gel and custom trays with detailed instructions for at-home use.
Just be aware that whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. It won't change the colour of any existing crowns, veneers or fillings. So, if you have visible work at the front of your mouth we'll likely need to plan the order of treatment around that.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding involves composite (tooth-coloured filling material) added to part of the tooth to close small gaps, fix chipped teeth, or mask discoloration or mild imperfections.
The composite is first added to your tooth, contoured, and adjusted to your bite before being polished to create a lifelike lustre. Composite veneers are essentially composite bonding that cover the entire front surface of the tooth, which is sometimes needed to achieve a desirable result.
Bonding tends to be suitable for:
Chipped or worn front teeth
Small gaps between teeth
Teeth that are slightly uneven in shape or length
Discoloured patches that whitening won't shift
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers also disguise chipped and discoloured teeth but offer long-lasting, superior aesthetics. Porcelain reflects light in the same way a natural enamel does, and it tends to resist staining in a way composite doesn't.
These are lab-made and can require several visits for planning and completing. Porcelain veneers are an option for those that want the results to last for years and stay looking the same throughout. However, there are a few things to consider which we will go through carefully before you make a commitment.
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
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Works best for treating teeth discolouration.
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Works best for treating chips and small gaps on single or multiple teeth.
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Best for longer term changes to the shape of colour of teeth.
What To Expect
At your appointment, we’ll discuss your concerns, requirements, expectations and why you’d like to proceed with a specific treatment. From there we examine your teeth and gums, take photographs and x-rays, and talk through which cosmetic treatments would achieve the results you want in a way that protects your overall oral health.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, our prices typically start at:
€350 for teeth whitening (Home kit & custom trays)
€350 for composite bonding/veneers (per tooth)
€1,100 for porcelain veneers (per tooth)
Cost depends on the particular treatment and what's involved. Before any treatment starts, we'll give you a full breakdown of the cost and whether anything needs treating first.
Tax Relief for Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic treatments that are carried out purely to improve the appearance of teeth generally don’t qualify for tax relief, unlike some non-routine dental work. It’s always best to check with Revenue before starting any treatment if you’re concerned
Health Insurance for Cosmetic Dentistry
You may be able to claim for certain cosmetic dentistry procedures on your private health insurance. But you should always check with your provider to confirm your level of cover and what procedures are included in your policy.
Meet Your Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Shawn Shelley has been performing cosmetic dental restorations for almost 15 years in Singapore and Ireland and is registered with the Dental Council of Ireland. Dr. Shawn Shelley is the Founder and Principal Dentist at Fiacla Dental Clinic. He is an empathetic, diligent dentist, with a calm and caring patient manner
He completed his Pre-Med degree at the University of Wyoming, USAbefore qualifying as a dentist at Trinity College Dublin.
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, each patient is unique and we base our gentle and caring dentistry around your individual needs. You'll see the same clinician from consultation through to the final result, in a newly-renovated practice using high-quality materials and advanced techniques.
Why Patients Choose Fiacla Dental Clinic
Seen by Dr. Shelley, excellent communication skills, listened to me and considered my medical history. The best health assessment I’ve had in a very long time. Overall extremely satisfactory visit to the dentist, thank you.
- Clodagh
As a nervous patient, I was seriously impressed with Shawn. He was calm and gentle and I left with a smile on my face.
- JaneFor the first time a dentist took the time to show me proper hygiene techniques and tips. I was given an x-ray on the spot to make sure all was okay and my concerns and questions were dealt with.
- NicoleFrequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
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Cosmetic dentistry isn't a separate speciality. It just describes a focus rather than a qualification. Any dentist offering it should be able to explain why they're recommending one treatment over another.
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That depends entirely on what your areas of concern are and how much it impacts you. For a chipped front tooth, a single visit for bonding is money well spent for most patients. But things like a full set of veneers can be a significant decision and we'd rather you took time over it. We'll tell you honestly if we think a smaller treatment would get you most of the way there, or if we recommended referring you to another dentist who may have a dedicated focus on a certain treatment type.
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Several years with good care, though composite stains more readily than natural enamel or porcelain. Cutting back on coffee, tea, red wine and smoking makes a noticeable difference, as does keeping up your regular hygienist appointments
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In most cases the tooth doesn't need to be drilled or heavily prepared, the composite is bonded to the surface of the tooth, and it can technically be removed later However, when it is removed, it will need to be replaced with new composite bonding usually at the same appointment. It is very difficult to ever go back to your original tooth surface.
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Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns, veneers or white fillings at the front of your mouth, they'll stay the shade they are, so we plan around them.
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Whitening can cause some temporary sensitivity, which settles within a day or two and can be managed with a sensitive toothpaste. Composite bonding is usually painless and often needs no anaesthetic. Porcelain veneers involve preparing the tooth, so local anaesthetic is used.