Prosthetics & Aesthetic Prosthetics
We use aesthetic dental prosthetics to restore and enhance teeth. We offer various types of restorations, each suited for specific clinical situations and desired outcomes, aiming for seamless integration with your natural smile.
Understanding Aesthetic Restorations
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom coverings bonded to the front surface of teeth. They address minor imperfections like discolouration, small chips, gaps, or slight misalignments. Veneers offer aesthetic improvement with minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure.
All-ceramic crowns cover the entire tooth. They provide comprehensive restoration for teeth that are significantly damaged, weakened, or have undergone root canal treatment. All-ceramic crowns are highly aesthetic, mimicking the translucency and light properties of natural teeth.
Zirconia crowns also cover the entire tooth and are known for their exceptional strength and durability. We often recommend them for posterior teeth, where chewing forces are greater, or for situations requiring maximum resilience. Modern zirconia materials also offer impressive aesthetics.
Our selection process prioritises the long-term health of your bite and gums, ensuring functional stability alongside aesthetic enhancement.
The Art of Planning Your New Smile
A successful aesthetic outcome begins with thorough planning. We use digital smile design, a process where we analyze your facial features and dental arch to create a virtual blueprint of your ideal smile. This bespoke design is tailored to your unique appearance.
Utilizing technologies like 3Shape and CAD/CAM, we translate this digital design into a physical mock-up or ‘trial smile’. This allows us to assess the proposed changes directly in your mouth before any permanent alterations are made. This helps us confirm the result aligns with your expectations and integrates harmoniously with your existing teeth and bite. Dr. Kolettis personally oversees this critical planning stage at our Athens clinic.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Needs
The material choice is crucial for both the aesthetics and durability of your restorations. We carefully consider the tooth’s position and functional demands.
We primarily use lithium disilicate and zirconia. Lithium disilicate offers excellent translucency, closely mimicking natural tooth enamel, making it ideal for highly visible anterior teeth. Zirconia provides superior strength and fracture resistance, often preferred for posterior teeth or those needing increased structural integrity.
We discuss the specific benefits of each material with you. This helps ensure the choice aligns with your individual needs, aesthetic preferences, and the long-term functional demands of your bite.
Dental Crowns: Comparing Metal-Ceramic and All-Ceramic Options
When restoring a tooth, we evaluate metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns based on their strength, aesthetics, and cost. This helps us determine the most suitable choice.
Metal-ceramic crowns feature a durable metal base covered by ceramic. They are often economical and well-suited for molars where strength is a priority, though they may sometimes reveal a dark gum line and offer less natural translucency.
All-ceramic crowns, crafted entirely from ceramic, provide superior aesthetics, blending smoothly with natural teeth. They are ideal for visible areas. While they typically involve a higher investment, modern zirconia options offer good strength.
Our recommendations balance the tooth’s location, functional requirements, and your aesthetic preferences.
Your Journey to a Transformed Smile
The process of receiving aesthetic dental restorations typically involves two to three visits to our Athens clinic. We aim to make each step clear and comfortable.
During your initial appointment, we prepare the teeth for the restorations. We then take precise impressions or digital scans to guide the creation of your custom veneers or crowns. Temporary restorations are placed immediately after preparation to protect your teeth and allow you to preview the general shape and appearance of the final result.
At the subsequent visit, once your permanent restorations have been expertly crafted, we carefully match the shade to your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and harmonious blend. Dr. Kolettis personally performs all clinical work, focusing on precision and ensuring a comfortable experience throughout your treatment.
Maintaining Your New Smile
With proper care, your veneers and crowns can last for many years. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental check-ups, is essential. These restorations are designed to be durable, but like natural teeth, they require ongoing attention to prevent issues and support their longevity.
Regular visits allow us to monitor the health of your restorations and gums. We aim for aesthetic solutions that also promote the long-term health and stability of your entire mouth. Our guidance will help you sustain the beauty and function of your new smile.
If you’d like to discuss whether this suits you, you’re welcome to book a consultation.