Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Esthetic Dentistry Principles – Balanced, Beautiful Smiles in Glen Iris

Esthetic dentistry is about achieving a balanced, attractive, and healthy smile that boosts confidence and often improves oral health beyond just cosmetic benefits. While cosmetic dentistry is only aimed at creating visually appealing teeth, with disregard to the comfort and function.

To create a pleasing smile, there are six key principles Dr. Kaufman will assess and enhance

  1. Smile Arc: The upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) should follow the curve of the lower lip when smiling, creating a pleasing and natural arc.

  2. Tooth Proportion and Symmetry: The central incisors are dominant and should have ideal size, shape, and symmetry relative to surrounding teeth.

  3. Gum Line and Health: Healthy, well-positioned gums that complement the teeth without excessive or uneven exposure enhance smile attractiveness.

  4. The Frame around the teeth: Avoid wide dark spaces on the sides of the smile to maintain fullness.

  5. Midline Alignment: The midline of the upper front teeth should align with the facial midline for balanced appearance.

  6. Tooth Color and Shape: Teeth should be white, without stains, and have natural anatomical shapes and contours.

To achieve it an esthetic smile Dr. Kaufman uses

  • Teeth Whitening: Brightens discolored teeth for a more radiant smile.

  • Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells applied to teeth to correct shape, color, and minor alignment issues.

  • Zirconium Crowns: Durable, natural-looking crowns to restore damaged teeth.

  • Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with artificial roots and crowns.

  • Orthodontics: Align and straighten teeth to improve bite and aesthetics.

  • Gum Treatments: Adjust gum line and health to optimize appearance.

  • Tooth Contouring/Reshaping: Minor modifications to tooth edges for better symmetry and shape.

Achieving a stunning smile starts with contacting us  or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Veneers vs Crowns: Which Is Right for Your Smile in Glen Iris?

Veneers and crowns are two of the most popular dental restorations used to enhance the appearance and function of damaged teeth. While both treatments can help restore your smile, they serve different purposes and suit varying degrees of tooth damage.

Both veneers and crowns can last for many years with proper oral hygiene. They are designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are commonly used to correct:

  • Discoloured teeth

  • Chipped or broken teeth

  • Minor misalignments or gaps

Veneers can be created using resin and sculpted directly onto the tooth in a single visit, requiring minimal tooth reduction. Alternatively, ceramic veneers are custom-made by a dental technician and bonded to the tooth in a subsequent appointment for a more durable and aesthetic result.

Because veneers are thin, they require minimal enamel removal and are generally used for cosmetic improvements, especially for front teeth where chewing force is less intense.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns, often referred to as “caps,” are thicker, custom-made ceramic restorations that completely encase the entire tooth. Crowns are ideal for teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or weakened following large fillings or root canal treatment.

The crown procedure usually takes 2–3 visits to complete:

  1. Your dentist assesses the damage and prepares the tooth by reshaping the enamel.

  2. An impression is taken and sent to a dental technician who fabricates the custom crown.

  3. Once complete, the crown is fitted and permanently cemented to the tooth for strength and durability.

Crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy chewing forces and are most suitable for back teeth that endure greater pressure.

Veneers vs Crowns: Key Differences

Feature Veneers Crowns
Tooth coverage Covers the front surface only Covers the entire tooth
Material thickness Thin and lightweight Thick and durable
Tooth preparation Minimal reduction More enamel reduction required
Typical location Front teeth Back teeth
Durability Moderate High – stronger against biting force
Primary purpose Aesthetic enhancement Structural restoration

Choosing the Best Option

Both veneers and crowns can enhance your smile and restore function, but your choice depends on your dental needs:

  • Veneers are ideal for cosmetic corrections such as stains, small chips, or gaps.

  • Crowns are recommended for more severely damaged or decayed teeth requiring extra protection.

Your dentist will evaluate your situation to recommend the best solution for both appearance and function.

If you wish to learn which option suits your teeth, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.