Cosmetic dentistry is described as any dental technique that progresses and improves the appearance of your teeth and mouth. Alternatively, it does not always mean that the health of your teeth is improved, but the visual appearance is enhanced. General dentistry consists of procedures received in a dental office like regular cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and more. Cosmetic dentistry offers extra procedures that benefit you and your family for a more attractive smile. In most cases, cosmetic dental procedures are not essential, but the results are usually beneficial. Additionally, cosmetic dentistry procedures make cleanings a lot less complicated. Consequently, most cosmetic dental procedures build confidence in the patient, which is quite significant to their total well-being.

A cosmetic dentist, also known as an aesthetic dentist, has been through special training in at least one field of dental medicine. These are usually distinguished specialties better defined as cosmetic, also known as procedures not medically necessary.

Purpose of a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist aims to create positive results with a persons’ smile and teeth. The practice of cosmetic dentistry goes well beyond just teeth whitening. Using braces, a cosmetic dentist can move teeth. They often use veneers to change the visual appearance of a smile, and they use tooth colored options for crowns and fillings to improve visual appearance. Some will replace absent teeth. Aside from improving the appearance of your teeth and smile, a cosmetic dentist strives to improve your complete dental health. Calling a cosmetic dentist to see what options they offer will give you a better idea of what their specific office has to offer. Some of the treatments offered, like dental implants, are both functional and aesthetic.

Why Should You See a Cosmetic Dentist

People unhappy with their smiles should consult with a cosmetic dentist. If your teeth are crooked, cracked, chipped, discolored or missing, you can call a cosmetic dentist to see what options they offer for addressing and treating those issues.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

One of the more popular reasons for visiting a cosmetic dentist is for teeth whitening. This is one of the easiest and least expensive techniques to enhance your smile. Some cosmetic dentist offices perform the bleaching process in their office, and some allow you to buy a gel and mold that you can apply at home. Using a simple process involving hydrogen peroxide and laser lights, a cosmetic dentist can easily get rid of stains from your teeth reestablishing the original white shade. Teeth whitening is not a permanent process, but if stains return, you can have the treatments performed again.

Another reason people see a cosmetic dentist is to get porcelain veneers. The procedure for porcelain veneers involves attaching small pieces of porcelain on top of the surface of the front teeth. This hides the discoloration, chips, or cracks on the teeth. When the veneers are applied, crooked teeth will appear much straighter. For those wanting to improve their appearance and smile, this is a marginally invasive option. Just a small bit of the tooth surface is taken off to adhere the veneer to the tooth. Consequently, this is a totally painless procedure.

Additionally, dental bonding can be performed by a cosmetic dentist. During this process, a resin resembling putty, the color of a normal tooth, is applied to your tooth. Next, an ultraviolet laser light is used to harden the material, which bonds it to the tooth. The cosmetic dentist then shapes, trims and polishes the finished tooth. Dental bonding is good for cracked, chipped or decayed teeth. It is often used to cover up old silver fillings. The entire process takes about 45 minutes.

Those seeking dental implants for aesthetic reasons also benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist can replace a missing tooth with a permanent, durable replacement. Not only do implants replace the gaps in your smile, they give you a prosthetic that helps you eat better and offers you more protection from loss of bone density in your mouth. The process involved in fitting dental implants is invasive, and not everyone with missing teeth is a candidate. It makes sense to talk to a cosmetic dentist to see if this is a treatment that would work for you. If you are not a candidate, your cosmetic dentist will recommend any alternative options based on your circumstances.

Cosmetic Dentistry Certifications

Aesthetic and cosmetic dentists have both a DDS degree and accreditations through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. With a simple internet search, you can see if a specific cosmetic dentist is a member of the AADC.

Selecting a cosmetic dentist who is a member of the AACD guarantees your specialist has received the proper training to perform cosmetic dentistry procedures. These dentists have been through the AACD accreditation process. This includes completing a variety of cosmetic dental procedures on a specified number of patients.

Things To Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist

During your first consultation appointment, a cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth and discuss any concerns you have with your smile, mouth and general dental health. The dentist will offer advice regarding the treatments that are good options for you and then explain the expected outcome of said procedures. Below are a few questions you should consider asking your cosmetic dentist during your visit:

  • To improve my smile and the overall appearance of my looks, what procedures do you recommend?
  • What are the alternatives to the recommended procedures, and are there specific pros and cons to these procedures?
  • What is your background and past experience performing this type of procedure?
  • Do you have any before and after photos so that I can see what my expected results might be?
  • What risks and complications could develop from my procedure?
  • What is the amount of recovery time for this treatment, and is there anything I can do to help speed up recovery?

The job of a cosmetic dentist is performing a broad variety of procedures to enhance and improve the smile and appearance of their patient. If you want to enhance your smile or improve the way your teeth look, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist and see what options they might offer to increase your self-confidence.

 

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