Cosmetic Dentistry

Why Quality Matters in Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dental treatments are a huge industry. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Good oral hygiene and healthy teeth are important to maintaining a healthy body. With cosmetic dentistry services, people can get the help they need to have an attractive smile for years to come.

What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?

A general dentist is a primary dental care provider. They offer preventative care, like teeth cleanings, and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental fillings, crowns and bridges. Most dental treatments restore appearance as well as health and function. However, a cosmetic dentist focuses on beautifying your smile. They offer treatments aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and gums.

What are examples of cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Common cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring.

Teeth whitening

Over time, dark-colored foods and drinks (like coffee, tea and berries) can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile.

Many dentists offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening takes about one hour to complete. At-home whitening usually takes a couple of weeks.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin. Your dentist uses this material to cover up and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform.

Dental bonding usually needs replacing every five to seven years. It doesn’t require the removal of natural tooth enamel either, which means it’s completely reversible.

Porcelain veneers

Made of medical grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Like dental bonding, veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks and discoloration.

There are many types of veneers, including traditional and minimal prep. All veneers require at least some removal of natural enamel, which means they could be reversible depending on which kind you choose. In most cases, porcelain veneers need replacing every 10 years or so.

Tooth contouring

This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much tooth structure your dentist can remove. Your dentist can complete tooth contouring during a single office visit.

Gum contouring

Some people are born with excess gum tissue. When this happens, it can make your smile appear “gummy” or unbalanced. During gum contouring, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance.

Can restorative dental procedures also offer cosmetic benefits?

The procedures outlined above are strictly cosmetic in nature. But sometimes, restorative dentistry treatments, which repair teeth, can also improve the appearance of your smile. For example, if you repair a cracked tooth with a dental crown, it not only improves the health and function of your smile, but also its appearance.

Similarly, dental braces aim to improve your bite and your overall oral health. But braces also improve the aesthetics of your smile dramatically.

What is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?

Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. It allows people to make noticeable improvements to their smile without undergoing invasive treatments.

What are the advantages of cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry services can:

• Enhance your smile.
• Brighten dull, stained teeth.
• Improve the shape of your teeth.
• Conceal chips and cracks.
• Bring balance and symmetry to your smile.
• Boost your confidence.

What are the disadvantages of cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry costs aren’t usually covered by insurance. This is because insurance companies don’t consider cosmetic procedures essential or necessary from a health standpoint.

You’ll also need a certain level of commitment to maintain your smile. Some treatments — like porcelain veneers — are irreversible and require replacement every few years.