Cosmetic dentistry is the specialization in dental science that focuses on ‘smile improvement’. Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental techniques and related procedures from restoration and rehabilitation to overall cosmetic enhancement of the smile
Most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry are teeth whitening, teeth straightening, veneers, crowns, and dental bridges. This area of dentistry focuses on the esthetics of a smile and offer procedures and technology to improve the appearance of teeth, gums, and oral structure. As a potential client seeking cosmetic dental enhancement it is important to research the credentials and experience of the cosmetic dentist prior to treatment. Furthermore, it is also informative to look at ‘before and after’ photos of patients treated by the cosmetic dentist to make an informed decision.
The most popularly sought procedure in cosmetic dentistry is teeth bleaching for a dazzling, white smile. While teeth bleaching options can be bought over the counter at a local pharmacy it is recognized that bleaching procedures conducted in a dentist’s office are far more effective and give longer lasting results. Teeth bleaching procedures generally require one visit to the dentist’s office. Porcelain Veneers and Crowns are techniques offered in cosmetic dentistry to cap a discolored, damaged, or chipped tooth. Porcelain is an ideal substance that cosmetic dentists and technicians use to match the natural color of an individual’s teeth and therefor ensure that the crown and veneer blends in with the rest of the teeth. It is known that veneers are more delicate that crowns and require careful maintenance while crowns are more supportive and can restore the function of the tooth. A veneer or crown procedure would require from one to two visits to the dentist’s office. Dental bonding is a tooth colored resin material that is used to fill in gaps between teeth or the contours of a tooth or teeth. If a tooth is slightly chipped or discolored by decay, the bonding substance helps to restore its appearance. Dental bonding is also used as filling material for small and visible cavities because the match to tooth color does not damage the appearance of the smile. Braces are a dental device recommended by cosmetic dentists and orthodontists to correct crooked teeth that are misaligned, have gaps between them, or are protruding. Advanced dental technology presents esthetically pleasing brace options, one such popular tooth-aligning device is Invisalign – invisible braces manufactured from a translucent material.
The cost for cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of improvement chosen by an individual, coupled with the skill and training of the dentist and the general the location of practice.
