It won’t be wrong to say that cosmetic dentistry has gained a lot of popularity over the past few decades. There was a time when people used to go to a dentist only for regular dental check-ups and whenever they had some problem with their teeth. Thanks to the advancement in technology, these days cosmetic dentists can do a lot more than just cure the dental problems. Here is everything you need to know about what is cosmetic dentistry.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
In simple terms, cosmetic dentistry can be defined as the branch of dentistry where the focus is on improving the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Cosmetic dentists usually take care of dental issues such as discoloration, missing or crooked teeth. A number of treatments are used by cosmetic dentists to take care of various dental issues. Here is a list of some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Emphasis is usually on the art of dentistry and not the science only. Creating white teeth may not appear to be complex, but it calls for a good eye, a mastery of dental tools and equipment as well as a thorough understanding of the dental anatomy.
Cosmetic dentists are restorative dentists who have extensively studied the concepts related to smile enhancement and dental materials to come up with what would be best considered as works of art. These dentists are usually affiliated with professional organisations that offer continuing education as well as accreditation levels to verify achievement in the cosmetic dentistry study.
As if that is not all, the cosmetic dentist should be able to communicate his or her vision and findings to a lab technician, who is a crucial player in a smile makeover. Even though this is a field not recognised with the dental profession, it calls for years of study and extensive training to be able to carry out cosmetic dental procedures of the highest standards.
What Are Cosmetic Dentists Compared to Restorative Dentists?
Sure, there is an overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry as all may utilise implants and crowns for instance, but the focus is entirely different. Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond restoring a patient’s teeth to their correct function to attaining and ideal result in accordance with the person’s definition of beauty. This calls for a high level of finesse even with small details.
When Should You Consider Using the Help of Cosmetic Dentists?
If you find that your teeth are discoloured, stained, chipped, worn, misshapen, broken, misaligned, or gave gaps between them, then you might need the help of a modern cosmetic dentist for a better smile. Smile enhancement procedure improves the look of your smile through one or more cosmetic procedures.
What Are Modern Examples of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic dentistry is undeniably expensive, but teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive procedures that can really enhance your smile. Your teeth can be whitened with in-office products for $500 or less. Alternatively, you can purchase teeth whitening products that are available in retail stores. These products include whitening toothpaste, rinses, paint-on gels, trays, and strips. These products range from $2 to $50 which is quite affordable for most people.
Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of titanium replacement teeth roots that are inserted into the bone’s socket of the missing teeth. As the jawbone recovers, it grows around the embedded metal posts, which anchor them security in the jaw thus offering a firm foundation for replacement teeth. This is a costly procedure that ranges anywhere from $1200 and $3000.
Dental Veneers
These are thin, custom-made carapaces of resin or porcelain that covers the teeth surface. These tooth-coloured shells are cemented or bonded to the front of the teeth after the dentist removes half a millimetre of enamel. As result, porcelain dental veneers change the colour, size, shape or the length of the teeth. Veneers are ideally costly, going for $500 to $1200 per tooth.
Dental Crowns
Also known as caps, dental crowns fit over and replace decayed or damaged teeth above the gum line thus restoring their shape, appearance, and strength. A crown holds a cracked together or a weak tooth from breaking. They can be made from porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, metal or even resin, and they go for $500 to $1000 each.
Dental Bonding
In this cosmetic procedure, a malleable tooth-coloured resin plastic material is applied to the tooth and then hardened with ultraviolet laser light. This bonds the material to the tooth. The cosmetic dentist then trims, shapes and polishes for the best results. This procedure can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth and it is an excellent alternative to silver fillings. It takes at most an hour and costs about $100 to $400 per tooth.
How Do You Choose the Ideal Cosmetic Dentist?
Well, not all cosmetic dentists are the same and not all provide the same services. As such, you need to put your needs into consideration, along with these questions.
How Many Experiences Does the Dentist Have?
Dentists who are truly experienced in the field of cosmetic dentistry offer all of the above-mentioned services and have been in business for a long time. Looking at the before and after photos can also be of great help in determining whether they are ideal for the procedure you want. Also, inquire about the number of patients he or she has treated in the particular type of procedure you require.
Does The Dentist Offer Sedation Dentistry
If you have ever been through dental anxiety, want quick results or require and extensive procedure, then you might want to go with a cosmetic dentist who is certified to perform sedation dentistry. At times, it is possible to combine what might require 2 or 3 appointments otherwise into one appointment using sedation.
Keep in mind that even though this does not compromise your health or the quality of the results, not every country allows it and so, it’s important to know whether it is permitted before you can look for a dentist who performs sedation dentistry.
These and other points like payment terms are the major things to consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist. I hope that this article has been informative enough and has answered your question what are cosmetic dentists along with the types and what to consider when looking for one.
What are the distinguishing qualities of cosmetic dentists?
There are many different types of dentists, and you are often going to wonder out loud, “What are cosmetic dentists able to provide?” and it is a good question to ask. You should be willing to take a look at the options in front of you before moving forward. There are many patients who could use a cosmetic dentist, but don’t even know what they do and that is a horrible position to be in. So, let’s take a look at what are cosmetic dentists able to provide in this day and age for patients who are wondering.
Emphasis On Cosmetic Appearance
The main purpose and/or role of a cosmetic dentist is to work on the ‘cosmetic’ side of things. Your appearance is what matters in this regard and the will put in the effort to make sure you get the results that are needed. They are not going to waste time with something that is not going to yield the aesthetic value you desire.
Not only are the responsible for taking a look at how secure the teeth are for your health, but also how they appear when you smile.
Creative Leeway
In comparison to other dentists, this is a specialisation which provides more creative leeway with regards to what a dentist can do. They are able to customise the solution in order to make the most out of your teeth and give them the life you have been hoping for.
Other solutions are not able to do this. Cosmetic dentists are trained to be as creative as possible in order to give patients the smile they have long been yearning for. This enables them to showcase their skills in a manner that others would not be able to do.
Less Mechanical
They are not going to be as mechanical as a regular dentist might be and that is because they understand the value is on the aesthetic appearance of the teeth rather than just pure health. Of course, they are going to make sure the teeth are sturdy and good for your biting health, but that does not mean they will overlook aesthetic value.
They first want to make sure you are getting a proper solution that looks nice and then they move towards structural integrity to complete the job. This is what the best are able to deliver.
Specialised
It is a specialised position and one that takes years of effort to perfect. Those who are experienced will have gone through numerous patients in order to learn the art of doing this the right way. There are so many options and those who are not willing to go with the best are the ones who are not going to like the end results at all.
You should always go with those who are specialised in cosmetic dentistry because they will have worked on their craft under the tutelage of a professional before taking in patients.
Understand The Art of Dentistry
There is an art to this process and only cosmetic dentists are able to appreciate this right away. They are going to be able to sit down and truly work in creating a masterpiece as that is what you want. They will look at your teeth and shape them in a way where you are going to have a smile that leaves you beaming from ear to ear.
This is the feeling the want to provide and that is only possible when they are not as mechanical with their approach and are willing to understand the art of a great smile.
Can Reshape And/or Replace Teeth with Ease
What are cosmetic dentists able to do when it comes to aesthetic appearance? Let’s assume you have a chipped tooth and/or don’t like the overall look of the teeth, they will be able to reshape them into what you want right away. They will come up with a plan that is easy on the mind and gets the job done.
This is the beauty of going with those who appreciate the role they are in and what they have to do for you in order to give you the smile that is perfect. It all begins with the ability to reshape the teeth.
Colour Of Teeth Can Be Whitened
Ever taken a look at your teeth and feel as if they are not white enough? This happens all the time and comes about because you have been drinking too much tea or coffee. It happens and has to be dealt with as soon as you get the chance.
So, what is the best approach to take in this regard? It is always important to go to a cosmetic dentist as they will be able to take a look at your teeth and have them whitened professionally.
These benefits are the answer to the question of what are cosmetic dentists able to provide. They are going to yield a lot of qualities and have specific knowledge when it comes to the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and how they should be put together.
It is an art of sorts and those who go to the best are going to be able to reap the rewards of their talent. This might be one of those dentistry specialisations that are more reliant on creativity than mechanical precision. This should be taken into account when trying to find the right one for your needs.
Benefits of cosmetic dentistry
#1: Tooth Whitening Allows for High Self Esteem And Many Other Benefits
Any time that you decide to get your teeth whitened, you will get to enjoy a number of benefits. For one, the whitened colour of your teeth will allow your smile to look much healthier overall. This enhances the way that people treat you and the way that you feel about yourself. There are a lot of different types of teeth whitening that cosmetic dentists can provide.
They will be able to provide you with a tooth for a cleaning, peroxide cleaning, laser tooth whitening or any other sort of whitening that you might require. By handling a tooth whitening with your cosmetic dentist, you will be ready and willing to get another session!
#2: Straightening Your Teeth Also Protects Your Oral Health
Another great version of cosmetic dentistry is to get your teeth straightened. People typically do this by getting some form of braces. There are traditional braces, invisible braces, metal and bracket braces, porcelain embraces and more. No matter what sort of braces you would like, you owe it to yourself to keep your teeth as straight as possible.
While this instantly looks like a cosmetic fix, it also affects the functionality of your teeth. For example, when your teeth are too crowded inside of your mouth, it will cause you to deal with pain and crowding that can also affect the way that you are eating your food and can lead to infections. Keeping your teeth straight will make you look great and will protect your dentistry overall.
#3: Cosmetic Dentistry Is a Must for Professionals
If you are a professional, you should always be sure that you are getting your teeth whitened and are otherwise taking care of them. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the way that your teeth look is a critical way to either make or break this first impression. Take advantage of the work that a cosmetic dentist provides by reaching out to a dentist for service. This will allow you to keep your teeth looking great for as long as possible.
