What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and smile. Traditional dentistry focuses on maintaining the health and function of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is all about enhancing the look of your smile. Millions of people every year choose cosmetic dentistry for treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, inlays and onlays, Invisalign, and much more. Whether you’re looking for subtle improvements or dramatic transformations, cosmetic dentistry offers a wide variety of treatments tailored to meet your unique needs. If you’re considering whether cosmetic dentistry is right for you, read on to learn more about what it is and why it might be a good fit for your needs.
Why cosmetic dentistry?
People choose cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile. For many people, they look in the mirror and see issues with their smile that they wish they could fix. This can include misalignment, discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps between the teeth, misshapen teeth or uneven teeth, or other imperfections that affect the way the smile looks. The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve these things. Cosmetic dentistry does more than just improve appearance, however. Many cosmetic procedures also help with the functionality of a person’s teeth, such as restoring damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth. In short, cosmetic dentists serve an important role in restoring the functionality of a person’s mouth and the confidence in their smile.
What are common cosmetic dentistry procedures?
Cosmetic dentists perform a wide range of procedures. These include basic treatments like teeth whitening to more advanced procedures like full smile makeovers. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most affordable cosmetic treatments available. Whether done in a dentist’s office or at home, teeth whitening can help remove stains and brighten a person’s smile.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of a person’s teeth. They are used to address a variety of issues, including discoloration, chipped or cracked teeth, and gaps between teeth.
- Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its appearance and function. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and are commonly used to strengthen weakened teeth or improve their shape.
- Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to fix chipped, cracked, or misshaped teeth.
- Inlays and Onlays: These are custom-made fillings that are placed on the surface of a tooth to restore its shape and size. Inlays and onlays are used for teeth that have moderate decay but don’t require a full crown.
- Gum Contouring: Some people have excessive gum tissue that can make their teeth appear small or uneven. Gum contouring, or reshaping, involves removing excess gum tissue to create a more balanced and attractive smile.
What does this mean for me?
If you think a cosmetic dentist may be right for you and you’d like to explore your options, begin your research today. Find a dentist that offers the services you are looking for and schedule a consultation. They will be able to discuss your options and the treatments that might be right for you.