The art of Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic procedures can improve imperfections caused by genetics, environmental factors, injury, neglect or age.

There are many different cosmetic problems that cosmetic dentistry procedures can fix. Common aesthetic issues that can be corrected with the help of a cosmetic dentist include :

Stained or Discolored Teeth – Teeth may lose their white color and become stained for a number of different reasons such as smoking, staining foods and drinks , trauma, medications and other. Stained or yellow teeth have a negative effect on the overall appearance.

Missing Teeth – Even one missing tooth dramatically affects the way you look. If several teeth are missing the remaining teeth tend to shift position due to the gaps, altering the whole facial appearance.

Gaps between teeth - Many patients have large spaces between their teeth (diastema) that may look unattractive.

Uneven teeth - Some patients have one or more teeth that may be a little shorter or longer or have a different shape than the adjacent ones.

Crooked or Crowded Teeth – Problems with crooked or crowded teeth are the most common ones for starting a cosmetic treatment. Besides the classic orthodontic treatment, modern cosmetic dentistry can offer more options such as cosmetic dental restorations.

Broken – chipped teeth - Even a minor chip or crack on the front teeth may be noticeable from others when you smile.

Silver Fillings - The old silver amalgam fillings may work fine, but they are not the best choice if you are concerned about the look of your smile. If you have any of these dark fillings, especially in the front more visible teeth, you may have to consider replacing them with modern tooth-colored fillings.

Excessive or Uneven Gums / Gummy Smile - Many patients have excessive gum tissue that covers a large part of the teeth’s crown resulting in a condition called gummy smile. In other cases this problem appears only on some of the teeth so that the gumline is uneven and some teeth look smaller than normal.

The Cosmetic Dentist

Although many of the procedures that may be part of a cosmetic dentistry plan are performed by other dental specialties, it is extremely important that the treatment plan has been created by a cosmetic dentist. There are al lot of factors that must be taken under consideration before deciding what procedures will be needed in order to achieve the best final cosmetic result. Cosmetic dentistry is really more of an art than a science.

If you wish to improve your smile, you should visit first a specialized cosmetic dentist who has the necessary training and experience to assess all these factors and propose the necessary treatments, some of which might be performed by other dental specialists that he will recommend. The whole process includes what is usually called a ‘smile makeover’.

How to choose a cosmetic dentist

The modern need for cosmetic dentistry

Besides the advancements in technology that made cosmetic dentistry more accessible to a wider audience, it is the modern lifestyle that is the main reason for the increased demand for cosmetic dental procedures. A study (2004) of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) showed that almost 75% of the Americans surveyed believe that your chances for success in the workplace could be damaged if you have an unattractive smile.

People seek cosmetic dentistry for a variety of reasons. The truth is most people would like their teeth to be straighter, whiter, and pleasing to the eye when they smile. Many people who feel that their smile is unattractive, will rarely smile or cover their mouth with their hand whenever they laugh. This could also influence negatively their self esteem which can impact both personal and professional relationships. Other just want to look younger, and they want to hide the signs of aging on their teeth (such as yellowish color and worn tooth edges).

A beautiful smile can make everyone to feel better physically and mentally. A bright healthy smile may boost a person’s self esteem and confidence which could improve his/her performance in every area of life.

The cost of cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally expensive and it is usually do not covered by dental insurance. Actually cosmetic treatments such as veneers are some of the most expensive of all dental treatments. If your treatment plan involves several teeth and it requires the involvement of different dental specialists, the cost may increase to significant levels that not everyone can afford.

However some times a level of cosmetic improvement may be achieved in a more affordable way. As an example, instead of a full smile makeover that would require several porcelain veneers or crowns, your dentist may recommend a tooth whitening, the replacement of old amalgam fillings, and some enamel shaping if needed. The result will improve significantly your appearance at a fraction of the cost.

Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options for people seeking to enhance their smile. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover that, after undergoing cosmetic dentistry, your appearance will improve in just a few days or weeks.