What is cosmetic dentistry? Why do people want to change their smiles? Let’s take a deeper look at this form of dentistry and why people opt into it.
Cosmetic dental procedures focus on a search for beauty. Oftentimes, people want to find beauty in the classical sense. Over time, the nature of beauty took on a meaning of its own outside of art.
Cosmetic dentistry centers on the pursuit of an aesthetic beauty. While the American Dental Association doesn’t require a board specialty, cosmetic dentists often spend years developing their skills. As such, many dentists see it as a craft or an art form.
So What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Simply put, cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, or bite. Oftentimes, these procedures also improve the functionality of your teeth and jaw. However, the primary focus is on the color, shape, position, and size.
Moreover, there’s an importance placed on the overall appearance of your smile. Among dental specialties, two focus on aesthetics.
At times, it also includes periodontics, which focuses on the gums.
What Does It Involve?
Generally speaking, cosmetic dentistry involves the following.
- Adding material to the teeth
- Removing some aspect of the structure
- Improving the appearance of the teeth or gums
- Straightening teeth to improve the appearance of the face
In many cases, cosmetic procedures focus on symmetry and harmony in the appearance of your smile. One of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. This non-invasive procedure removes stains and brightens the smile.
Among cosmetic dentists, there’s the shared belief that everyone deserves their dream smile. The goal is to foster confidence in their smile so that they show it off. Oftentimes, people feel shame about their smiles due to some common dental issues.
- Gaps
- Discoloration
- Uneven gums
- Missing teeth
- Misaligned teeth
When people wonder “what is cosmetic dentistry,” it’s often a solution to these issues.
Cosmetic Dentistry & You
Beauty is all about perception. It has a lot to do with self-confidence, too. As such, many people seek out ways to improve their smiles. With cosmetic dentistry, there’s a means to pursue conformity among your teeth as well as symmetry.
Generally speaking, cosmetic dentistry is elective. However, there are some procedures that offer restorative benefits. Whether your insurance covers these procedures typically depends on whether they are medically relevant.
In many cases, elective procedures are not covered. Still, the most common procedures are straightforward with affordable options.
Veneers
Generally, dental veneers use either porcelain or a medical-grade ceramic. Your dentist customizes the veneer to match your teeth so that your smile looks natural.
Oftentimes, veneers and real teeth look the same. This makes them a very discrete treatment. Moreover, many dentists utilize veneers to address an array of dental issues. When a dentist applies a veneer, they secure it to the front of a tooth with a dental adhesive.
Teeth Whitening
This is one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry because the procedure is simple and straightforward. Often, dentists recommend this when patients have deep stains or worn-out teeth. This comes from foods, drinks, tobacco use, and medications.
This procedure is non-invasive and takes place right in the dentist’s office. Once they clear your teeth, they apply a solution to lighten your teeth. There are also over-the-counter solutions in many grocery stores. However, not everyone achieves the results they desire.
Dental Implants
When you ask “what is cosmetic dentistry,” this might be what comes to mind. Dental implants are a full restorative procedure. An implant replaces a tooth that you lose from an accident or extraction.
The dentist places a small screw into the jaw where the missing tooth should be. Once the screw bonds with the bone, the dentist places a crown on top of it. Your dentist designs this crown to match your natural teeth.
When the metal fuses with the bone, it provides much more structure it prevents future bone loss.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask Your Dentist About Your Options
When you wonder “what is cosmetic dentistry,” the most important aspect to consider is the expertise of your dentist. Do they have training in the procedure you need or want? What kind of experience do they have?
In major cases, it often requires a team to fully restore someone’s smile. However, many general dentists now offer minor procedures ranging from whitening to implants.
At Rosenberg Dental Group, we are a full-service dental office. Whether you need orthodontic treatment or a more restorative effort, trust our team to meet your needs. On your journey to your dream smile, we have the tools and expertise you need.
Schedule a consultation with our dentists today to see what we can do for you.
