Although normal dentistry focuses heavily on cleaning of the teeth, diagnosis of ailments in the oral cavity, filling and treating of cavities, and treatment of ailments and diseases in the mouth, cosmetic dentistry focuses on something else. Cosmetic dentistry focuses heavily on the improvement of the overall look of the mouth, face, and teeth, and realigns teeth and improves cosmetics of the smile.



There are also definite non-cosmetic benefits to cosmetic dentistry. One example of this is cosmetic dentistry’s new take on the traditional filling. Fillings are used to fill cavities, or holes that have formed from the rotting of teeth over time. Traditionally, fillings were performed using various metals, often iron and parts of gold. This often led to dark spots on the teeth, however, which made many people unhappy with the cosmetic outcome and the look of their smile after the procedure. However, with cosmetic dentistry, bonding composite can be used to fill in cavities, and can also be matched to the color of the natural teeth. This often yields much more satisfactory results for patients.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction.

A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures. Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain, and other problems. Full mouth reconstruction frequently involves several dentists who focus on their specific areas of expertise in order to obtain the best outcome. For more information check out our cosmetic dentistry guide or find a cosmetic dentist in your area.

Common Cosmetic Dentist Procedures

Cosmetic dentists usually perform the following procedures:

Fillings: As noted before, quite often people decide to go into cosmetic surgeon’s offices to have their old fillings removed and new ones put in. This is because the newer fillings that cosmetic dentist’s use can be almost exactly matched to tooth color and can eliminate unsightly metal fillings.

Bonding: Bonding is the replacing of chipped teeth. It can also be used to fill in gaps. Bonding composite is applied as a paste and then shaped to match the shape of the teeth it is being used with. In addition, it can be specifically matched to the color of the patient’s teeth.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is probably the most common form of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is often needed because of excessive drinking of soda or smoking, both of which tend to stain teeth. Teeth are whitened through a bleaching process that can often make a patient feel much better about their smile.

Veneers: Veneers are often made out of porcelain and can improve the look of damaged or mangled teeth by overlaying them with fake teeth that look both natural and much better.

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