A cosmetic dentist focuses on treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile. These include tooth whitening, dental implants and teeth bonding. They also offer porcelain veneers and crowns. However, it is important to note that cosmetic dentistry is not officially recognized by the ADA as one of the specialties.
Aesthetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a treatment method that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile, but it doesn’t always address the underlying dental issue. Cosmetic dentists offer treatments like veneers and tooth whitening kits, which can help improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Aesthetic dentistry offers a more comprehensive treatment that looks at the overall appearance of your smile and how it complements your facial features. It aims to create a healthy-looking smile that enhances your confidence and self-esteem.
While both procedures can improve the look of your smile, they are different in scope and technique. To determine which option is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Landry and Dr. Dela Cruz at Consultants In Dental Aesthetics. They will help you choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals.
Dental implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution for people who have lost teeth. They are fixed in the jaw and look very similar to natural teeth. They are also very durable and can last a lifetime. Implants are not suitable for everyone, though. They are best for patients with a strong jawbone and healthy gums. They should also refrain from damaging habits, such as chewing ice or hard candy, and should keep their teeth clean with special toothbrushes and floss.
Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of teeth and the smile. They have received extra training and have extensive clinical experience with these procedures. They also have a refined, artistic touch that can boost a patient’s self-confidence. They can make your teeth whiter, brighter, and more symmetrical, and fix minor imperfections with tooth bonding or tooth contouring.
Dental bonding
Bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to a tooth. It can be used to repair chipped teeth, reshape a tooth, close gaps or hide discoloration. Bonding is one of the least invasive cosmetic dental treatments and can usually be completed in one office visit unless multiple teeth are involved.
A cosmetic dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that closely matches the existing tooth. They will then lightly etch or abrade the surface of your tooth and coat it with a conditioning liquid to help the resin adhere.
Once bonded, your teeth will require the same care as natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, avoid biting your fingernails or chewing on pens or ice and schedule regular checkups to maintain optimal oral health.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that fit over the front of your teeth to correct cosmetic issues. They can improve the look of crooked, chipped, or misshapen teeth, as well as covering discoloration that does not respond to bleaching treatments. Unlike crowns, veneers are not permanent, but they are durable and require less maintenance.
The process typically takes three visits – one for consultation, the second to prepare and build the veneers, and the third to apply them. During the application, the dentist uses an ultraviolet light to dry and harden the bonding cement. This can cause sensitivity in your mouth and gums, but this is temporary. You should brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent stains and protect your dental veneers.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. While general dentists also perform this treatment, cosmetic dentists have specialized training in these procedures and regularly practice them to improve the look of their patients’ smiles.
They can correct problems such as excess tooth wearing, crooked teeth, and gaps between the teeth. They can make sure that your smile is “camera ready” to help you feel confident.
They can use a stronger whitening agent than at-home whiteners, which is important for getting the best results. However, they will still need to protect the gums and ensure that you don’t have any other dental work that could be stained. This includes crowns, veneers, and fillings. They can also provide you with tooth-colored fillings, which are more subtle than metal ones.