Do You Know What Cosmetic Dentistry Is?

Cosmetic Dentistry is popularly referred to as "Smile make-over" part of dentistry. Today's world is smitten by cosmetic appearance and the smile on your face says it all. Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry dealing with improving the appearance of a patient by modifying the oral cavity and its surrounding structures. Treatment of oral diseases is also an integral part of dentistry.

Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry provides esthetic and restorative dental care service to the patients by altering their appearance in accordance with their perception of what is visually appealing to them. The change in the overall appearance and image enhancement received impart new confidence to the patients.

Creating a Better Smile

The cosmetic dentistry treatments include straightening, lightening, reshaping and repairing teeth. Tooth bleaching, bonding, crown and bridge treatment, using veneers and tooth colored fillings are some of the common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Initial cosmetic dental treatment usually is polishing and scaling. Then, filling is done if necessary. Veneers made of composite or ceramic are then fixed for esthetic appeal. Cosmetic dentists also do orthodontic treatment when required

Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Some regular cosmetic dental practices include:
Tooth lightening or bleaching - whitening is a commonplace practice and there are numerous lightening options but it is best left to the dentist to choose the best suited treatment mode for his patients.
Veneers - closing gaps between teeth, correction of unsightly or discolored teeth or mending chips and cracks are done using veneers. Veneers like false nails fit snugly over the surface of the teeth. Veneers are easily replaceable and are made up of thin laminates of porcelain or natural colored composites. It is bonded to the teeth with resin adhesives.
Bonding - this is a treatment option for patients with broken or chipped teeth. Here a dental composite which is enamel like is applied to the surface of the tooth that needs repair. It is then shaped, hardened and polished.
Crowning and capping are the two other common treatments that cosmetic dentists also do.

Things to Avoid After Treatment

It is best to follow the dentist's instructions that he is sure to give after a dental procedure. Biting into very hard substances or drinking very hot liquids are best avoided immediately after a dental treatment.

Latest Fads in Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic implants for purely esthetic purpose like the implant of precious stones on the front teeth or stone studded or plain precious metal braces as a fashion statement are some of the new developments that have taken place in cosmetic dentistry field.

FAQ's

Can I close the gap between my front teeth?
Using porcelain or tooth-colored dental composite cosmetic dentists can the gap.

What should I do if my tooth gets broken?
The dentist in order to give strength to the tooth may either 'crown' it or 'cap' it.

What is a crown?
The cosmetic dentist in order to fix the crown has to shape the tooth under local anesthetic and then using a rubber-like substance has to get an impression of the tooth. It is then sent to the lab specifying the color of the tooth where technicians work on it making the crown.