Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that enhances the appearance of teeth and smiles. Cosmetic treatments include teeth whitening, veneers and dental bonding. While the cosmetic dentistry field focuses on aesthetics, it can also address problems that negatively impact your oral health or make eating and speaking difficult. For example, crooked teeth can cause headaches and jaw pain when chewing or talking.
Cosmetic dentists are committed to conservative treatment options, ensuring that patients do not receive more dental work than they need. This is in contrast to restorative procedures like dental crowns, bridges and implants, which combine aesthetics with functionality.
Teeth Whitening
The first and most common cosmetic dental treatment is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening helps lighten the color of stained teeth caused by food, drinks, medications or personal habits like tobacco use.
Other cosmetic procedures include the addition or removal of tooth structure, such as veneers and crowns; gum reshaping; and bonding. These techniques can correct minor cosmetic problems, such as chipped or misshapen teeth, and provide a better overall appearance.
Most general dentists are trained to perform a wide range of cosmetic treatments. Many have a special interest in particular areas, such as orthodontics (tooth movement and alignment) or veneers. Oral care professionals who belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) have additional training and expertise in these procedures.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is a strong tooth-coloured shell that can be placed over the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. It can hide a variety of dental issues like chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, stains that won’t respond to whitening treatments and more.
Veneers can be lab-made from porcelain, or made from a composite resin for a cheaper and shorter-term option. The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the veneer and ensure that it won’t impede the bite. The dentist will then take a putty-like mould of the teeth that will be used to create the veneers.
Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will bond the veneers to the teeth and use an ultraviolet light to harden the glue. After this, any excess cement will be removed and the dentist will evaluate the look and feel of the veneers to ensure they are comfortable as well as attractive.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. It is used to replace one missing tooth or several teeth that have been lost due to gum disease, injury or severe decay.
Dental implants can be performed by a dentist who has been certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These dentists have completed extensive training and education in treating patients with cosmetic needs, including the placement and restoration of dental implants.
Before the surgery, a cosmetic dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam. This may include taking X-rays and 3D images of the mouth and jaw, and making models of the teeth and gums. They will also review the patient’s medical history to make sure there are no conditions that could interfere with healing after the procedure. They will also discuss the patient’s aesthetic goals. This is done so the cosmetic dentist can create a treatment plan that fits these goals.
Dental Bonding
A dental bond is a quick and simple cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses composite resin material to repair flaws in your teeth. The resin can be molded and shaped to match the appearance of your natural tooth. This can be done to fix a chipped tooth, fill in gaps between your teeth, change the shape of your teeth, or correct discoloration.
The dentist starts by selecting a shade of composite that matches the color of your natural teeth. Then they will roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid to help the resin stick. Once the resin is on, they will mold and smooth it into place.
A dental bond is a great option for fixing damaged front teeth that are visible when you smile. However, this isn’t the best treatment for whitening your teeth or addressing more severe dental problems. A filling may be a better option for repairing a cavity, and orthodontics may be able to better align misaligned teeth.