Your smile is arguably your most important physical attribute. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a pleasing smile can make one more attractive and approachable. It is for this reason that many people have resorted for esthetic dentistry, otherwise known as cosmetic dentistry. This procedure is normally employed to correct yellowed teeth, smaller than usual teeth, inflamed gums, gaps between the teeth, overcrowded or overlapping teeth, missing and crooked teeth among other abnormalities. However, it is critical that you proceed carefully with cosmetic dentistry, lest you end up with teeth that look very unnatural. Here are a few things you should know about Esthetic Dentistry.
What does cosmetic dentistry entail?
Cosmetic dentistry means a lot more than fixing a chip or fitting a bridge. The field has evolved significantly to include simple non-invasive procedures such as teeth whitening and more complicated and invasive procedures such as periodontal surgery. Some of the most common procedures include:
1. Dental veneers: these are used to improve teeth having bigger than usual spaces between them, chipped or worn out teeth, permanently stained teeth and poorly shaped teeth.
2. Orthodontics and straightening
3. Teeth whitening: your teeth may become discolored due to a variety of reasons. Such include smoking, taking certain medications and consumption of certain foods and beverages such as coffee and tea. Your dentist can either bleach your teeth in an office procedure or provide you with what to use at home.
4. Bonding: if your teeth have excess space between them, or they are cracked, stained, broken or chipped, a dentist may use bonding materials that fill the small cavities while protecting the exposed roots of your teeth.
5. Dentures
What to look for in a cosmetic dentist
For you to get a skilled dentist in cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends that you ask for:
1. Before and after photos: these will allow you to examine the results of other patients previously treated by the dentist to ensure that their work fits your needs.
2. Proof of continuing education: this is to ensure that the dentist has taken continuing education courses that enable them to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.
Today’s cosmetic dentistry treatments have become more durable and predictable than in the past. This is attributable to technological advancement. If you are contemplating undergoing Esthetic Dentistry, contact Robert Hankel, D.D.S. & Chris Ehrbright, D.D.S. Get in touch with us for more details.
