Cosmetic Dentistry - A Closer Look?
Cosmetic dentistry has come to mean different things to
different people. A big reason for this is because there are so
many procedures performed in and out of the dentist's office
that have been put into this category.
Of course, all cosmetic dentistry procedures must be carefully
planned with expected outcomes clearly discussed but it can be a
procedure as relatively simple as reshaping a few teeth.
The past few years, one of the most requested "cosmetic
dentistry" procedures is tooth whitening. It's literally taken
America by storm. Tooth whitening can be approached in a number
of different ways. It simply depends on your budget and what
type of results you desire.
The most cost effective method is purchasing over-the-counter
products, which will normally produce "acceptable" results to
systems using trays made from impressions of your teeth. The
trays are created in a dentist's office and are used with one of
several whitening (bleaching) agents. For those who want a
one-shot approach, there are also a few different in-office
systems that usually employ a very bright light to enhance the
speed and efficacy after whitening.
Something to keep in mind is that if you are someone with dark
colored or excessively grey teeth whitening may not be as
effective as you would have hoped. Of course, if your teeth are
like this your dentist should discuss this beforehand. In
addition, if you've had a high number of fillings, crowns or
other dental procedures of this type on your teeth then
bleaching may not be the right option for you either.
Tooth-colored bonded resin fillings and bonded porcelain
fillings and crowns on the back teeth would certainly fall under
the category of cosmetic dentistry.
Colored resin that matches the color of your teeth is a material
that can often be bonded to areas of the front teeth. This resin
can be shaped and sculpted to repair fractures of the front
teeth, close spaces and reshape teeth. There are a number of
advantages to this procedure. First, it can usually be done in
one visit. Two, it's conservative. Three, it can look very nice
and four, it's less expensive than some other options. A few
disadvantages would include the life expectancy of this process
is somewhat limited (usually five to seven years). Plus,
staining and discoloration occurs over time, strength is much
less than with porcelain and resin bonding has esthetic
limitations depending upon the size of the case.
The gold standard in restoring a beautiful smile is bonding
porcelain veneers or laminates directly to teeth. Under the
direction of a skilled dentist and staff (including ceramist)
porcelain veneers can create incredibly beautiful and natural
smiles. The advantages are unsurpassed beauty, longevity and
strength. On the other hand, two disadvantages are cost (can be
very expensive) and that some minimal tooth structure needs to
be removed.
There are many other cosmetic dentistry options available which
should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist. Of course, one
of the most important elements for you is to find a dentist that
has the skill, experience and aesthetic eye to give you a
beautiful smile.
A great smile is an under-appreciated asset. First impressions
are important in all aspects of live (personal and business) and
one of the first things people see and judge when they meet
someone are their eyes and smile.
Studies by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
have shown that people with attractive smiles get better jobs,
are held in higher regard, normally make a better impression and
in many instances make more money. But another less obvious
benefit is the increase in esteem and confidence that comes with
a smile you can be proud of.
It is such a freeing experience for someone who hides their
smile to start smiling big and confidently.
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