What is Cosmetic Dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers.

Who benefits from cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry might be an option if you have: chipped or cracked teeth, small gaps or spaces between your teeth, tooth discoloration, misaligned teeth, or just want a brighter more beautiful smile. Can anyone undergo cosmetic dentistry treatments?
You can pursue cosmetic dental treatments as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. But if you have extensive cavities or gum disease, your dentist will want to address those conditions first. Once your smile is healthy again, you can decide which cosmetic treatments you want to explore.

Teeth whitening
Over time, dark-colored foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, soda, smoking, or berries) can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile.

Here at Dr. Pamela O. Edwards dentistry, we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening takes about one hour to complete. At-home whitening usually takes a couple of weeks.

Dental bonding
Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin. We use this material to cover up and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform.

Dental bonding usually needs replacing every five to seven years. It doesn’t require the removal of natural tooth enamel either, which means it’s completely reversible.

Tooth contouring
This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much tooth structure your dentist can remove. Your dentist can complete tooth contouring during a single office visit.

Can restorative dental procedures also offer cosmetic benefits?
The procedures outlined above are strictly cosmetic in nature. But sometimes restorative dentistry treatments, which repair teeth, can also improve the appearance of your smile. For example, if you repair a cracked tooth with a dental crown, it not only improves the health and function of your smile, but also its appearance.

Similarly, dental braces aim to improve your bite and your overall oral health. But braces also improve the aesthetics of your smile dramatically.

What is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. It allows people to make noticeable improvements to their smile without undergoing invasive treatments.

RISKS / BENEFITS
What are the advantages of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry services can:

Enhance your smile.
Brighten dull, stained teeth.
Improve the shape of your teeth.
Conceal chips and cracks.
Bring balance and symmetry to your smile.
Boost your confidence.
What are the disadvantages of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry costs aren’t usually covered by insurance. This is because insurance companies don’t consider cosmetic procedures essential or necessary from a health standpoint.

You’ll also need a certain level of commitment to maintain your smile. Some treatments — like porcelain veneers — are irreversible and require replacement every few years.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
What is the recovery time?
It depends on the type of cosmetic procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment. For example, someone who has dental bonding on one tooth can resume normal activities immediately. However, someone who has gum contouring may need to take a day or two off work to recover. Your dentist can tell you what kind of recovery timeline to expect.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If chipped, cracked, crooked or discolored teeth make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile, talk to your dentist about options in cosmetic dentistry. There are several different ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist can talk with you about your cosmetic goals and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In the meantime, you should continue seeing your general dentist for routine care, such as dental check-ups and cleanings. Practice good oral hygiene at home between visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

We hope the information provided in this blog is helpful. If you decide that cosmetic dental procedures are something you would like further information on, please give us a call today at 251-500-1025 to schedule your free cosmetic consultation.