What Exactly Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
By Gabriel J. Adams
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization of certified dentistry that focuses predominantly on the aesthetics and appearance of a patient's mouth in conjunction with their oral health. Basically, cosmetic dentistry covers procedures like filling in a gap or whitening teeth. This article will address some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available today.
Whitening: This procedure, also known as “bleaching,” works to whiten and brighten the teeth. Despite the number of over-the-counter methods available, dentist-supervised treatments, like laser efforts, are still the best option on the market.
Enamel Shaping: Sometimes simply referred to as “contouring and reshaping” or by more complex terms like “odontoplasty,” enamel shaping removes pieces of the tooth's enamel to reshape it. If a tooth is cracked or has a pronounced jagged bottom, this can be a popular procedure.
Bonding: Another practice for chipped or cracked teeth, bonding uses an enamel-like composite substance that is used almost as a filler on the tooth. It is applied to the tooth and then shaped, hardened and polished into form.
Veneers: Veneers are incredibly thin laminates that are made based on a custom mold of each tooth. They are fitted and then bonded to the teeth in order to cover up gaps or go over a discolored tooth.
Bridges: Bridges, or pontics, replace missing teeth. Think of your teeth as a railroad track, a bridge is the link between any missing spaces. Unlike dentures, bridges can't be moved out of your mouth.
Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for your appearance and take years off your looks. If you are looking into cosmetic dentistry, remember to choose a dentist that's certified and recommended.