What Is a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help. This method of oral care focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall smile. Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, fillings, and implants.

Cosmetic Dentistry has seen an enormous growth in the past decade. More and more people are opting to have dental work done on themselves, and not necessarily just their smile. This is especially true for the aging population as they age. The younger generations, however, are also starting to see the advantages of cosmetic dentistry.

What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

Cosmetic dentists provide dental care for patients seeking to improve their appearance by altering their facial features. While some dental professionals may be familiar with the term “cosmetic dentistry,” many people aren’t. This fact is important because not everyone should be seeking this type of care.

Common procedures and treatment for restorative dental treatments:

• dental crowns
• dental bridges
• dental bonding
• dental implants
• inlays and onlays, and
• dentures

Education and Training

Many cosmetic dentists first begin their careers by receiving training at other dental schools. Dentistry students undergo extensive training for four years and require a bachelor’s degree to enroll.

Reasons to See a Cosmetic Dentist

There are many reasons you might see a cosmetic dentist, including: 

• Tooth decay
• Damage (cracks, chips, etc.) 
• Crooked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Discoloration
• Missing teeth

It is important to make sure that you choose a dentist that is qualified for the specific procedure you want, especially if it is a complicated one. If you don’t know what you want, you may end up with a less-than-stellar result.

You’re probably thinking, “Okay, great, how do I find a dentist that does cosmetic procedures?” The easiest way to do that is to go to Google and type in “dentist”, followed by the word “cosmetic”.

Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures and Their Benefits

Cosmetic dental procedures are commonly performed by dentists to enhance the appearance of your teeth. These procedures can be performed in a dentist’s office or at a dental laboratory, depending on your particular situation. If you are considering cosmetic dental procedures, it is important to understand what these procedures can do for you.

Common procedures and treatment includes:

Tooth Bleaching

The purpose of tooth bleaching is to lighten the color of your teeth. This is most often done for cosmetic purposes, but it can also be done to improve the appearance of a stained or discolored tooth. Tooth whitening is available in a number of different forms, including in-office treatments, at-home treatments and over-the-counter products.

Dental Bonding

When we say “dental bonding”, what do you think of? Perhaps you see a small mirror, some adhesive and a tooth that needs to be bonded back together. In reality, dental bonding is a lot more than just that. It is an exciting process which involves the use of composite resins (plastic-like materials) to fill gaps in teeth or repair existing cracks in teeth.

Dental Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of material applied to the outside of your tooth. It can be made from porcelain, ceramic or composite resin, and it will change the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are very strong and durable, so they can last for years without chipping or breaking. They also provide a natural-looking solution to your problem area.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are designed to give you the perfect smile. They are removable and comfortable, yet they will make you look like a million dollars! Invisalign braces are an alternative to traditional metal or ceramic braces, which can be visible for months on end. Invisalign braces work by shifting your teeth into position with a series of clear plastic trays that you wear over your teeth.

Gummy Smile Treatment

A gummy smile is a result of the unevenness of your teeth. It can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, trauma to the teeth, and even orthodontic treatment. It is also a common condition that most patients seek treatment for. It is not a bad condition, but it can cause embarrassment and concern. 

3D Smile Designing (Digital smile desgning)

3D Smile Designing is the first comprehensive using software and technology for creating beautiful, accurate 3D smiles. It can be used to create new smiles or edit existing smiles. It also allows users to view their teeth from every angle imaginable.

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist

How long have they been practicing?

Cosmetic dentistry is the study and practice of improving the aesthetic appearance of a person’s teeth. In order to become an excellent cosmetic dentist, you should have a bachelor’s degree from a reputable dental school. You should also have many years of experience working with dental patients.

Is the dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)?

If you’ve ever been to a dentist, you know that the field is very competitive. Even though the doctor is certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is the best one to take care of your teeth.

If you are feeling a little self-conscious about your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. 

Frequently asked questions