Services provided by a cosmetic dentist
The following are common services offered by cosmetic dentists:
Composite bonding
This is one of the easiest and most common dental procedures available. It involves applying a dental substance called composite resin on the teeth and shaping it to the regular tooth shape. It is usually for correcting minor chipped teeth, tooth stains and gaps. The procedure is a fast and simple fix that can be done in a single dental office visit.
Teeth whitening
This is the most popular procedure handled by cosmetic dentists. Teeth stains or discoloration can occur due to coffee, tobacco, dental hygiene, poor genetics or the aftermath of using certain medications. Aging is perhaps the most common cause and is totally normal. The tooth enamel weakens with aging, and the teeth start to lose their luster. The dentist will recommend teeth whitening to improve the look of the smile.
Dental veneers
Veneers are fabricated from porcelain material and are used for transforming the color, size, shape and length of the teeth once in place. They are custom-made in the dental laboratory using a mold of the patient’s teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly effective for correcting imperfections on the teeth.
This involves the treatment of periodontal diseases. The advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, may lead to gum recession and abscess. Gum recession occurs when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets that encourage further bacteria buildup and exposure of the tooth. The disease may cause the teeth to appear longer and may even lead to bone and tooth loss. The cosmetic dentist can recommend gum graft surgery or perform LANAP gum therapy using PerioLase to restore the appearance of the gum and ultimately save the tooth.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over the tooth to strengthen it and restore its appearance. It is used to protect a tooth that has been filled too many times or hold a broken tooth. Crown may be fabricated from different materials, but porcelain is often used for cosmetic reasons. The dentist can customize the crown to blend seamlessly with the rest of the teeth.
People can damage their teeth in an accident or while playing sports, and these things happen regardless of how careful a person is. Hard falls and workplace injuries are other causes of dental emergencies. When they happen, it is necessary to visit a cosmetic dentist who knows how to restore teeth to their original state. If the tooth is knocked out and cannot be restored, the tooth will need to be replaced using an option like dental implants.
When a tooth is lost or irreparably damaged, the cosmetic dentist may recommend dental implants to replace the tooth. Performed by the oral surgeon, a dental implant procedure involves the surgical placement of an implant post into the jawbone. The post serves as the foundation for a permanent artificial tooth. Dental implant restorations are as strong as natural teeth and highly durable. They are also natural-looking and help restore the appearance of the smile.
Oral surgeons perform surgery for cosmetic reasons, mainly to replace a lost tooth with dental implants. If a patient suffers an emergency related to wisdom teeth problems, the cosmetic dentist may suggest surgery to remove the problematic teeth. Another procedure performed by oral surgeons is full mouth reconstruction, which focuses on correcting problems with the jaw and facial structures. These procedures are necessary to restore oral health, the function of the oral structures and the natural appearance of the smile.
Smile makeover
A smile makeover is a combination of two or more cosmetic procedures to improve the patient’s smile. The dentist will create a treatment plan specifically for the patient to achieve their treatment goals. Common treatments included in a smile makeover are veneers, whitening and implants.
Choosing a cosmetic dentist
Patients must be wary of using dental prices to determine their choice of a cosmetic dentist because cheap is not always better. They should consider the dentist’s experience, training and education and samples from past patients. The skill of the cosmetic dentist is important for the results of the procedure.