What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term that describes a wide range of dental procedures designed to enhance the appearance of teeth. These treatments typically focus on aesthetic blemishes such as discoloration, chipping, and alignment problems, but many also improve oral health, strength, and function.
General and cosmetic dentists both have their DMD or DDS degrees from dental schools, but the primary difference between these two specializations is that a general dentist focuses on the health of the teeth and mouth while a cosmetic dentist is concerned with the aesthetics of the teeth. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry estimates that 86% of patients choose to have their teeth improved through cosmetic dentistry.
A common cosmetic dental procedure is whitening, which can brighten a patient’s smile and remove discoloration caused by smoking, coffee, and other beverages. However, not all teeth are suitable for this treatment, so it is important to check with your dentist before choosing a whitening method.
Other popular cosmetic dental services include inlays and onlays, which help to improve the look of a tooth while providing structural restoration. These treatments often involve bonding material that is painted onto a patient’s tooth or applied to a tooth to correct discoloration, gaps, and other imperfections.
Gum contouring is another cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue from a patient’s smile. This can give a more youthful appearance to teeth by bringing balance and symmetry to the smile.
Veneers are also a common cosmetic dental service that involves covering the front of a tooth with porcelain veneers. These are made in a laboratory, and then they are bonded to the patient’s tooth by an experienced cosmetic dentist.
In addition, some cosmetic dentists offer dental implants to replace missing or lost teeth and bring balance and symmetry back to a smile. Implants are surgically placed by your Sarasota dentist and can provide a natural-looking replacement for missing or damaged teeth.
The best Sarasota dentist and cosmetic dentistry practitioners will have a great deal of experience with the dental procedures they perform and are highly skilled at delivering stunning results. This makes it easier for them to determine which of these procedures are right for you and your needs.
Cosmetic dentistry is an exciting option for many Sarasota area patients who have gaps between their teeth, misshapen or misaligned teeth, stained, chipped, or worn down teeth. These procedures can dramatically improve a patient’s smile and help them feel more confident.
Some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments are tooth whitening, inlays and onlays, veneers, and dental implants. Teeth whitening can be done in the office or at home, and is one of the most inexpensive options for improving a smile.
Porcelain veneers are a more expensive alternative to tooth whitening, but they can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. These cosmetic dental veneers are custom-made to fit over a patient’s teeth and are designed to mimic natural tooth enamel.
A Sarasota dentist and cosmetic dentistry practitioner who specializes in these procedures can deliver beautiful, long-lasting results that will make you feel proud of your smile. In addition to addressing cosmetic concerns, these specialists can also address issues like bruxism (tooth grinding) and tooth decay. In some cases, cosmetic dentists will work with an orthodontist to achieve the best possible outcomes for a patient’s smile and overall oral health.
