A Cosmetic Dentist is one who is trained to offer a wide range of dental treatments, from minor adjustments to complex surgical procedures. A Cosmetic Dentist primarily focuses on the aesthetics behind the patient’s smile in addition to how teeth function in the patient’s mouth.

What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

Whitening of Teeth

Whitening the teeth are one of the most basic cosmetic dentistry treatments and one of the least expensive. Teeth discoloration can occur due to certain foods, beverages, drugs, or other behaviors such as smoking. One of the most common ways people try to improve their smile is to whiten their teeth.

After removing plaque, tartar, and any other debris from the teeth, teeth whitening can bleach the surface of the teeth to provide a brighter and whiter appearance. Over-the-counter whitening treatments, such as toothpaste, rinses, and Whitestrips may produce some results; however, professional tooth whitening may have five to eight times lighter consequences.

Veneers for the teeth

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells crafted from medical-grade porcelain, resin, or ceramic. They are made specifically for each patient to resemble the patient's natural teeth closely.

Dental veneers can correct various cosmetic issues, such as crooked teeth, enamel deterioration, and gaps between teeth, among others. The dentist will first remove some enamel from the tooth’s surface before applying the veneers. This allows the shells to be glued to the front of the teeth more inherently.

Dentures with crowns

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a restoration placed over a decaying or injured tooth. These crowns can protect a weak tooth from breaking and can also be used for cosmetic purposes to cover teeth that are deformed or heavily stained.

They can also cover other procedures such as root canal therapy, fillings, dental bridges, and dental implants. Because of their adaptability can be used in a wide range of situations.

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Inlays and overlays

When the decay on a tooth is too extensive for a traditional filling, a dentist may recommend indirect fillings such as inlays and onlays instead. After these fillings have been fabricated in a dental laboratory, the cosmetic dentist secures them with a bonding agent.

An "inlay" is a process in which a material is bonded in the tooth's center. When a filling covers one or more sections of the tooth or the entire surface, it is referred to as an “onlay.”

This method, like a crown, preserves more of the tooth's natural surface while effectively reinforcing and restoring the tooth after it has been affected by decay or degradation.

Implants for teeth

Dental implants can replace teeth when there is significant tooth decay or tooth loss. The cosmetic dentist will begin the procedure by screwing a support screw into the patient's jaw. The implant's titanium post is then inserted into the gap left by the extracted tooth in the jawbone.

The bone and tissue will eventually fuse to the implant, securing the replacement tooth inside the mouth. The dental implant should be able to blend in with the teeth around it once adequately attached.

Dental fusion

A moldable resin is applied to the tooth during the dental bonding procedure, and it is then hardened with UV radiation by the cosmetic dentist. The material is then trimmed, shaped, and polished to blend in with the tooth's surface.

Bonding can be used to repair issues such as chipping, cracking, uneven tooth form, and even tooth decay. When addressing cosmetic concerns of a minor nature, bonding is a more cost-effective option than fillings or crowns.

An Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry's Evolution

There weren't many ways to achieve a beautiful smile when we were younger because most dentistry was focused on making your teeth healthy and strong rather than making your teeth appear attractive. As a result, the field of cosmetic dentistry did not gain traction until the 1980s, when resin cement was first introduced.

There was a significant improvement in cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry beginning in the 1700s when porcelain was first used for dentures. However, this does not mean that there were no stumbles or mistakes. In the 1800s, the field of cosmetic dentistry experimented with replacing missing teeth by inserting metals into the empty tooth sockets; however, the body rejected metals just as strongly as it left human teeth. On the other hand, Porcelain teeth became popular, and dentists began making plaster molds to ensure that dentures fit their patients better.

Dentists began using different materials to fabricate dentures almost as soon as the 1900s began. Porcelain dentistry crowns were not as cost-effective as they could have been, so when the dental profession could make the switch, they chose to use plastics and acrylics instead.

How to Become a Cosmetic Dentist

Although cosmetic dentistry is a trendy field of practice in the dental market, the American Dental Association does not currently recognize it as a specialty. As a result, degree programs in that field are rare in educational institutions.

The majority of cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, receive their initial training through various dental school programs. Dental students typically receive four years of training, and applicants must have a bachelor's degree. The program's training entails.

• Orthodontics in the clinic (the dental practice of aligning teeth with braces or other means)
• Management of Pain

• Dentistry's history and dental law
• Dental cosmetics
• Oral medication

Once their training is completed, prospective cosmetic dentists must apply for a medical license. They may also be able to obtain accreditation.

Why Should You Schedule an Appointment with a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you are unsure which dentist to see, keep in mind that various factors, including these, determine your mouth's overall health, appearance, and functionality.

To alleviate the pain caused by your dental issues in the short term, you may take shortcuts occasionally. Finally, if the appearance of your smile is your primary concern, you should consult with a cosmetic dentist or, better yet, a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a specialist who has completed American Dental Association-approved postgraduate school. That is a decision that will never disappoint you. Read more on cosmetic dentistry.

Furthermore, when looking for a dentist, look for someone who can maintain the health and functionality of your mouth and provide you with the best cosmetic outcome for your smile.

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