Generally, cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental service that enhances the appearance not only an individual’s teeth, but also the gums and the overall smile. The main objective of the said field is similar to the nature of dentistry, the goal to improve the function and appearance of the teeth. Professionals who carry out such practice are called ‘cosmetic dentists’ despite of their specific specialization, education, training, and sufficient experience in the said field.
Specific Fields
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes two significant specialties in cosmetic dentistry including Orthodontics and Prosthodontics. Experts in these specific fields are known as Orthodontists and Prosthodontists respectively. Conversely, the ADA does not identify cosmetic dentistry as an official special division of dentistry. Hence, many general dentists have not trained in the said specialties yet have focused their practice and interest towards dental aesthetics or cosmetic dentistry.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Dental aesthetics or cosmetic dentistry usually involves any of these services or procedures:
Teeth Whitening
Also known as ‘tooth bleaching, teeth whitening is perhaps the most common procedure in cosmetic dentistry; there are various at-home treatments to achieve this like making use of special toothpaste, bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and other over-the-counter products. As well, in-office procedures are significantly efficient including power bleaching and internal bleaching. The said dentist-supervised treatments still remain the highly recommended procedures for teeth whitening.
Tooth Reshaping
This procedure entails the extraction of some fractions of the enamel in order to enhance the tooth’s appearance. Basically, this is used to alter a tooth’s length, position or shape, or to correct a tiny chip. Moreover, this can be employed to correct excessively long or crooked teeth. The extraction of enamel is absolutely irreplaceable and can cause the exposure of dentin. Hence, the method is likewise called enameloplasty, contouring, recontouring, stripping, slandering, sculpting, or odontoplasty. It could be an effective alternative to braces under particular circumstances, yet offers fast and reliable results.
Bonding Versus Dental Bridges
Bonding is the cosmetic dental procedure wherein enamel-like composite material is used for the tooth’s surface, molded into contour, hardened and then sparkled and cleaned. On the other hand, dental bridges are simply false teeth. Commonly known as pontics, they are combined between 2 porcelain crowns to stand-in the area of a missing tooth. The said crowns are attached onto each tooth to hold the pontics in place is also called fixed bridge.
Porcelain Veneers and Gum Lift
Basically, veneers are ultimately thin materials used for bonding; mostly are custom-made porcelain that directly bond teeth together. Veneers are ideal for concealing discolored teeth or closing gaps. On the other hand, gum lift is another cosmetic dental procedure which primarily sculpts and raises the gum line. It entails reshaping underlying bones and/or tissue in order to form more symmetrical or longer teeth.
Indeed, there are numerous cosmetic dentists across the globe. Thus, a group of dentist in Richmond, VA is highly recommended by many experienced patients and clients. They carry out all cosmetic dental procedures and anyone can avail such service to achieve wonderful set of teeth and sparkling smiles.
About the Author
Melissa Cameron is an excellent writer and speaker. During a trip to Virginia for a speech invitation, she was so worried sick of her chipped tooth due to a wonderful lunch the day before her speech. It was a good thing that she found a cosmetic dentist in Richmond, VA to treat her dilemma. Fortunately, the dental procedure was very successful and Cameron’s speech as well.