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Make your teeth look good with cosmetic dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to refer to dental procedures that are aimed at improving the appearance of teeth and gums. Generally, all dentists can carry out the procedures involved in cosmetic dentistry. However, there are some dentists who consider cosmetic dentistry unethical. Their reason being that these procedures are money oriented and do not consider the health of the patient. Cosmetic dentistry is not a formal field in the world of dentistry. The bottom line is that cosmetic dentistry is a reality and it is happening all over. According to the Denali Family Dental Center and Anchorage dentist, Dr. David Maisey, many people have issues with the appearance of their teeth.

Fields in cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has grown over the years. Basically there are two fields of medicine that focus on the appearance of teeth; prosthodontics and orthodontics. Dentists receive 4 year training in medical school. After these 4 years they have knowledge in all fields of dentistry. After the four years a dentist may choose to specialize in one or more fields of dentistry. Prosthodontists and orthodontists are specialists in improving the appearance of teeth.

What does cosmetic dentistry involve?

There are several cosmetic dentistry options a dentist can choose from once he/she has diagnosed a patient. Different patients have different needs. The option that the dentist chooses is dependent on the needs of a patient. Cosmetic dentistry involves the following options;

Addition of materials to the teeth or gums- the materials added include porcelain laminates, dental caps and bonding.
The removing of material from the tooth or gum structure- procedures that involve removal of material includes gingivectomy and enameloplasty.
Procedure that do not involve removal or addition of material to the tooth and gums- these procedures include but are not limited to tooth whitening and gum depigmentation.
Straightening of teeth- this procedure is often accompanied by an improvement of the face of teeth.

Examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures

The following are some of the procedures involved in cosmetic dentistry;

Tooth bleaching- this refers to the process of whitening stained teeth. There are many ways of whitening teeth including using chemicals that are available over the counter. However, a whitening procedure that is done by a dentist is the safest way to whiten teeth. Teeth discolor for different reasons, the main reason being poor dental hygiene.
Tooth reshaping- this procedure involves removing parts of the tooth, specifically the enamel, to improve the aesthetics of the tooth. This procedure can be used to alter the length and width of the tooth. One should keep in mind that the enamel that is removed cannot be replaced.
Bonding- this is a procedure that is carried out by applying an enamel-like material on the surface of the tooth. The material applied is then polished to resemble the tooth. This procedure corrects chipped and cracked teeth.

Addition of materials to the teeth or gums- the materials added include porcelain laminates, dental caps and bonding.

The removing of material from the tooth or gum structure- procedures that involve removal of material includes gingivectomy and enameloplasty.

Procedure that do not involve removal or addition of material to the tooth and gums- these procedures include but are not limited to tooth whitening and gum depigmentation.

Straightening of teeth- this procedure is often accompanied by an improvement of the face of teeth.

Tooth reshaping- this procedure involves removing parts of the tooth, specifically the enamel, to improve the aesthetics of the tooth. This procedure can be used to alter the length and width of the tooth. One should keep in mind that the enamel that is removed cannot be replaced.

Bonding- this is a procedure that is carried out by applying an enamel-like material on the surface of the tooth. The material applied is then polished to resemble the tooth. This procedure corrects chipped and cracked teeth.