Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized area of dental care that focuses on enhancing the appearance of the smile and mouth. Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on the health of the teeth and gums, a cosmetic dentist works almost exclusively on improving the patient's smile. Procedures such as dental implants (get dental implant cost info), porcelain veneers, bonding, dental bridges, teeth whitening and/or dental braces are used to reshape and brighten a patient's smile.

Find a Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist

Many areas of the country have highly talented cosmetic dentistry specialists who are able to beautify the smile with long lasting results. To find cosmetic dentistry specialists, please use the directory provided in the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.

Steps Prior to Cosmetic Dentistry

In some cases, teeth grinding and bite problems can occur causing headaches or jaw pain. The highly skilled cosmetic dentists ensure that these types of issues are eliminated before working to enhance the smile. For example, placing porcelain veneers over chipped or cracked teeth for a person who is constantly grinding his or her teeth will provide little long term benefit. After the new veneers are in place, the patient will simply grind down and chip the veneers, just as he or she has done previously for the natural teeth. Once the dentist provides a bit adjustment and tooth grinding is eliminated or reduced, the esthetic dentistry procedures can provide a more permanent enhancement to the smile. Similarly, if teeth misalignment occurs due to the loss of a tooth or teeth, then orthodontics procedures may provide minimal long-term benefit, if the missing spaces are not properly filled in. Without a dental implant or bridge, once the orthodontic braces are removed, the teeth may return to the previous misailgned position.

Cosmetic Dentistry Directory

Experienced and talented cosmetic dentists practice in many areas of the United States, Canada and around the world. Since cosmetic dentistry can often require more than one visit to the dentist's office, you may want to consider selecting a skilled cosmetic dentist within an hour driving distance from your home or work. To find cosmetic dentists in your area, use the cosmetic dentistry directory.

Smile Makeover and Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Makeover is a popular term often used to describe cosmetic dentistry. During a smile makeover, cosmetic dentists use a wide range of the available procedures and technologies to create a symmetric, beautiful and natural smile, often transforming a patient's facial balance and radiance.

To learn more about cosmetic dentist and cosmetic dentists, visit this page in Infotabs. For additional dentistry information on porcelain veneers, dental insurance, gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, oral cancer, or smile makeover, visit Consumer Guide to Dentistry.

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