Cosmetic dentistry is an art form that focuses on dental aesthetics. It deals with improving the color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall appearance of the smile. It takes years of extensive study and training to become a cosmetic dentist and be able to perform the procedures currently available. Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on addressing dental aesthetics and repairing worn, discolored, broken, chipped, deformed and stained teeth, as well as dental voids.
Although cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry overlap each other in some aspects, the main difference between them is their approach and the dentist's level of experience. For example, an aesthetic dentist will tend to prefer composite materials to match the color of their tooth for fillings, which are more expensive than amalgam fillings. If your teeth are stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, deformed or have gaps between them, modern cosmetic dentistry can give you a better smile. The only specialty classified by the American Dental Association as a cosmetic procedure is prosthodontics, the replacement of damaged or missing teeth.
However, many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists” and offer services in their office that are cosmetic in nature. Crowns can be used to prevent a weakened tooth from breaking or cosmetically to cover deformed or heavily discolored teeth. Bonding can repair decayed, chipped, cracked or deformed teeth; it is also a good cosmetic alternative or replacement for amalgam or silver fillings. Teeth whitening uses chemicals to whiten teeth and dental veneers can solve a number of cosmetic problems such as crooked teeth, damaged enamel and spaces between teeth.
Tooth bonding is considered a cosmetic procedure but resin can be applied to a cavity to repair a decayed tooth. Cosmetic dentistry is not considered a recognized specialty in the world of dental care and profession. However, it takes years of extensive study and training to become a cosmetic dentist and be able to perform the procedures currently available. It is also known as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, contouring, contouring, cosmetic contouring and slender stripping.
