Cosmetic dentistry plays a role in nearly every aspect of oral health care. This field of dentistry is involved in far more than just improving the appearance of our smiles. Before cosmetic treatments are performed, you must complete an assessment of your oral health. Cosmetic dentists still receive the full range of dental training required by any dental professional. However, this area of dentistry then expands to cover specific cosmetic dental procedures and the concerns that may occur. The first stage of improving your smile’s appearance is ensuring a healthy foundation.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Is Involved With Oral Health Care
When you’re seeking cosmetic dental care, your dentist will start by performing a complete dental exam. They will search for signs of dental decay, gum disease, and other dental concerns that you must address before cosmetic work begins. After this assessment, they’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will leave you with a healthy, beautiful smile. A complete cosmetic treatment plan will involve treatments from various dental areas.
These may include preventative care, restoration dentistry, and prosthodontics. Some treatments may have purely cosmetic results, but most will improve your smile’s health and appearance. Composite resins, veneers, dental implants, and crowns are some treatments they may use. Dental whitening remains the most popular treatment requested by patients at clinics throughout the United States.
Cosmetic dental care is often called upon to address concerns involving misshapen teeth or those that appear too large or small for the patient’s mouth. Some of the treatments used to address concerns like these include:
- Dental Bonding – Composite resin is used when it’s necessary to restore the shape and appearance of teeth. Using dental bonding techniques, your dentist can address gaps, cracks, and chips causing aesthetic and health concerns in your smile.
- Inlays and Onlays – These are specialized restorations used when traditional fillings are unnecessary or impractical. They often address small cavities appearing on the neck or biting tooth surfaces.
- Veneers – This cosmetic treatment may be called for when dental whitening has proven insufficient. Veneers can also address gaps, cracks, and chips while addressing discoloration in the teeth.
- Enamel Sculpting – Teeth that appear too large or have an excess amount of enamel can be addressed using enamel sculpting. During this procedure, your dentist will remove unnecessary dental tissue to create a more balanced smile.
- Gingival Sculpting – Some patients report concerns with smiles that are “horsey” or “too gummy.” This occurs when the ratio of gum tissue to tooth is out of balance. Using specialized techniques, your dentist can eliminate excess gum and create a beautiful and balanced smile.
Contact Your Dentist About Cosmetic Treatments Today
One call to your dentist is all it takes to start working for a more beautiful smile. With your dentist’s help, you’ll be able to identify the underlying cause of your cosmetic concern. During your dental appointment, they’ll work to create a treatment plan that will address existing health concerns and produce the results you’re dreaming of.