Cosmetic Dentistry

Authored By: Lesley Ranft

• How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist
• Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth, and smile.

Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam, and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction.

A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures. Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain, and other problems. Full mouth reconstruction frequently involves several dentists who focus on their specific areas of expertise in order to obtain the best outcome.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include:

• Dental Fillings - As noted above, this traditional procedure can also be included in the category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and composite resin materials are used to provide a tooth-like appearance.
• Bonding - The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done via a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.
• Teeth Whitening - Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Dental Veneers - Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface of a tooth to replace chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
• Dental Implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.

• How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist
• Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

[Updated May 2008]

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