Are you hiding your smile behind closed lips? Maybe you’re concerned about a gap between your teeth or discoloration. It helps to know you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of American adults feel insecure about their teeth. These insecurities have led over 60% to wish they could change their teeth. Many patients are concerned about whiteness, crookedness, spacing, and receding gums. Do these issues sound familiar? You might want to consider visiting a cosmetic dentist. What is a cosmetic dentist, exactly, and how can a dentist appointment improve your smile? Keep reading to find out!
After reading this guide, you can determine if cosmetic dentistry is ideal for your needs. Then, you can visit the best cosmetic dentist in town to renew your smile.
You don’t have to feel embarrassed about the state of your smile anymore! Instead, read on to learn everything you need to know about cosmetic dentistry today.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what is a cosmetic dentist?
There are now over 29,000 cosmetic dentists across the US. Not many patients realize that cosmetic and general dentists complete similar training, though. Many universities don’t offer degree programs for cosmetic dentistry, either.
Instead, most cosmetic dentists receive training through other dental school programs.
Dental schools require four years of training. Students usually need a bachelor’s degree to enroll. Training includes:
- Pain management
- Oral medicine
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental history and law
Once students complete the program, a prospective cosmetic dentist can seek their medical license. They might receive accreditation, too.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your gums, teeth, and mouth. Visiting a cosmetic dentist can improve your overall smile. You might consider procedures like fillings, implants, or teeth whitening.
Consider scheduling a consultation appointment with your local cosmetic dentist. They can assess the current state of your teeth. You can also discuss your concerns and goals.
Then, they can develop a customized treatment plan based on your distinct needs.
The best dentist can restore your confidence in your smile. You can start grinning from ear to ear without letting insecurities slow you down.
When to Schedule an Appointment
When should you schedule a dentist appointment with a cosmetic dentist? There are a few reasons you might visit a cosmetic dentist over your general dentist. For example, you might need help if you have:
- Missing teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Cracks, chips, or other damage
- Discoloration
- Tooth decay
You might start developing issues eating or speaking if your teeth are damaged or crooked. Issues with your teeth could impact your self-esteem, too.
If you’re not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, talk to your cosmetic dentist. They can improve the condition of your teeth.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is a cosmetic dentist,” let’s discuss the services they offer. Here are a few different procedures you might discuss with your cosmetic dentist. Remember, they can help you determine the services you need based on your distinct goals.
Teeth Whitening
One of the main reasons people visit the best cosmetic dentist in town is to whiten their teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available.
Eating and drinking certain foods and beverages can discolor your teeth. Smoking and taking medications could cause discoloration, too. If your teeth look discolored or yellow, talk to a teeth whitening dentist.
You can whiten your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile.
First, your dentist will clean your teeth of plaque, tartar, or other debris. Then, they’ll bleach the surface of your teeth. Your teeth should look whiter and brighter as a result.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are also called caps. They’re designed to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth. The cap can keep your weakened tooth from future damage.
In some cases, crowns are used to cover discolored or misshapen teeth, too. They can also help cover other procedures like root canals.
Dental Bonding
Your cosmetic can apply a moldable resin to your tooth, then harden it using ultraviolet light. They’ll shape, trim, and polish the material as needed.
Dental bonding is ideal if you have a cracked or chipped tooth. It can also help patients with tooth decay or misshapen teeth. Your dentist might use it to repair minor cosmetic issues as well.
Dental bonding is a more affordable option than crowns or fillings.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are also called indirect fillings. They’re often used when a tooth has experienced too much decay for a typical filling. Inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory.
Your cosmetic dentist can bond them into place as an alternative to crowns. Inlays and onlays can preserve more of your tooth’s natural surface. They can restore and strengthen a tooth that’s become decayed.
Dental Veneers
Do you have damaged enamel, crooked teeth, or gaps between your teeth? Talk to your cosmetic dentist about dental veneers.
Veneers are white, thin shells often created from medical-grade resin or porcelain. They’re custom-made to look like your natural teeth. Your dentist can bond the shell to your teeth to fix cosmetic issues.
Dental Implants
Are you missing a tooth? When there’s a gap between your smile, the surrounding teeth will lean toward the space. Your teeth might start to look crooked as a result.
Before that can happen, ask your cosmetic dentist about implants. Dental implants can replace your missing teeth.
Your dentist will first attach a screw to your jaw to support the implant. You’ll need to wait for the bone and tissue to fuse to the implant. Then, your dentist will place the implant, restoring your smile.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?: Your Guide to a Brighter Smile
To recap, what is a cosmetic dentist? A cosmetic dentist can restore the appearance of your smile. With their help, you no longer have to hide your pearly whites.
Instead, you can show off your smile and experience renewed self-confidence!
Eager to get started? Visit the best cosmetic dentist in town.
Contact us today to schedule your next dentist appointment.