You’ve likely heard your dentist, friends, or family members talk about cosmetic dentistry. While it might sound fun and exciting, it’s also a bit vague if you’re unsure what exactly it entails. In fact, you may not think much about it when visiting your dentist’s office, especially since the focus tends to be on the health of your teeth and gums. So what kinds of treatment are deemed “cosmetic?” Keep reading to hear from a dentist who can explain.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Compared to preventive and restorative care, which focuses on your oral health and how dental problems can negatively affect the mouth and body, cosmetic dentistry turns its attention to your appearance.
While it is essential to first address any health-related concerns (i.e., dental decay, gum disease, bone loss, etc.) before moving on to cosmetic treatment, the services included as part of this umbrella term are designed to improve the look of your smile.
Which Services Are Considered Cosmetic?
When it comes to expressing interest in boosting your confidence by enhancing the appearance of your pearly whites, you’ll find the following services being recommended by your dentist:
- Veneers – These are thin sheath coverings that hide imperfections located on the surfaces of teeth.
- Metal-Free Dental Restorations – These are all-ceramic crowns, inlays, and onlays that help to repair a decayed or damaged tooth but without the shiny metal.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – This consists of composite resin, which is a tooth-colored material that blends in with your existing tooth enamel to hide minor flaws (i.e., gaps, small chips, dark spots).
- Invisalign – As a clear aligner orthodontic treatment, these trays help to realign your teeth and/or jaw. If used solely for aesthetics, it is considered a cosmetic form of treatment.
- Teeth Whitening – Offered as an in-house service or as custom take-home kits, teeth whitening eliminates stains and discoloration above and below the enamel’s surface.
- Smile Makeovers – When multiple imperfections cause embarrassment, one treatment may not be enough. This is where a smile makeover comes in, as it’s designed to treat all types of cosmetic flaws to create a cohesive, beautiful appearance.
What Makes Cosmetic Dentistry Popular?
As society becomes more technologically driven, cosmetic dentistry is increasing in popularity. With so many young people desiring to be “influencers,” and workplace meetings taking place virtually, the intrigue for a more beautiful appearance is not decreasing with time.
Although cosmetic dentistry is not considered a specialization by the American Dental Association, it does require additional training and hands-on experience. This is why it’s crucial to find a dentist who possesses an artistic and skillful eye so that your teeth capture the attention of others for all the right reasons.
No matter how you choose to enhance your appearance, make sure to do your research to find the ideal dentist to provide your cosmetic dental treatment. Doing so will ensure that any type of care you receive will leave you with stunningly beautiful results.
About the Author
Dr. Monica Boehmer is a cosmetic dentist with more than 20 years of experience. Helping patients see beautiful smiles after spending years with stained, chipped, or gapped teeth is what she and her team are passionate about. Offering an array of cosmetic dental treatments, she can craft a treatment plan that eliminates the flaws and produces one-of-a-kind, life-changing results. Contact us at (505) 271-8009 to find out what you can do to achieve the smile of your dreams.