Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth, and smile. This can include procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, braces, and other treatments to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a person's teeth and mouth. 

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the overall appearance of a person's smile, which can have a positive impact on their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Differences Between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

The main difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry is the focus of the treatment. General dentistry focuses on maintaining the overall health and function of the teeth and mouth, while the other field focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile.

General dentistry includes preventive care and treatments to address common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and teeth grinding. These treatments are aimed at maintaining the health and function of the teeth and mouth, and preventing future problems.

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, includes procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and braces, which are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. These procedures are elective, meaning they are not necessary for maintaining the health and function of the teeth and mouth, but are chosen by the patient to improve their appearance.

Overall, the main difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry is the focus of the treatment, with general dentistry focused on maintaining oral health and function, and cosmetic dentistry focused on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile.

Good Candidates for Cosmetic Dentistry

Anyone can benefit from cosmetic dentistry applications. However, in some people, it is possible that the teeth and gums are healthy, that is, they do not need any treatment. 

In addition, for example, teeth whitening should not perform with ones that have excessively heavy stains. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dentist with expertise in this field and discuss treatment options for best results.

One of the cosmetic dentistry applications is preferred in the following cases:

• • A worn or broken tooth
• • Spaces between teeth,
• • Discoloration of teeth,
• • Misaligned teeth
• • Deformity of teeth.

As long as the patients' teeth and gingivas are in good health, cosmetic procedures may be an option. However, if the patient has significant cavities or gum disease, the dentist prioritize treating those issues. Once candidates' smiles are restored to health safely, they can determine which procedures to pursue.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is based on achieving a balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Listed below are the most popular procedures frequently performed in this area.

• • Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is an application that brightens the colors of the teeth and makes them appear whiter and brighter. This method usually aims to restore the natural tooth color to a lighter shade and improves the overall appearance of the teeth. The teeth whitening procedure is usually done by a dentist, but there are some methods that can be applied at home as well.
• • Dental Bonding: It is the procedure of bonding a damaged tooth by applying a resin material that resembles its natural color to improve its appearance. This composite resin is then solidified with a special light and the material is matched with the surrounding teeth and polished. Bonding is often used to repair cracked or broken teeth, close spaces between teeth, or change the shape or color of teeth. It is generally considered a more affordable and non-invasive option than veneers or crowns, such as teeth whitening.
• • Porcelain Veneer: Another dentistry method used to improve the appearance of teeth. This process is done by applying thin but strong shells on the teeth. These porcelain shells change the color of the teeth, providing a whiter and brighter appearance, and also make the surface of the teeth more durable. This procedure can also be used to repair minor cracks or fractures of the teeth. It is generally more durable than other aesthetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening and can stay white longer.
• • Gum Contouring: It is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the gum line to improve the appearance of the gums. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to make the teeth look more even or to remove excess gingiva tissue that is covering too much of the teeth. The procedure is usually performed by a dentist or periodontist using a laser or other specialized dental tools. It is generally a relatively simple and straightforward operation with a quick recovery time.

Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

The main advantage of cosmetic dentistry is that it can improve the appearance of the teeth and smile, which can boost the self-confidence. Additionally, some cosmetic dental procedures can also improve the function of the teeth, such as by closing gaps or straightening crooked teeth. This can make it easier to eat and speak, and can also improve the overall oral health. 

Besides that, some cosmetic dental procedures can help to prevent or treat more serious dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Finally, advances in cosmetic dentistry have made many procedures more comfortable and less invasive, so they can be performed with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time.