Cosmetic dentistry is a field that enhances the look of teeth and gums without focusing on their function. Dentists are allowed to use the term “cosmetic” regardless of their specific education and skills. Not all of them provide the same services or promote the same information. There are a few common procedures that many cosmetic dentists provide, such as whitening and veneers. Patients and dentists should learn more about this field as dental procedures and devices become more advanced and the technology available changes almost daily.
The Work of Cosmetic Dentists
Cosmetic dentists are trained to carry out one or more tasks. They work to rebuild, remove or straighten teeth or gums that cause cosmetic defects. To rebuild teeth, they add crowns to those that have been cracked or broken. These crowns are typically made of porcelain and attached with cement. The results are so effective that people are able to use these artificial attachments for decades with minimal maintenance.
Teeth Whitening
Part of rebuilding teeth is removing stains from their surface. Teeth whitening is the process needed to clean teeth that cannot be scrubbed with a toothbrush. The dentist applies a hydrogen peroxide gel as part of a laser treatment for the best results. Over months, the patient sees whiter, brighter teeth – as long as they bother to keep up with their appointments.
It is possible for teeth to revert back to their yellowish or brownish appearance with poor maintenance. However, whitening results are satisfactory and long lasting for most patients.
Teeth Straightening
To straighten teeth, dentists rely on devices built using custom dental impressions. The dentist makes an impression of the patient’s top and bottom teeth in a lab. Then, he creates a custom set of Invisalign teeth straighteners that are easy to remove for daily cleaning or eating. During most of the day, the patient is required to keep this device on the teeth as they grow.
Like the crown, people hear about the dental bridge without knowing its exact function. The bridge is a dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is similar to a dental implant but less permanently attached, and similar to a crown but more secure. The dentist uses a bridge to support the placement of artificial teeth in the mouth. The bridge can be made out of gold, silver, metal or porcelain, any of which can work like teeth for years.
Your teeth and gums are not features to take lightly. New York cosmetic dentistry is not a field that anyone can handle easily either. It may seem easy to whiten teeth, but too many applications undertaken using too strong chemicals could lead to disastrous results. Research is the key to getting the best deal for your teeth and gums. Click here to learn more about the procedures and current trends in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
