Cosmetic Dentistry Introduction

Cosmetic Dentistry or Aesthetic Dentistry is the broad term describing dental procedures that enhance the appearance of the smile. Until fairly recently, there wasn't a lot you could do to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile beyond having your teeth cleaned once or twice a year. In today’s age of improved technology, dental materials and restorative techniques there is a wide and varied range of options available for most of us to attain close to model-perfect teeth that resist color changes and are almost as strong as the originals.

If you have been considering ways to brighten your teeth, correct imperfections and attain a fabulous, natural-looking smile, there's never been a better time to do it. Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options to enhance your smile and improve your overall physical appearance. The options range from porcelain veneers to braces! In many cases, a combination of these techniques is required to deliver the best results.

There are many cosmetic dentistry options for you to choose from, depending on what you need to have done.

If you have stained or discolored teeth, it can be easily eliminated by applying a bleaching agent consisting of peroxide to give the teeth a white and clean appearance. You will notice the stains fade after an hour, thus making your teeth appear lighter.

Cavities can be treated by applying tooth-colored fillings, which match the natural color of your teeth. These fillings are made with composite material and are used as an alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

If your teeth are cracked, chipped or uneven, your cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. Made from ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-fit to match the natural shade of surrounding teeth, veneers are permanently bonded to the fronts of the teeth, giving them an entirely new esthetic appearance. Porcelain veneers may also be used to overlay gaps in the teeth.

Uneven teeth can be reshaped and matched through a procedure called gum contouring. If you have a badly broken or structurally weak tooth you may need a crown. Crowns are created from a mold of the original tooth and are fabricated using tooth-colored porcelain materials.

A cosmetic dentistry innovation, dental implants is a solution for missing teeth. Titanium posts are embedded in your jaw and topped with a prosthetic tooth. Permanent dental implants can help you regain the appearance and functions of your natural teeth.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your smile, ask your dentist to outline all the treatment options available to you, with a reasonable estimate of various costs and life expectancy of the dental work. Be guided by your dentist in terms of what would be achievable for your particular situation.

Dental Glossary Presented by: Michael C. Fling DDS

We present this glossary of Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, High Tech Dentistry and Branded Dentistry procedures as an educational too.

Please note: not all procedures are preformed by our practice.

Branded Dentistry		High Tech Dentistry		Cosmetic Dentistry
Brite Smile Diagnodent Isolite Zoom Whitening General Dentistry Dental Hygiene Dental Sealants Dentures Orthodontics Periodontics		Air Abrasion Digital Imaging Digital Xrays Intra Oral Camera Laser Dentistry Laser Teeth Whitening Periodontal Therapy		Dental Bonding Dental Crowns Dental implants Dentistry introduction Endodontics Extreme Makeover Full Mouth Rehabilitation Gum Contouring Inlays and Onlays Neuromuscular Dentistry Non Metal Fillings Porcelain Veneers Sedation / Sleep Dentistry Smile Design Smile Makeover Teeth Whitening TMJ Dentistry