Many people think that cosmetic dentistry only focuses on straightening uneven or misshapen teeth.  While correcting misaligned teeth is certainly a part of cosmetic dental practice, there is much more to cosmetic dentistry than that. Many cosmetic dentists are now using state of the art equipment that enables patients to get their teeth to be as white as possible.  Tooth whitening or bleaching is the most common treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist today.  This is one of the most affordable things that a person can do to improve his or her appearance.

There are various tooth whitening products on the over the counter market that people use to try to whiten their teeth.  While these work to some degree, there is a vast difference between getting your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist and a product that you purchase at the drugstore.  Cosmetic dentistry uses state of the art equipment as well as products that are made solely for this purpose. And, you are under the care of a trained cosmetic dentist, rather than depending on the instructions on an impersonal and “one size fits all” box. This is extremely important. Bleaching is a very safe procedure, but it should be supervised by someone who has the training and experience to know what he is doing. Tooth bleaching works well only if the teeth are in good shape. Teeth with cavities or missing fillings cannot be bleached until those defects are repaired. Otherwise, intense sensitivity can occur, and may lead to more serious dental problems. This is why it is necessary to be under the care and supervision of a trained professional, who can determine if your teeth are sound and healthy enough to be bleached.

If an individual’s teeth are healthy and in good shape and just need to be whitened due to age, smoking, or consuming foods or beverages that stain teeth, such as coffee, colas, red wine, or blueberry pie, then bleaching is an excellent treatment choice.  When you undergo tooth whitening by a cosmetic dentist, your teeth once again sparkle and appear white and beautiful. As long as the directions of the cosmetic dentist are followed, such as avoiding staining foods, beverages and especially smoking during and for about 72 hours after the bleaching process, the whitening procedure will be effective almost all of the time.  This whitening will make you look younger and will certainly improve your appearance.  Even more important, those who take the time to get this type of cosmetic dentistry performed are much more inclined to smile.  This alone makes them look more attractive, and results in a tremendous boost in their self-confidence.

If the teeth are chipped, slightly out of alignment, have spaces between them, or are severely discolored, the cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain veneers.  These are custom fitted thin sheets of porcelain, made in a cosmetic dental laboratory. They cover the front surface of the original tooth with little or no drilling or grinding. The results are dramatic, sometimes incredibly so! The change from chipped, broken, misaligned or severely discolored teeth to a natural, beautiful smile can be breathtaking! So often, people who have had porcelain veneers placed will find that others will notice a positive change in their appearance and attitude. And as a result, self-confidence soars, leading to an incredible improvement in quality of life!

It is not at all uncommon for others to compliment them on their appearance, even if their teeth are not specifically mentioned!  Most people who get porcelain veneers on their teeth get them on all of their front teeth.  It insures a white, bright and naturally beautiful smile. It is a very easy and painless process to undertake with a cosmetic dentist.

Another method of repairing some cosmetic defects is bonding. Bonding is the art of placing tooth colored material onto the front surface of stained, slightly chipped, or slightly spaced teeth. The dentist then sculpts this material, much as an artist will sculpt clay. The result is a beautiful, natural looking smile. An added benefit to this procedure is that it is done in one sitting, this obviating the need for a second visit, or for temporary restorations. These can be very natural looking, but they are not quite as beautiful as porcelain.

Many people are distressed over the dark appearance of silver amalgam restorations in their mouths. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this type of filling, it is decidedly unaesthetic. Using new cosmetic procedures, these silver fillings can be removed and replaced by different types of materials. We now can sculpt fillings in the office, to immediately replace the silver. Or, if the fillings are too large, a ceramic restoration, made in the laboratory can restore the tooth. Onlay restorations are like fillings, except they are larger and are made in the laboratory. And this type of bonded restoration gives the tooth nearly the full strength that it had before it was ever filled.  All ceramic crowns cover the entire tooth, with no need for an unsightly metal support  and are both highly esthetic and  so strong that they can and are used to repair molars and other back teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry has made major advances in recent years.  It is not only just about repairing broken teeth or straightening crooked teeth. It is about improving smiles, and thereby giving people confidence in their appearance and an improvement in their attitude and outlook on life.