Cosmetic dentists are involved in almost every aspect of oral health care. There’s far more to their job than just making your smile beautiful. Before effective cosmetic treatment can be done, the full extent of your oral health has to be determined. As with any other dental specialty, cosmetic dentists receive the full range of dental training. Their specialty goes on to receive additional training in cosmetic dental procedures. However, they also know that the first step to a stunning smile is ensuring a healthy foundation.
The Essential Nature of Oral Health In Cosmetic Dentistry
The first step any dentist takes is assessing the state of your oral health. They look for signs of dental decay, gum disease, and other dental concerns that your dentist must address. Once these have been identified, they’ll begin developing a treatment plan to restore oral health balance. This plan will often involve a range of restorative, prosthodontic, and preventative care measures. Some of these treatments will serve as cosmetic treatments and their core purpose. Some examples are dental implants, crowns, veneers, and composite resins. Dental whitening is another common cosmetic treatment used during this stage.
One concern that cosmetic dentists may have to address is misshapen teeth or teeth that are too large or small. Several treatments may be applied to correct these concerns. Among them are the following:
- Dental Bonding – Composite resin is used to restore the shape and appearance of teeth through dental bonding. Your dentist can use this process to address chips, cracks, or gaps in the teeth. Your dentist can tone the material to match your natural tooth color.
- Inlays and Onlays – When a full crown isn’t needed and a traditional filling is too large, inlays and onlays can be used. These are specifically for restoring small cavities in the wall of the tooth or when only the chewing surface is involved.
- Veneers – Veneers are a form of cosmetic treatment used when dental whitening is insufficient. The dentist can also use it to address minor misalignments, gaps, cracks, and chips in teeth.
- Enamel Sculpting – This approach is used when a patient has teeth that are misshapen or have too much enamel. The dentist removes excess enamel during this procedure to restore a beautiful, even smile.
- Gingival Sculpting – When a patient appears to have small teeth, it may be a matter of an excess of gum tissue. Using a dental laser, or a scalpel and stitches, the dentist will remove excess gum to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
These are just some of the approaches your cosmetic dentist may use in restoring a beautiful smile you can be proud of.
Reach Out To Your Cosmetic Dentist Today
You can start your journey to a beautiful smile by scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist today! They’ll put you through a full dental exam and assessment to determine the right treatments for you. Together you’ll establish a treatment plan to address your oral health and aesthetic concerns. Don’t wait to start getting that smile you’ve always dreamed of!
