According to NBC6, 92 percent of people believe that an attractive smile puts you at the top of the social pyramid. However, 74 percent believe that a horrible set of teeth can destroy your career. That is why Lone Tree Dentist is here, to ensure that your smile will help you win in life.
Whether you are looking for your soulmate or striving to get that promotion, you want to put your best “teeth” forward. A regular dentist is great for that six months checkup, so you will need a cosmetic dentist for that winning smile. If you are searching for these experts, continue reading to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and what it can do for you.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
Cosmetic dentists are trained in a variety of procedures to enhance the patient’s smiles and self-image. Their patient populations are often men and women between the ages of 35-65.
They get the same fundamental training as regular dentists. However, a cosmetic dentist is more concerned with the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. They are highly skilled in procedures, like teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, etc, to renovate their patient’s smile.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist performs a range of procedures. The following are the common cosmetic treatments they provide:
Teeth Whitening
Your teeth may get discolored over time from food, beverages, medicines, or smoking. People use teeth whitening to brighten their smiles.
After plaque, tartar, and other debris are removed, teeth whitening can bleach the surface of the teeth. This leads to a brighter and whiter appearance. While over-the-counter treatments may provide some effects, but a cosmetic dentist can help you get a shade five to eight times whiter.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, white shells made of medical-grade porcelain, resin, or ceramic. They are custom-made to match the patient’s actual teeth.
Before installing the veneers, the dentist will remove some enamel from the tooth’s surface. This is to enable the shells to adhere to the teeth’s front surfaces. Dental veneers can correct various aesthetic problems, including misalignments, damaged enamel, and tooth gaps.
Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a decaying or broken tooth. These crowns help prevent a weakened tooth from fracturing or from concealing discolored teeth. They cover additional treatments like root canal therapy, enamel fillings, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Decorative Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are often used when a tooth is too deteriorated to sustain a conventional filling. These fillings are made in a dental laboratory and cemented to the tooth by a cosmetic dentist.
When the material binds to the middle of the tooth, it is called an “inlay.” When a filling covers the whole surface of the tooth, it is known as an “onlay.” This technique preserves the natural surface of the tooth as well as repairing it after degeneration.
Implants
Dental implants help replace a tooth that has been severely decayed or lost. To begin, the cosmetic dentist secures a screw to the jaw. The implant is placed into the bone socket created by the lost tooth.
The bone and tissue around the implant fuse over time, anchoring the new tooth within the mouth. When the dental implant is correctly connected, it should blend in with the adjacent teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which the cosmetic dentist coats the tooth with a moldable resin and treats it with ultraviolet radiation. The material is then trimmed, shaped, and polished to integrate into the tooth’s surface.
Bonding can treat chips, fractures, malformed, and rotting teeth. It’s affordable and an excellent alternative to fillings or crowns.
Training and Education of a Cosmetic Dentist
The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. That means colleges don’t offer programs in this field. However, most cosmetic dentists get their first training in dental school.
Dental students get four years of training and are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree to enter the program. Training for the program covers the following:
- Dental Orthodontics
- Pain Management
- Dental law and history
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Medications
Prospective cosmetic dentists must get a dental license upon completion of their dental program.
Why Visit a Cosmetic Dentist?
According to a 2015 American Dental Association study, 33% of young people are hesitant to smile due to oral problems. Another 23% of people have reduced their social activities because of their smiles.
These are common reasons why people will seek out a cosmetic dentist. Here are other reasons why they will also visit these providers:
- Dental Caries
- Disturbance (cracks, chips, etc.)
- Corrupted teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Discoloration
- Missing teeth
Patients with damaged, rotting, crooked, or discolored teeth may have difficulties eating and communicating. Others may experience a decrease in self-esteem as a result of dental problems.
Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist
You’ve scheduled your first cosmetic dental visit and are looking forward to achieving the smile of your dreams. While this is an exciting moment, it may also be very frightening.
You’ve seen a few episodes of “Botched,” and you don’t want that to happen to your smile. Here are some questions to ask to ensure that you got the right dentist for the job.
What Is the Recommended Course of Action?
Most people enter a doctor’s office with a specific procedure in mind. While researching various treatments is essential, consulting with a competent physician about their advice is also a wise step. Because they have years of experience, they are familiar with which therapies will provide the greatest outcome.
Are There Any Alternatives to This Procedure?
Cosmetic treatments have made tremendous strides in recent years. Patients are no longer restricted to one or two treatment choices.
There are several choices available to assist in achieving the desired appearance. Discussing various options will ensure that you are making the best decision.
How Much Does the Service Cost?
Cosmetic dentistry cost varies depending on the procedure and your dentist. This inquiry will help determine the best way to pay for care.
Each dental office will have different financing options. For example, some offices take insurance while others allow patients to pay off the procedure in small increments each month with low or no interest.
Lone Tree Dentist: Best Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me
By now, you should feel confident about entrusting your smile to a cosmetic dentist. The next step is to find a dentist with years of experience in the cosmetic field. You also want to ensure that they are near your location.
If you are in Colorado, it won’t make sense to search for a dentist in New York. Instead, you should contact a Lone Tree Dentist for a consult and to put your smile back on track.