Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is another area of dentistry that deals with the appearance of the teeth.
While traditional dentistry focuses on treating and preventing periodontal diseases, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth with a smile makeover. A cosmetic dentist can give a person a straighter, whiter, and healthier looking smile. Through the use of dental veneers (porcelain veneers), dental implants, teeth whitening, and other procedures, a person can improve the appearance of his or her teeth and smile.
Cosmetic dentists can perform a number of various procedures such as:
Teeth Whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth whitening bleaches stains and discolorations on one or more teeth. Though teeth whitening is not permanent, teeth whitening can dramatically improve the appearance of stained and discolored teeth.
Dental Veneers, also referred to as porcelain veneers, are thin, porcelain or composite material shells designed to cover the front tooth surface to improve the color and shape of the teeth. The veneer shells are bonded to the front of the tooth changing the shape, size, and color. Veneers are ideal for patients who have gaps in their teeth or for patients for whom whitening is not successful. The cost is not commonly covered by dental insurance, however patients should check their individual dental plan for specific information.
Dental Implants have artificial roots that a dentist implants into a patient's jaw to hold a bridge or tooth. Dental implants are an ideal option for people with good oral hygiene who have lost teeth to injury or to disease. Dental implants can provide natural looking teeth.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a technologically advanced branch of dentistry that uses dental lasers to perform multiple dental procedures, instead of using traditional dentistry tools such as rinse heads, brush heads or suctions.
Dental lasers offer a precise beam of light and make no actual physical contact with a person's mouth. Dental lasers may produce less pain and faster recovery than traditional dentistry procedures. Laser dentistry can be used for traditional dentistry procedures such as dental fillings, dental crowns, and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening.
For more comprehensive information about cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, cosmetic dentists, or other dental procedures, or to find a dentist or a dentist directory, visit Consumer Guide to Dentistry.