Whether you’re curious about enhancing your own smile or simply want to learn more about this exciting field of dentistry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’re tackling some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry. Dive into the art and science of creating stunning smiles. And remember, if you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, we’re just a consultation away at Akemi Dental Specialists. 

Now, let’s get to the heart of your curiosity: what exactly does cosmetic dentistry include?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work aimed at enhancing the appearance of your smile, including teeth, gums, and bite. It goes beyond the traditional dentistry, which typically focuses on oral hygiene and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.

Teeth Whitening

This is arguably the most commonly known and sought-after cosmetic dental procedure. Teeth whitening can be done either at the dental clinic or at home using professional-grade products recommended by your dentist. It helps remove stains and discoloration to give you a whiter, brighter smile.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can correct a range of dental issues, such as discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth, or even gaps between them.

Dental Bonding

This involves applying a tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the tooth, which is then hardened with a special light. This bonds the material to the tooth, improving the overall look of your smile.

Dental Crowns

Also known as caps, crowns completely encase a damaged tooth. They can be used to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, cover a dental implant, or even cosmetic modification.

Invisalign

This is a modern approach to braces, using a custom-made series of aligners created specifically for you. The aligners are virtually invisible and gradually shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist plans out for you.

The cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary significantly, influenced by multiple factors such as the nature of the procedure, the complexity of your dental condition, and the skill level of the dentist performing the treatment. Each cosmetic dental procedure, whether it’s teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, or braces, has its unique pricing structure based on materials used, equipment required, and the amount of time and effort invested. Additionally, geographical location and the reputation of the dental clinic may also impact the overall cost. It is essential to consult with a qualified dentist to get an accurate estimate and explore available options that suit your budget and desired outcome.

A general dentist can certainly carry out some cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, dental bonding, or even simple dental veneers. However, for more complex procedures, a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry – a prosthodontist or orthodontist – might be more suitable. Their extensive training and specialization in this field often result in more precise and satisfying results.

Choosing the Right Dentist

To ensure the best outcome, it’s crucial to choose a dentist who has a proven track record in cosmetic dentistry. Ask for before and after pictures of previous patients, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask questions during your consultation.

The worlds of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry often intersect, but they each have their unique goals, procedures, and benefits. Here’s a closer look at the differences and similarities between the two:

Restorative Dentistry

The primary objective of restorative dentistry is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth, gums, and the supporting structures. It focuses on restoring the function of the teeth to maintain oral health and prevent further decay, damage, or disease.

Common restorative dentistry procedures include:

• Fillings: These are used to repair cavities and minor tooth decay. The dentist removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or a composite resin.
• Crowns and Bridges: Crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
• **Dentures: **These are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be full or partial, depending on how many natural teeth you have left.
• **Root Canals: **This treatment is done when the nerve or pulp of the tooth is infected and inflamed due to dental decay, a crack in the tooth, or trauma. The pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.

Cosmetic Dentistry

On the flip side, cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. It’s about creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. While cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective rather than essential, some cases of treatment also provide restorative benefits. In essence, while restorative dentistry treats dental health problems to restore functionality, cosmetic dentistry is more about aesthetic enhancement and perfecting the look of your smile. However, there’s considerable overlap as many procedures can both restore function and improve aesthetics. Your dentist can guide you in choosing the right procedures based on your individual needs and goals.

The longevity of cosmetic dentistry procedures largely depends on the specific treatment, the expertise of the dentist, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene post-treatment. For instance, teeth whitening results can last from a few months up to a year, while dental veneers, bonding, and crowns can last from 5 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Ultimately, cosmetic dentistry can play a significant role in enhancing your confidence and self-esteem by improving the appearance of your smile. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation with us at Akemi Dental Specialists, and we’ll help you achieve the smile of your dreams.