What is cosmetic dentistry?
Are there little things about your smile that you don’t love? Maybe it is a slightly crooked tooth, the fact that your teeth are a little yellow, or the gap between your front teeth that bothers you. Despite what you may think, there is something you can do about these little things. There are cosmetic dentistry poulsbo washington solutions for each of these problems. What is cosmetic dentistry? It is the term used to describe dental procedures that aim to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. While many think of cosmetic dentistry as tooth whitening or porcelain veneers, there are many more cosmetic procedures that can improve your teeth and give you a smile you love. Below is more general information about cosmetic dentistry to get you on the path to improving your smile.
Is cosmetic dentistry a specialty?
It may be surprising to learn that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty. Any dentist can practice cosmetic procedures, regardless of their experience and training. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Good because if there is a simple procedure you are looking to get, it may be easy to find a dentist who will perform it. However, if anyone can call themselves a cosmetic dentist it means skill levels can vary widely. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is an organization dedicated to responsible esthetics with a set of established standards for cosmetic dentistry. Today there are over 6,000 members of the AACD. While anyone can practice cosmetic dentistry, oral health professionals with AACD credentials are dedicated to practicing responsibly and to abiding by the AACD practice standards.
Benefits of cosmetic dentistry
With just a simple procedure an experienced cosmetic dentist can make a small change to your smile that will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but may even lift your self-esteem and confidence. Originally, the goal of cosmetic dentistry was simply to replace or restore damaged teeth. But today, the goals of cosmetic procedures may be much greater. Today, many cosmetic dentistry procedures not only help with the appearance of teeth, but also can help improve their function. Here is a list of common procedures that are performed by cosmetic dentists for both aesthetic and functional purposes:
- Tooth whitening: usually used to target yellowing, discolored or stained teeth
- Dental bonding: dentists can apply a tooth colored putty to teeth to change their shape, size, or minimizes gaps. UV light is used to harden the putty and then the teeth are polished to look like natural teeth.
- Veneers: If your teeth are stained, discolored, or have been damaged overtime, custom veneers can be designed and custom-made to act as covers that are bound to the front of the teeth, improving both their look and their function.
- Dental implants: If you have a tooth that needs to be removed, a dental implant is a great replacement option. With the look, feel, and function, of a healthy tooth an implant can go a long way to restoring a smile.
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