Cosmetic dentists work with various tools to ensure proper technique, and this is all done not only to make your smile beautiful but also to keep your teeth healthy. Your cosmetic dentist will analyze your oral health to search for signs of decay and disease, and throughout your appointment, take the time to assess the symmetry and features of your smile. All of this is done to ensure that you receive the best cosmetic care possible and get results that will last a lifetime.
What Lies Beneath The Surface of Cosmetic Dentistry
Patients will most often focus on their cosmetic concerns when seeing a restorative dentist. However, creating a beautiful smile requires more considerations than just aesthetic approaches to care. Preventative care, orthodontic care, and even periodontal care are all required to ensure your smile is healthy and beautiful. Some patients seeking cosmetic care will often have healthy teeth. Most patients, however, tend to face underlying oral health concerns that are affecting the appearance of their smile. Some of these concerns include the following:
- Tooth Decay
- Misshapen Teeth
- Misaligned Teeth
- Excessive Enamel
- Excessive Gum Tissue
- Gum Disease
- Chipped Teeth
- Tooth Gapping
Most of these problems have implications for oral health that need to be addressed first for cosmetic dental care. {Problems such as chipped teeth can cause weakened enamel, which increases the risk of cavities. Misaligned teeth expose more of your mouth to bacteria and acids from the food you eat every day. Gum disease can make these tissues tender and inflamed and, over time, expose dental roots, causing more decay and tooth loss.
All underlying oral health concerns must be addressed first to correct any issues and protect your smile. During a cosmetic dental care routine, your cosmetic dentist may work with treatments from multiple dental disciplines to care for your health first. Some examples of this include:
- Orthodontic Care – Orthodontics can address problems such as misaligned teeth, open gaps in the mouth, and excessively closed gaps.
- Restorative Care – Procedures such as crowns, bridges, fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental implants can all be part of a cosmetic treatment plan. These restore the structure and appearance of your smile and prevent further infection.
Teeth whitening, enamel contouring, and gingival contouring will typically come after the initial problems are treated. Sometimes, your cosmetic dentist may refer you to a specialist for treatment. However, they’ll always put your oral health and best interests in mind, meaning they’ll work best with your goals and plan how to treat your teeth to the best of their ability.
Ask Your Dentist About Your Cosmetic Dental Options
If you’re dedicated to improving your smile, consider cosmetic treatment options such as a smile makeover. Smile makeovers are comprehensive treatment plans to enhance your smile, combining multiple specialties to give you what you desire the most. When consulting with your dental provider, they’ll discuss the cosmetic and oral health issues you may be facing and outline a treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic dental goal. Sooner or later, you’ll have a smile you can be proud to share for life. Contact your primary dentist for more information about cosmetic dental treatments available to you.
