Whether you have broken or misaligned teeth, unsightly stains, or a gap in your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. This type of oral care focuses on making a person’s smile more attractive and can include procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. Many people choose to have these treatments because they want to feel more confident in their smile. In addition to improving self-esteem, a beautiful smile can also make a person more approachable and friendly in social situations.
A cosmetic dentist is trained in enhancing the aesthetics of a smile and may offer procedures like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. However, it is important to know that a cosmetic dentist does not necessarily specialize in these procedures. In fact, most general dentists can perform these cosmetic treatments and will usually only refer patients to a specialist when necessary or for more complex procedures.
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, it is important to find an experienced practitioner. A skilled Cosmetic Dentist will be able to discuss your goals and recommend treatment options that fit with your personal vision of beauty. They will use diagnostic records to determine the state of your oral health and assess your risk factors. In addition, they will be able to explain how the different procedures will affect your dental health and aesthetics.
Before you schedule your consultation, ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also search online for reviews of local cosmetic dentists. Ideally, you should try to find a dentist who is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This designation indicates that they have completed a rigorous credentialing program and have extensive experience performing cosmetic dentistry procedures.
The AACD is the largest international dental organization dedicated to cosmetic dentistry. Its members include general dentists, specialists, laboratory technicians, educators, researchers, students, and hygienists from more than 70 countries around the world. The AACD’s Find a Dentist tool can be used to locate an accredited cosmetic dentist near you.
What is the Meaning of “Cosmetics”?
For the ancient Greeks, the term “cosmetics” meant to find the essence of beauty. This was based on a principle of balance, harmony, and symmetry. This philosophy influenced the design of buildings, sculptures, and works of art. Aesthetic dentistry follows the same principles by utilizing tooth-colored restorations, dental bonding, and other restorative procedures to improve the aesthetics of a patient’s smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is not always covered by dental insurance. This is because insurance companies do not consider these treatments essential or medically necessary. However, there are some insurers that will cover orthodontic or periodontal treatments that improve the appearance of the smile.
To get started, schedule a consultation with a dentist that offers cosmetic services. During the consultation, ask the cosmetic dentist to show you photos of their previous work. Be aware that some of these photos may be retouched or stock photos. In addition, be sure to clearly communicate your expectations and concerns during the consultation.