Cosmetic Dentistry

Most people are familiar with the focus that traditional dentistry has on prevention of tooth decay, oral hygiene, and the treatment of oral and tooth disease. Cosmetic dentistry on the other hand, focuses on making the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile look better. You will often times hear cosmetic dentistry referred to as “elective” treatment with traditional dentistry being “necessary”.

Sometimes, however, the lines blur between necessary and elective procedures. A recent example is the change in dental filling composition. Historically, dental fillings were made of gold, silver, or other metals that would leave visible dark areas or spots on a person’s teeth. Fast forward to today, and fillings can be considered cosmetic at some level due to the porcelain or other composite materials that can be used to better match the color of your teeth. A number of people now choose to have their old fillings replaced with the newer styled ones to better improve their smile and overall oral appearance.

With the modern advancements in technology, cosmetic dentists have never had the power before to help make your teeth look as natural and tooth-colored as possible when having to do oral procedures on your mouth. Cosmetic dentists are also able to make use of laser technology now in their office without having to send you to a specialist for an even higher dental bill.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

The following is a listing and short description of the common cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments that are being used:

Composite Bonding: This is where a dental composite material is applied into a cavity or onto a tooth directly where it is then shaped and hardened with a high intensity light. The restoration then blends with the remaining part of the tooth and makes for a nicer looking smile on the patient.

Dental Implants: These are artificial replacements for the root of one of your teeth that has failed or been pulled. Most of the time, these result in an enhanced smile, and help the patient appear younger.

Dental Veneers: Dental Veneers are composite (or porcelain) laminates which are bonded to the surface of a tooth or teeth in order to help repair cracks or chipped teeth to improve the patient’s appearance. They can also be used for patients with significant gaps in their teeth.

Full Mouth Reconstruction: This is the larger cosmetic procedure that can sometimes be recommended by your dentist if you are being seen about a smile makeover. If your dentist finds that there are permanent problems with your bone structure, teeth, or bite, he or she may recommend a full mouth reconstruction in order to accomplish the work you desired completed.

Inlays/Onlays: This is also known as getting an indirect filling. Inlays or Onlays are made from a composite material or from porcelain and are a nicer looking way to fill teeth that have undergone significant toot decay. Inlays and Onlays are made in a dental lab before they are fitted and bonded to your toot or teeth by your dentist.

Teeth Whitening: One of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures. Most whitening procedures involve bleaching the patient’s teeth in order to enhance his or her smile.

With the advances of technology over the past decade, cosmetic dentistry is no longer only for people who are extremely “comfortable” with their money. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth or your smile, a cosmetic dentist may be able to help you.

Accelerated orthodontics is a new method that has been developed in order to move teeth that are out of position faster than traditional braces do. In the past, traditional braces have taken anywhere from one to three years to complete teeth or tooth movement and finish giving you a perfect smile as a result of cosmetic dental or orthodontic work. Accelerated orthodontics can many times now achieve the same effects for cosmetic smile improvement in only three to eight months.

What Does Accelerated Orthodontics Do?

Accelerated orthodontics primarily deals with straightening, closing of gaps, repositioning of your front teeth, and tooth spacing. An accelerated orthodontics procedure will make use of time-proven orthodontic and periodontal techniques to help you achieve your desired smile. The accelerated procedure can be considered for an adult seeking orthodontic care for cosmetic purposes in order to achieve results faster than wearing braces will achieve. It is normally an option to discuss with your cosmetic dentist and orthodontist before pursuing alternatives to the procedure such as dental tooth bonding or porcelain veneers.

How Does the Accelerated Orthodontic Procedure Work?

When you undergo accelerated orthodontic procedures your cosmetic dentist will arrange a team of specialists that are trained in the accelerated procedure. There will potentially be “in-office” procedures that are accomplished in addition to normal orthodontic treatment. They may choose to reduce some of the widths of your teeth in order to help fix some of the crowding problems which can also eliminate the need to remove teeth to make room in your mouth. It can also require periodontal surgery after you have your braces in-place. Some patients report minor discomfort after the procedure but less than that experienced with traditional orthodontic methods. Sometimes itching in the gums is reported as a result of your teeth moving faster than with the slower, traditional processes with braces. There will be a need for more frequent follow-up visits with your doctor and dentist in order to check for required adjustments to your braces, and you may be required to wear a retainer for a set amount of time after the braces are removed.

How Much Does Accelerated Orthodontics Cost?

The cost of your accelerated orthodontics treatment will vary based on the number of specialists that your cosmetic dentist is required to bring in on your treatment. It will further vary based on where you live and the going rate for the required work. Normally, the cost of accelerated orthodontic treatments is equivalent to that of traditional orthodontic work, but over a shorter time-frame. Many insurance companies will not fully cover braces if they are required, and some do not cover them at all, so you should ensure you verify what your coverage is before pursuing treatment.

Should You Pursue Accelerated Orthodontics?
It depends. If your goal is to have your overall smile and appearance improved in as quick a manner as possible, then you will see results in as little as three months and up to eight with taking this path for cosmetic smile improvement. If your teeth are over-crowded, however, you may have to have some of your teeth altered in order to make enough room in your mouth for their required movement. With the procedure being relatively new, you may find trouble finding a trained orthodontist or specialists than can accomplish the procedure in certain areas of the country.