A newer dental specialty is becoming more popular in many cities: Cosmetic dentistry. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), "cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile ... (a)esthetic dentistry must complement the overall general and oral health of the patient."
A cosmetic dentist has a wide range of services that they can offer to make your smile more radiant.
This is the set of procedures that most people think of when they think of a cosmetic dentist. Teeth whitening is usually done with a peroxide bleach solution and sometimes UV light. An advantage of a dentist performing teeth whitening versus you doing it at home is that the process is much faster (a couple hours instead of a few weeks) and can achieve brighter results than home kits.
Teeth whitening in your dentist's office can take a few hours, though, so be prepared to sit for a while with a UV light shining onto your teeth.
Dental veneers are a medical-grade (will not cause inflammation or allow bacteria to grow) ceramic made for your individual teeth. A cosmetic dentist can make them look realistic, and they are used for crooked teeth, cracked teeth or damaged enamel. Veneers are applied to specific teeth and can stay for years.
Bonding is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that can help fix damaged enamel in your teeth. Enamel can be damaged in a number of ways, including cracks, chips or gum disease. Composite bonding involves the application of a putty-like resin to the damaged teeth. The cosmetic dentist chooses the correct color and then shapes the resin to match the desired shape.
This is another treatment that can last for up to 10 years. Make sure to see your dentist regularly to ensure that the bonding is still properly applied.
A cosmetic dentist will use dental implants to replace lost teeth. An implant is typically used instead of a denture because dentures can cause damage to the upper and lower jawbones. When an implant is placed, it is almost indistinguishable from a normal tooth.
Be aware that implant procedures can sometimes be very invasive depending on the number of teeth you need implanted. Update your medication list with your dentist beforehand because you might need post-operative care.
An inlay or onlay is known as an "indirect filling." They are a sort of middle-ground between a filling and an implant.
Your dentist will take a mold of the tooth in question and send it off to fit the inlay or onlay. Therefore, this procedure usually takes at least two appointments. An inlay or onlay is a versatile procedure that can last years and produces good results.
A good place to start is our office! Our trained professionals would be happy to help guide you through the process of finding a skilled cosmetic dentist.
Request an appointment here: or call John M. Chaves, DDS at (818) 999-2707 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist.
Are you looking on information about how a cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your smile? A study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that about 50 percent of adults think that a smile creates a lasting impression on a first meeting. More people are beginning to look for ways to…
Dental implant surgery can be a scary procedure that causes dental anxiety in patients. By understanding what to expect during dental implant surgery, however, patients can calm their nerves and take each step of the process in stride.The dental implant process is very detailed, and there are several stages that take place throughout the procedure,…
Looking for details on how Invisalign can improve the way you look when you smile? If your teeth are not as straight as you would like them to be and, for that reason, you tend to hide your smile, then know that Invisalign is a teeth-straightening option that just may be the right choice for…
Are you wondering if cosmetic dentistry is for you? If you are not completely happy with your smile, then there is likely a treatment that can help you.In the past, getting a new smile was expensive and only something celebrities could afford. Now, there are many types of cosmetic options dentists are offering their patients…
Are you looking on information about how a cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your smile? A study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that about 50 percent of adults think that a smile creates a lasting impression on a first meeting. More people are beginning to look for ways to…
Dental implant surgery can be a scary procedure that causes dental anxiety in patients. By understanding what to expect during dental implant surgery, however, patients can calm their nerves and take each step of the process in stride.The dental implant process is very detailed, and there are several stages that take place throughout the procedure,…