What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
There is quite a difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Anytime your dentist brings up cosmetic dentistry, they’re referring to procedures that are done to help patients improve the appearance of their teeth and smile. Improving the appearance of one’s smile can be accomplished in a few different ways, which we’ll get into below, but thanks to cosmetic dentists, patients can ultimately achieve the smile of their dreams while drastically improving their self-esteem. Your smile is the first thing many people will notice about you, so if you have yellowed, chipped or missing teeth, it can leave you feeling embarrassed or like you have to hide your smile. This is why cosmetic dentists take the time to go through rigorous training in order to be able to change your oral health and appearance of your teeth for the better.
So, if you are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, there are many types of cosmetic dental procedures you can ask your dentist about today. Don’t wait. You deserve to have a smile you can be proud of.
The Difference Between A Cosmetic Dentist Vs. A General Dentist
When you book an appointment with your family dentist for your six-month check up and cleaning routine – that qualifies as general dentistry. A general dentist cares immensely about reversing any early signs of gum disease, tooth decay and getting rid of harmful bacteria on your teeth so you don’t experience these complications in the first place. They’re also adamant about ensuring you’re keeping up with a healthy oral hygiene routine at home. Ultimately, they ensure everything is working as it should be and that your quality of life is never compromised due to any oral issues in and around your mouth.
A cosmetic dentist, however, ultimately focuses on the look of your teeth, which can, in turn, also improve one’s quality of life, specifically if there are multiple missing or cracked teeth. Cosmetic dentists have gone through training with a focus on aesthetics in order to ensure your teeth can be fixed, and to ensure your personalized solution, should you need a tooth replacement, looks and feels 100% like the rest of your natural teeth.
Cosmetic Dental Solutions You Can Ask About At Your Next Appointment
Your dentist doesn’t want you to be unhappy with your smile. If the dental office you frequent offers these dental procedures, ask your cosmetic dentist if they’re the right solution for you so you can get your confidence back:
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be used for a number of different reasons, including if your tooth has cracked, chipped, is broken or if you've recently healed from dental implant surgery. While they can be made from a few different materials, the most popular one is porcelain because of its durability, natural-looking appearance and long-lasting abilities. Your tooth will be filed down as an abutment tooth and a customized dental crown will fit on top. This is why crowns are commonly referred to as a "cap.”
Dental Bridges
Preparing teeth for a dental bridge is similar to that of a dental crown; however, it will literally be a bridge of customized teeth in order to help fill gaps. Dental bridges can be as many as two, three or even four replacement teeth and can either be attached to surrounding healthy teeth, crowns, or dental implants. These are often made from porcelain as well to give a more natural-looking appearance and will be made in a dental lab after moulds have been taken of your teeth.
Dental Veneers
Unlike crafting a whole new tooth, dental veneers are made from very thin layers of porcelain and are bonded to the front of a tooth (typically a front tooth rather than molars). Veneers are great for helping to change the colour, shape, size and/ or the overall appearance of a tooth that has a minor crack or chip, is misshapen or discoloured. Veneers are very impressive and are usually only about 0.55 millimetres thick.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are mainly considered a restorative procedure, but there are cosmetic benefits as well, seeing as a dental crown will be placed on top after the implant has healed. If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant will completely replace the whole thing, root and all, after being surgically attached to your jawbone. Implants can drastically help ensure your jawbone is kept stable, your surrounding teeth don't shift, your facial structure doesn't change and that your bite is as strong as ever. Once a crown is attached, no one will ever notice the difference between the crown and your other, natural teeth.
White Fillings
If you have a cavity, your cosmetic dentist will remove it using a small drill and fill it with a composite resin material. Nowadays (thanks to the advancement in dental cosmetics) white composite resin is filled, so it looks just like your natural teeth as opposed to silver fillings that were commonly used in the past. The dental fillings procedure is minimally invasive and can help restore the strength and appearance of your tooth again.
Teeth Whitening
The cosmetic teeth whitening procedure can be accomplished in a few different ways as each cosmetic dentist will have a preferred method, but the benefits are the same: a whiter smile. Having your teeth professionally whitened can ensure longer-lasting results and, again, help improve one's confidence.
After Your Cosmetic Dental Procedure
Just because you’ve had your tooth replaced with a crown, bridge or filling doesn’t mean you should no longer brush twice a day, followed by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash once a day. Even though your tooth is restored to be stronger than ever, your gum line is still being exposed to bacteria and is still at risk for gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t taken seriously. Cosmetic dentistry has a lot to offer, but your due diligence is still required in order to ensure cosmetic treatment lasts as long as it should.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
While health insurance doesn’t normally cover cosmetic dentistry, there are still ways you can afford the procedures in order to finally get the smile of your dreams. Ask your dentist about flexible payment plans or search for a dental school near you who offers cosmetic dentistry services. They offer professional dental services but at a discounted price so students can get hands-on experience. There are also government-funded programs you may qualify for to assist with funding.
Dentistry On Danforth's Cosmetic Dentists Are Here For You
If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile due to a missing or misshapen tooth or discolouration, our dedicated and highly-trained cosmetic dentists can help you when you book your consultation appointment today. We’re a general, family and cosmetic dentistry office in Toronto who proudly serves the Danforth, Riverdale and surrounding areas with their oral health needs. Our cosmetic dentists have the right solutions you’ve been waiting for – white dental fillings, effective teeth whitening treatment, dental crowns and bridges, dental implants and more. Call our cosmetic dentistry professionals today at 416-466-4422 or request an appointment on our website and let us know which cosmetic procedure you’re interested in learning more about.