top of page
صُمِّم هذا الموقع عن طريق منشئ موقع الويب
.com
. أنشئ موقعك الإلكتروني اليوم.ابدأ الآن

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the appearance of teeth and the enhancement of a person's smile. In this field, the emphasis is on the art of dentistry, not just the science. On the surface, creating white teeth, or even whole new teeth in general, may not appear to be that complicated. Yet cosmetic dentistry requires a good eye, a thorough understanding of dental anatomy, and a mastery of dental materials. Beyond that, the dentist must be able to communicate his or her vision to a laboratory technician — a key player in the realization of any smile makeover. Though cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty within the dental profession, it takes years of extensive study and training to be able to perform the many cosmetic dental procedures now available to the highest standards.

 

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

Generally speaking, a cosmetic dentist is a restorative dentist who has extensively studied the concepts of smile design and dental materials to create what could best be described as works of art. Cosmetic dentists are usually affiliated with a professional organization that provides continuing education and levels of accreditation to verify outstanding achievement in the study of cosmetic dentistry.

 

What is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry?

 

While there is some overlap between the two fields (both may utilize implants and crowns, for example), the focus is different, as is the level of expertise. The cosmetic dentist goes beyond restoring an individual's teeth to their proper function, seeking to attain the most ideal result according to the patient's definition of beauty. This involves a high level of finesse with even the smallest details, such as how much tooth should be displayed in a particular smile.

What Should I Expect From A Cosmetic Consultation?

You can expect your dentist to ask you to describe in detail what you like and dislike about your smile, and what you want to change. Bringing photos of how you have looked in the past or would like to look in the future are helpful to serve as general guidelines. Because aesthetic problems such as missing or discolored teeth can also point to underlying health issues, a comprehensive oral exam is a must. Once your dentist has a thorough understanding of where you are starting from and where you want to end up, he or she can explain your treatment options (including how much they will cost and how long they will take to implement) and plan a course of action.

What Dental Treatments Are Considered Cosmetic?

All cosmetic dentistry treatments improve the appearance of an individual's teeth. Some can also restore function and/or improve oral health as well.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:

  • Teeth Whitening — A relatively inexpensive way to brighten your smile, whitening teeth can be accomplished at home or in the dentist's chair. There are many products and methods from which to choose.    Read more about Teeth Whitening Click Here.

  • Composite Bonding — A tooth-colored composite resin attached to the teeth can improve the appearance and strength of chipped teeth. These procedures require very little preparation (drilling) of the tooth. Read more about Teeth Bonding  Click Here.

  • Porcelain & Composite Veneers — Designed to substitute for tooth enamel, veneers are hard, thin shells of tooth-colored material that can mask a variety of dental imperfections. Read more                  about Porcelain Veneers Click Here.

  • Porcelain Crowns — Heavily damaged teeth can be covered with natural-looking porcelain crowns, which replace more natural tooth structure than veneers. Read more about Porcelain Crowns Click Here.

  • Porcelain Bridgework — A missing tooth can be replaced with porcelain bridgework that is attached to the natural teeth on either side of the space.

  • Dental Implants — Usually made of titanium, an implant is used to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. The implant is fitted with a crown to create a natural-looking replacement for the entire tooth. Read more about Dental Implants Click Here. or Here

  • Inlays & Onlays — In certain cases, fillings can be fabricated from porcelain or composite materials in a dental laboratory to more closely match the color of a tooth. When applied to the inside of the tooth, they are referred to as “inlays.” Attached to the biting surface, they are known as “inlays.”

  • Tooth-Colored Fillings — Gone are the days when a filling has to be obvious and unsightly. Tooth-colored fillings are barely noticeable. Read more about Tooth Colored Fillings Click Here.

  • Clear Orthodontic Aligners — Many adults, as well as some teenagers, are opting for clear orthodontic aligners, instead of metal braces, to straighten their teeth. Read more about Clear Orthodontic Aligners.

  • Cosmetic Gum Surgery — Minor surgery can reshape gum tissue to give it a more leveled appearance.

  • Tooth Contouring & Reshaping — Cosmetic dentists can use a drill or laser to smooth out or reshape teeth.

How Do I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

You'll want to make sure the dentist you choose has demonstrated a high level of skill performing the types of cosmetic treatments you are considering. Any cosmetic dentists should be able to show you before-and-after photos of his or her work and provide references from other patients in your community. You should also verify that the dentist you choose has taken continuing education courses to keep up with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.Read more about How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist.

 

From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers and reshaping and contouring.

 

These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.

 

Bleaching

 

Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth.

Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other

just want a whiter shade.

 

Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee,

tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.

 

Bleaching can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one or more 45-minute to one-hour visits to your dentist's office.

 

Bonding

 

Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth.

Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is more susceptible

to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or

slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is

used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces

between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.

 

Crowns

 

Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and

appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures

will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic

restorations, but are the most time-consuming.

 

 

 

 

Veneers

 

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to

change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven

surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.

Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same

problems as bonding.

 

This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.

 

Contouring and reshaping

 

Tooth reshaping and contouring, is a procedure to correct crooked teeth,

chipped or irregularly shaped teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single

session.Tooth reshaping and contouring, is commonly used to alter the

length, shape or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help

correct small problems with bite.It is common for bonding to be

combined with tooth reshaping.

This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal, healthy teeth but who

want subtle changes to their smile. Your dentist will take X-rays to evaluate

the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there's enough

bone between the teeth to support them.

 

Which procedure is right for me?

 

 

Your dentist can answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure. If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions you can ask your dentist before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you.

 

  • What will the changes look like?

  • What should I expect through the course of treatment?

  • What type of maintenance will be required?

 

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

 

In order to make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you ask your dentist for the following items before undergoing treatment:

  • Before and after photos. These photos will allow you to examine the results of other patients being treated by the dentist to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

  • References. References allow you to get a sense of the quality of care the dentist provides.

  • Proof of continuing education. Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

Your dentist can answer the questions you have about the techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

 

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

What Are Veneers?

 

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which

are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can

be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed

to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile.

 

Why a veneer?

 

Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

 

What happens during the procedure?

 

Patients may need up to three appointments for the entire procedure: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation and bonding.

 

It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure. Have more than one consultation, if necessary, to feel comfortable that your dentist understands your objectives.

 

To prepare the teeth for the veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Composite resin veneers are generally done in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material onto your teeth. For ceramic veneers, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This may take several days. If the teeth are too unsightly, a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

 

When your ceramic veneers are ready, the dentist places each veneer on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the results, and pay particular attention to the color. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a light beam hardens the cement.

 

How about maintenance?

 

For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your "new" teeth that have changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, your dentist will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment.

 

What are realistic expectations?

 

Veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It's not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. Nevertheless, this procedure can greatly enhance your smile and can heighten self-esteem.

What Color Is Your Smile?

 

There is beauty in the magic splendor of softly falling flakes of snow against the backdrop

of winter's color palate, but when it comes to teeth, most people want one shade: the whitest

white that white can be. Unfortunately, teeth come in many shades and can change color

from a variety of causes.

 

As the tooth enamel develops, the color can be affected by many factors, says Academy of

General Dentistry spokesperson Howard S. Glazer, DDS, FAGD. "White, bright teeth certainly

help maintain a youthful appearance," said Dr. Glazer. Unfortunately, stains from food and

drink can darken teeth over time, usually resulting in a yellow or orange hue. Illness,

heredity or environmental factors can cause discoloration. In rare cases, injury can discolor

teeth.

Maternal use of certain antibiotics, notably those of the tetracycline family, during pregnancy

can cause brown or gray discoloration of the baby's tooth enamel. Children who take this

medication during the period of permanent tooth development may have similar discoloration

of the permanent teeth.

But you don't have to live with a dull smile, says

Dr. Glazer. "With today's techniques and materials, we can change the color of a patient's

teeth to provide a more healthy, youthful appearance," he said.

Professional tooth-whitening products can improve enamel color in many instances, although severe 

discoloration may require bonding procedures for good cosmetic results. Contact your dentist to

obtain a proper diagnosis and to learn what treatment options are available.

Why Musicians Can’t Toot Their Horns with New Veneers?

 

We all know that everyone needs to see a dentist, and everyone's mouth is different. But certain patients use their mouths in different ways than the average dental patient. Musicians who use their mouths to play musical instruments have very specialized needs of which their dentists need to be aware. The slightest change in their mouth—be it the position of their teeth, tongue, or jaw—can significantly impact the way they play their instruments. Special attention must be paid to dental treatment for musicians, according to an article in the September 2007 issue of AGD Impact, the monthly newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

 

An important part of a musician's life is something called embouchure, which is defined as "the term wind musicians use when they refer to the way their mouths rest against the instrument they play. More precisely, embouchure embodies the use of the lips, tongue, mouth, and facial muscles applied to a mouthpiece to produce good tone, range, and endurance while playing a brass or wind instrument." Eric K. Curtis, DDS, MAGD, lead author of the article, says that embouchure requirements are different for each instrument. "Even the most minimal dental treatment can affect embouchure," he says.

 

Dr. Curtis advises musicians to make their dentists aware of the way they play their instruments and even to bring the instrument to the dentist's office to show him or her the way the instrument is played. It is also a good idea for a musician to keep an extra mold of his or her mouth so that in the event of an emergency, he or she can show the dentist how the mouth should look.

 

Certain treatments are particularly important for wind and brass musicians. "Anterior dentistry, which includes bonding and veneers, can significantly change the way a musician moves his or her mouth when playing an instrument," Dr. Curtis says. "That is why it is very important for musicians to discuss treatments with a dentist to determine the best way to remedy the problem without changing the embouchure."

 

Ways musicians can preserve embouchure:

•           Communicate with your dentist! Tell him or her that you are a musician and explain the way you play your instrument, pointing out your individual embouchure.

•           Bring your instrument to the dentist's office and show him or her how you play your instrument.

•           Keep an extra mold of your mouth and teeth so that in the event of a dental emergency you can show the dentist how your mouth and teeth should look.

What Are Crowns?

 

A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size,

strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is

generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds

the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to

restore a tooth when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large

filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly

shaped or discolored teeth.

 

How is a crown placed?

 

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of the

teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is

fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes

the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

 

Will it look natural?

 

Yes. The dentist's main goal is to create a crown that looks like a natural tooth. That is why your

dentist takes an impression. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered,

such as the color, bite, shape and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone

can affect your appearance.

If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your

initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may

be more attractive.

 

Why crowns and not veneers?

 

Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.

 

What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

 

There is no difference between a cap and a crown.

 

How long do crowns last?

 

Crowns should last approximately five to eight years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision, most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

 

How should I take care of my crown?

 

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

Brides-to-Be and Job Applicants: Here’s Your Quick Fix

Reality TV has provided the general public with a glimpse into the world of cosmetic dentistry

with shows like "Extreme Makeover"—and people like the "quick-fix" they see. One of these

quick fixes is a resin appliance (known as a clip-on smile or snap-on teeth), designed to fit

over the teeth to create an esthetically appealing smile.

According to the January 2007 issue of AGD Impact, the monthly newsmagazine of the AGD,

many patients are choosing tooth whitening and other cosmetic treatments over treatment for

periodontal disease and decay. "People want a quick, inexpensive, non-invasive way to have

what they perceive as a Hollywood smile," explains AGD spokesperson, Charles H. Perle,

DMD, FAGD. Snap-on teeth are being used by many patients to obtain a beautiful smile.

There are benefits of using snap-on teeth: A dentist can determine whether or not a patient

can tolerate a permanent cosmetic dental treatment, such as the placement of veneers, as

well as provide patients with the opportunity to see how their teeth will look before choosing

a more permanent solution. Patients with special needs (i.e. those who fear the dentist or

who are medically compromised and should not undergo long, stressful procedures) may

also benefit from the use of snap-on teeth.

Snap-on teeth, however, are not appropriate for all patients. Those with protrusive teeth,

removable teeth, or who are not interested in improving their dental health are not good

candidates for the appliance. Patients need to be aware that snap-on teeth are temporary

and may need to be replaced often. Also, that the final look of the product is limited to the

patient's natural bite, occlusion, and smile-line.

"The fix is temporary; patients are going to need a permanent solution. The snap-on product,

if used in the proper patient case, can be a safe, inexpensive, and effective temporary

procedure," says Dr. Gareth. "However, the patient can't have unrealistic expectations;

they need to know their smile will not look like Julia Roberts'," stresses Dr. Gareth.

 

Items to note before you quick-fix:

  • Quick-fix dentistry is just that, a "quick fix." Treatment done is temporary and is meant to be a stepping stone to a more permanent solution.

  • When approaching your dentist about snap-on teeth, be sure to discuss dental needs you should consider before opting for a cosmetic solution, such as decay and periodontal problems.

  • The overall look of snap-on teeth is dictated by a patient's bite, occlusion, and smile-line (the front part of the teeth that is only visible when someone smiles).

  • Cosmetic dentistry is about creating an esthetically appealing look. You may, however, be able to get a better cosmetic look with crowns or veneers rather than using the temporary snap-on teeth.

Dental Techniques Enhance Smile and Increase Confidence

 

What are the characteristics of an attractive smile? While not every person is

born with a perfect smile, qualities such as straightness, cleanliness or whiteness

of teeth may come to mind. Thanks to developments in the field of cosmetic dentistry

, people can change the smile they were born with into a smile they love.

General dentists are able to perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to

improve patients' smiles. These procedures range from subtle changes to

major repairs, fixing flaws such as discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing teeth.

 

Cosmetic procedures include bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping and contouring.

Bleaching is a common and popular procedure that is used to whiten teeth and can

be performed by a dentist in the office or under supervision at home. Dentists can

also use a variety of methods to correct misshapen or crooked teeth. Veneers are thin

shells of porcelain or plastic that are cemented over the front of teeth, and bonding is

the use of tooth-colored material to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth.

Tooth reshaping or contouring are used to alter the length, shape or position

of teeth and are ideal for patients with normally healthy teeth seeking subtle

changes in their smile.

Some cosmetic procedures are not permanent, however. Academy of General

Dentistry spokesperson Craig Valentine, DMD, FAGD, notes that "bleached teeth

may fade back to their original color and might require more bleaching or veneering

to cover dark enamel." Dr. Gareth  adds that, as with all dental procedures,

"the patient must maintain the health of the teeth and gum tissue through

daily flossing and brushing to keep the smile beautiful."

 

Questions to ask before undergoing treatment:

 

  • What will the changes look like?

  • May I see before and after photos of other patients?

  • What should I expect throughout the course of treatment?

  • What type of maintenance will be required?

  • What type of continuing education courses in cosmetics have you completed?

 

Different Whitening Options Produce Similar Results

In today's society, the emphasis on one's appearance is unavoidable. Consumers receive

messages on a daily basis regarding products to help them lose weight, change their skin's appearance, or improve the whiteness of their teeth. Tooth whitening in particular has seen a dramatic increase in popularity over the years, due to the reasonable price of the products and the increase in public demand.

With the overabundance of consumer choices available, it might prove a challenge to find the best whitening system on the market. The results of a study that compared two similar whitening strips used by teens were published in the March/April 2006 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

"There is an intense interest in cosmetics and improved appearance by baby boomers and Generation Xers," says Henry Finger, DDS, FAGD, AGD spokesperson. "Teens especially want to improve their appearance because of peer pressure, publications they read, and their role models."

"Whitening is popular to teenagers merely because they are esthetic-conscious," says Kevin Donly, DDS, MS, lead author of the study. Since most clinical studies evaluate the effects of tooth whitening products among adult subjects, this study was an opportunity to examine the effects on a different population.

In his report, Dr. Donly studied and compared two groups of teenagers who used whitening strips. One group used a 10 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening strip and the other group used a 6.5 percent hydrogen peroxide strip that had a thicker gel layer. The patients used the strips for 44 consecutive days, for 22 days on the upper teeth followed by 22 days on the lower teeth.

Participants in the study used the strips for 30 minutes twice daily. Use of the strips resulted in significant color improvement for yellowness and lightness/brightness. With the whitening strip systems, the most common complaints were tooth sensitivity and oral irritation, both of which subsided at the end of treatment.

"To prepare their mouths for whitening, patients should maintain good oral health," adds Dr. Donly. "Brushing right before is not recommended, as it might cause abrasion and sensitivity."

 

What you should know before whitening:


•Do not eat or drink anything after whitening that might cause a stain (coffee, tea, etc.).
•Existing crowns or fillings will not respond to the whitening agent.
•Strips do not whiten entire arches. They only cover the front teeth.
•Do not smoke or chew tobacco after using whitening products.
•Patients are not advised to use whitening products if they have decay, 
periodontal disease, or hypersensitivity.
•Know the condition of your teeth and oral tissues. A thorough examination and cleaning from a  general dentist is recommended before using whitening products.

Minimally Invasive Veneers Dramatically Change Smiles

 

Unhappy with your smile, but unsure of which procedure is best for you? Fortunately, there are various conservative cosmetic treatment options available to patients, according to a study in the November 2007 issue ofGeneral Dentistry, the AGD's clinical, peer-reviewed journal. One such treatment option is minimally invasive porcelain veneers.

 

Minimally invasive porcelain veneers are very thin and designed to cover the surface of the teeth to which they are applied. With this type of veneer, tooth structure is left intact and only altered when necessary.

 

"Minimally invasive veneers help patients conserve their enamel, which is a big attraction," comments AGD spokesperson, Eugene L. Antenucci, DDS. With traditional veneers, an anesthetic is required and the treatment is not reversible. Since no one dental treatment is suitable for everyone, it is important for patients to research all of their options. "Both traditional and minimally invasive porcelain veneers are highly esthetic, and can be expected to offer years of wear," according to Dr. Gareth.

 

With all of the available treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smiles, it might be difficult to choose which one is best for an individual. Howard E. Bochina, DMD, lead author of the study, advises patients who are considering esthetic treatment to "undergo a comprehensive clinical examination that includes an esthetic evaluation.

 

Masking mild to moderate tooth discolorations, correcting minor misalignments and rotation of anterior teeth, and reshaping peg-shaped and undersized teeth are just a few of the possible improvements minimally invasive porcelain veneers may provide. People who are interested in this option should talk to their dentist about the best choice for their teeth. "Each case needs to be evaluated [to decide] if a minimally invasive porcelain veneer is right for the clinical condition," says Dr. Bochina.           

 

Common misconceptions about minimally invasive porcelain veneers:

 

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers will make teeth look too big or too long. In almost all cases, some tooth reshaping is necessary to allow the teeth and smile to look better than the smile the patient started with.

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers can lead to gum disease. The dentist will finish and polish edges to avoid ledges and to make the veneers smooth. As with all teeth, patients should brush and floss around the veneers.

•   There will be sensitivity after having veneers bonded. With minimally invasive veneers, since the tooth enamel is maintained, sensitivity is very rare.

The Fountain of Dental Youth

 

Members of the baby-boomer generation are increasing the demand for cosmetic dental procedures because they are looking for teeth that help them look and feel younger, reports the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

 

"The reason cosmetic dentistry is experiencing a boom is that baby boomers want to preserve their youthful appearance," believes Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Bochinah Yaalon, DDS, FAGD. She says that most patients who want to change and improve their smile are in their late 30s to early 50s and have more disposable income.

 

Dr. Bochina  asks her patients to rate their smiles on a scale of 1 to 10. "If they rate their smile a five, I ask what it would take to get to a higher number," she says. If patients inquire about different procedures, she explains the different cosmetic options available.

 

There are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available that can help patients look and feel better about their smiles, such as bleaching, bonding and veneers. All of these options help teeth look brighter. Bleaching makes teeth whiter, and bonding and veneering can help change a tooth's shape.

 

"Cosmetic dentistry is popular for the same reasons that plastic surgery is – baby boomers, more than every before, want to stay and look healthy and they are willing to pay for it, especially if it means cheating the fountain of youth," Dr. Bochina  concludes.

Walk Down the Aisle with a Beautiful Smile

 

Along with a perfect wedding, many brides also want a perfect smile. When making appointments for dress alterations, floral arrangements and reception details, schedule a dental visit too, suggests the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

 

"Schedule a thorough checkup and cleaning at least one year before your wedding," says AGD spokesperson Paula S. Jones, DDS. "If you're unhappy with your smile, your dentist will have enough time to perfect your teeth by the wedding."

 

Several options exist to correct the shape, color, alignment and look of teeth. New and improved smiles don't happen overnight; timing needs to be considered. Veneers can take up to two months and braces can take from one to two years.

 

Plan to have procedures completed at least two months in advance of your big day, in case problems need to be corrected and so the mouth has time to adjust to cosmetic changes, advises Dr. Jones.

 

In addition to cosmetic appearance, consider breath. "What could be worse than saying ‘I do‘ with "dragon" breath?" says Dr. Jones. Try a piece of sugarless gum, breath mint or chewing a piece of parsley.

 

Is your smile camera ready?

 

  • The way you hold your head changes the appearance of your front teeth. Teeth are shadowed most of the time by the lips. When you tilt your head down, your upper teeth generally appear longer. If your head is tilted back, your upper teeth appear shorter. 

  • Do not ask your dentist for upper teeth that are perfectly straight-across. They can look worn and give an older appearance in photos. 

  • If you have a metal filling or crown, alert the photographer. They can photograph teeth from a different angle that will not reveal them. If this is not possible, photos can often be retouched so that metal does not show.

  •  

With Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Sufferers Only See Flaws

 

What society holds up as beautiful in men and women is often unrealistic, and in the modern age of computer-altered images and airbrushing, those ideals seem virtually unattainable for most people.

 

The pressure to be perfect is especially difficult for people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). While most people focus to some degree on their appearance, those with BDD are obsessed with their perceived flaws.

 

With the number of elective cosmetic dentistry procedures being performed on the rise, dentists may be the first health care provider to notice BDD and intervene, according to a study in the March/April 2003 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

 

Chris Herren, DMD, co-author of the study, became interested in the disorder after dealing with a patient who displayed symptoms of BDD. The patient wanted whiter teeth and insisted that the teeth were too dark, regardless of the number of bleaching procedures performed.

 

For reasons unknown to Dr. Herren, the patient broke down and admitted that teeth whitening had become an all-consuming obsession. "The floodgates opened," he said. "The patient broke down and started crying."

 

A dentist who suspects a patient is suffering from BDD will recommend a physician to properly diagnose the problem, since symptoms are similar to personality traits of a person unusually meticulous about their appearance.

 

Signs of BDD:

 

  • Distress over a minor physical flaw

  • Difficulty functioning because of obsession with flaw

  • Excessive behavior related to flaw

  • Believes others treat him or her differently because of flaw

  • Requests unneeded or excessive treatment of the flaw

  • Unrealistically dissatisfied with results of treatments and procedures or unable to verbalize expectations

bottom of page