What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized form of dentistry that is a combination of art and science which can be performed by professionally trained Dentists to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function. Cosmetic Dentistry offers a number of solutions to correct unhealthy and visually unappealing defects in your teeth and give you that full, white and beautiful smile you have always wanted. A Cosmetic Dentist can suggest all the needed procedures to make your smile the best it can be giving you the teeth that you can be proud of and show off.

Cosmetic Dentistry has come a long way in the past 10 years, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were originally made of gold, silver or some other metal, which were then veneered with porcelain to hide the filling. With technological advances in cosmetic dentistry most dental work can be made entirely of porcelain or composite materials that more closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure. The teeth colored materials are bonded with resin adhesives to the underlying tooth structure. Unlike silver fillings (a.k.a. amalgams) they are entirely free of mercury. Many dentists offer these procedures to be cosmetic because their patients prefer natural looking teeth.

Another innovation of the Cosmetic Dentist is the invention of teeth whitening or “teeth bleaching” and is now the most common Cosmetic Dental procedure. While many “do it yourself” whitening options are now available on the market, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedure for lightening discolored teeth and give you the best results for your money.

Contouring, which is also known as tooth reshaping, is an instant treatment now available in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one quick and easy session. The dental reshaping procedure can even be a replacement for braces and retainers under certain circumstances and it is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate is involved. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth.

Dental bridges or false teeth are known as a pontics, which are fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by missing teeth. The two crowns holding it in place are then attached to your teeth on each side of the false tooth; this is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges are permanent and cannot be taken out of your mouth as you can do with removable partial dentures. Bridges can reduce the risk of getting gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as long as ten years or more.

Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are bonded directly to your teeth. They are an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that do not respond to whitening procedures.

A Gum Lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. The procedure involves reshaping the tissue and/or underlying bones to create the appearance of longer or more symmetrical teeth.

These are just some of the procedures offered by cosmetic dentistry to help give you that brilliant smile you have always wanted and give you the confidence to show your teeth off. A cosmetic dentist can help you to get the smile that you have always wanted and with proper oral hygiene and regular visits you will never have to worry about smiling for pictures ever again.

About the Author:
Dr. Charles Botbol is a highly sought after Toronto dentist who has trained with some of the world\\\'s most prominent cosmetic and reconstructive dental specialists. Over the past 12 years he has been dedicated to providing the latest in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry, while maximizing his patients\\\' overall health. Dr. Botbol has been featured on CTV\\\'S Canada AM, CH Morning Live and 680 News, among other media outlets.