Why would someone need or be interested in cosmetic dentistry?

One of the most common "needs " for cosmetic dental work in my office is repairing a broken front tooth, as most people are not willing to be seen in public with an obvious defect in their smile. This is a rewarding service to provide as a dentist as we can almost always create an "invisible " repair, using tooth-colored filling material called composite resin to repair the chip.

Other needs or desires for cosmetic services may include:

1)Closing gaps between teeth ( "diastemas ")

2)Changing the shape and/or color of multiple teeth

3)Altering the gum levels around the teeth

4)Masking dark colors within the

5)Fixing crowed or shifting teeth

6)Lengthening teeth that look too short

7)Removing metal fillings that have darkened the enamel or dentin

8)Replacing a missing front tooth

9)Repairing multiple broken teeth due to a traumatic injury

10)Replacing an unrepairable tooth using a dental implant and crown

How has technology improved cosmetic dentistry?

The use of digital cameras, intra-oral cameras, and digital x-rays are the top three ways that technology has helped me provide better dentistry. All three of these technologies have allowed dentists to communicate better with patients. Digital photographs and x-rays make it possible for dentists to show patients on a computer screen what we see in their mouths or what we are able to detect from their x-rays. Conversely, it also makes it easier for a patient to point things out to the dentist on a photograph, than trying to point with their finger using a mirror.

Is cosmetic dental work expensive?

That totally depends on what's needed. For instance, sometimes "cosmetic dental work " is as simple as providing a whitening kit for a patient who just desires lighter teeth. This service is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of providing complex cosmetic services which may include orthodontic correction, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, gum surgery, or any combination of the above. The key is to first understand what the patient desires and then explain what services would be appropriate for reaching that goal within a given budget.