How important is your smile?

Since smiling is how we greet the world, an esthetic smile is subconsciously inviting and encourages social behavior and improves well being. Neurolinguistic programming tells us that the mere behavior of smiling improves our mood. It's no wonder that people focus on their smiles and do their best to save their teeth. The value of a smile is subjective; but the fact that a beautiful smile is universally valued speaks for itself.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry are dental procedures that emphasize esthetic appearance of a person's dentition as a significant aspect of dental care along with the restoration of function for each patient. Restoration of teeth with tooth colored restoration vs. metal restorations can be used as an example here. But sometimes, esthetics may be the only chief complaint for a patient. In such a case, there may not be any functional problems (i.e. caries, pain, or infection) but rather a mere complaint about a specific esthetic aspect of the person's dentition or smile (i.e. discolored and poorly sized or aligned teeth/gums). Cosmetic dentistry deals with restoration of esthetics in such patients as well. In conclusion, cosmetic dentistry takes esthetics of restorations as a priority and addresses esthetic complaints of a patient about his/her dentition. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental speciality. Any general dentist can call him/herself a Cosmetic Dentist. No additional training after dental school is required; but a good Cosmetic Dentist have usually taken additional Continuing Education courses to learn enhanced cosmetic techniques.

Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

A healthy individual with a valid complaint about the cosmetic appearance of his/her teeth for whom an acceptable clinical solution is available.

Is cosmetic dentistry worth the time and the cost?

Worth is a subjective matter. Correcting the smallest cosmetic problems is a priority to some and sign of vanity to others. A patient considering cosmetic dental work should question the reason for the need and decide based on individual factors that either makes or doesn't make the process worthwhile to them.