When Do I Need to Go to a Cosmetic Dentist?

A warm smile is a powerful way to make a first impression, and you deserve to feel confident with yours. If there is anything holding you back from showing your vibrant smile to the world, it might be time to look into cosmetic dentistry. 

You may wish to see a cosmetic dentist if some aspect of your smile makes you self-conscious. While we can live with imperfect teeth, cosmetic dental procedures can not only provide a tremendous confidence boost, but also give you a healthier smile. 

If you have crooked teeth, discolouration, a cracked or chipped tooth, or gaps between your teeth that you wish to fill, there is likely a cosmetic procedure that can help. 

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is defined as dental work that is done primarily to improve the appearance of teeth. While this suggests that cosmetic dentistry is purely aesthetic, some cosmetic procedures can prevent problems down the road.

For instance, orthodontia (such as braces and aligners) can help to straighten teeth, close gaps, and maintain even spacing between each tooth. This, in turn, makes it easier to care for your teeth, improves your ability to chew food, prevents teeth from grinding, and can even alleviate jaw discomfort, all of which contribute to improved dental health. 

Similarly, procedures like dental implants can fill gaps between your teeth, keeping your other teeth in place and preventing the weakening of the bone structure beneath your teeth.

Types of cosmetic dentistry
There are many different types of cosmetic dentistry that can improve your smile. Whether you wish to straighten crooked teeth, correct discolouration, fill gaps in your smile, improve your bite, or hide cracks and imperfections in your teeth, a wide range of cosmetic procedures are available. Some examples include: 

• Orthodontics – Orthodontic procedures and equipment correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
• Veneers – Veneers are thin shells glued to your existing teeth with dental adhesive to improve the appearance of your smile.
• Crowns – Custom-made covers that fit over the top of your teeth to fill gaps and correct erosion due to tooth decay.
• Dental implants – Dental implants replace missing teeth and fill gaps in your smile. They are implanted into your bone with metal posts to ensure the replacement tooth is fully integrated.
• Dental bonds – Bonds are made from a composite material that resembles a natural tooth. They are attached to your existing tooth with adhesive and are used to repair chips in teeth and fill gaps in your smile.
• Teeth whitening – Teeth whitening corrects tooth staining and discolouration that occurs naturally over time. 

General dentist vs. cosmetic dentist—what’s the difference?
General dentistry is concerned with oral health and hygiene, which serves to protect patients from diseases that affect the mouth, teeth, or gums. Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures related to the appearance of one’s teeth.

However, whether they focus on general or cosmetic dentistry, all dentists in Canada and the United States hold either a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited university. From there, they may go on to specialize in a particular discipline, such as orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and many more. 

Most dentists have a basic working knowledge of cosmetic dentistry, even if they are focused on practicing general dentistry. Though the word “cosmetic” may suggest that it’s frivolous, cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry often go hand-in-hand. For instance, a general dentist may need to apply a dental bond to a patient with a chipped tooth that affects their ability to chew properly. With this in mind, most dental practices can accommodate patients who need both general dentistry and cosmetic procedures.

Is cosmetic dentistry safe?
While there can be risks with some procedures, cosmetic dentistry is generally very safe. Some procedures may require the use of anesthesia, which poses a risk for certain patients. 

At Tuxedo Dental, we want you to feel confident ahead of any procedure. Before undergoing any treatment, your dentist will walk you through the process step-by-step and outline all the potential risks. They will also be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns, so you feel comfortable and prepared before the procedure. 

Be happy with your smile
Is there something about your smile or bite that could be improved? Our highly trained cosmetic dentistry experts will be glad to discuss your concerns and make recommendations on how best to address them. From outlining the procedures to determining what is covered by insurance, our team will walk you through the process step-by-step. Click here to book your consultation and get ready to embrace your most confident smile!

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, see our previous articles: Why You Should Go For it With Cosmetic Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ.