Cosmetic dentistry is pretty much what the name implies, dentistry that makes you look better. More accurately, cosmetic dentistry makes your teeth look better.
Recently there have been tremendous advances in materials and techniques, and cosmetic dentistry has now become one of the most innovative and exciting fields of modern dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry can correct a variety of problems — some of which could have been prevented, and others that could not. For example:
- Stains caused by food and drink
- Stains caused by drugs and chemicals
- Yellowed teeth
- Pits and defects
- Genetic abnormalities like overlapped teeth and gaps between the teeth
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Unsightly amalgam fillings
Many new and improved materials are used in cosmetic dentistry today that weren’t available in the past, and new ones appear all the time. They range from high-tech composite resins, porcelain veneers, to specialized resin bonding (adhesive) materials.
When you sit down with your dentist to discuss treatment plans you should tell him you want not only to have the necessary repair done but also, whenever financially possible, to restore or improve your original appearance. Ask your dentist to evaluate weather cosmetic dentistry makes sense in your particular case.
The best way to find a good cosmetic dentist is to ask a friend who has found a good one. The fact that it takes skill and practice to master the techniques of cosmetic dentistry means that it’s important to select a dentist who keeps up-to-date on the latest materials, techniques, and equipment. Ask your dentist if he likes doing it, attends workshops and seminars, and performs a lot of cosmetic treatment, ask him to show you before and after photographs of work he has done. Don’t settle for before and after shots of another dentist’s work or promotional photographs from a cosmetic product manufacturer.
The “Before and After” photos from this website are photos from our actual patients. At Advanced Dental Care here in Tacoma, WA, we have years of experience with cosmetic dentistry. Feel free to schedule a complimentary cosmetic dental treatment consultation session and have all of your questions answered.