What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Many people spend a good majority of their lifetime being embarrassed by their smiles. Whether it is a serious dental issue or a minor imperfection that is bothersome to the individual, being self-conscious about one of the most vital parts of the face can lead to social isolation and feelings of inadequacy.

In the past, <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.beautifulmouth.com/services.html>cosmetic dentistry</a> was viewed by some as a set of luxury procedures that were not affordable or attainable for the average person. Today that mindset has completely changed. With financing options and the wide range of procedures available, cosmetic dentistry can give virtually anyone the smile they always dreamed of in an amazingly short amount of time.

Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Enhancers

Patients who have a generally healthy set of teeth and gums but struggle with aesthetic imperfections are often good candidates for cosmetic dentistry procedures such as:

• <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.beautifulmouth.com/zoom-tooth-whitening.html>Tooth whitening</a> via either in-office or professional at-home options
• Porcelain veneers or dental bonding to provide natural-looking solutions for teeth that have become chipped, broken, discolored, uneven or oddly spaced
• White fillings as a more natural and durable alternative to metal fillings

Reconstructive Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentists are skilled in performing state-of-the-art dental techniques to preserve as much of the patient’s natural smile as possible while also incorporating natural-looking artificial materials to achieve outstanding results. Reconstructive cosmetic dentistry procedures help to correct:

• Tooth loss: <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.beautifulmouth.com/dental-implants.html>Dental implants</a>, dental bridges and dental crowns are used to provide either permanent or removable solutions for tooth loss. Dental implants are the more conservative approach preferred by many dentists today because they do not rely on, and therefore do not damage, the surrounding teeth or gums.
• Tooth decay: Dental inlays and dental onlays are used to restore decayed teeth in porcelain, composite resin or gold.
• Gummy smiles: Gum recontouring can help to remove excessive gum tissue or better align the gum line so the patient’s teeth appear more even and healthier.

Treating Jaw Misalignment

Some cosmetic dentists are specially trained to provide relief from the wide range of painful symptoms of a misaligned jaw or “bite.” Often a misaligned jaw will correct itself; however millions of people suffer from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMJ or TMD, which can be corrected by special therapies provided by neuromuscular dentists. Once the proper jaw alignment is identified by a neuromuscular dentist, treatment options can be explored to lessen or eliminate:

• Speaking or eating difficulties
• Neck, shoulder, back or face pain
• Jaw locking, popping or pain
• Headaches
• Earaches or ringing in the ears

Sometimes it takes a special event, like a wedding or reunion, to prompt a person to take the cosmetic dentistry leap. Whatever the reason, there is no need to live with a troublesome smile.