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We all want to look our best, and the first thing that people usually notice about our appearance is our smile. Some people are born with a naturally beautiful smile, but most of us need a little help in order to achieve the appearance we desire. By employing cosmetic dentistry, you can put the finishing touch on a healthy and bright smile that can last a lifetime.

Technically speaking, cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure that restores or improves the appearance of a patient’s teeth and their smile. But today, a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist can address function as well as aesthetic concerns, as patients strive to maintain both their oral health and appearance for a lifetime. Dentists believe that cosmetic dentistry should complement the overall general health of the patient, an integral part of the whole continuum of proper dental care.

THE POWER OF A SMILE: A COMBINATION OF ART AND SCIENCE

People believe a great smile makes a person look and feel their best. When someone smiles at us, we want to smile in return. As cosmetic dentistry procedures are customized to fit the needs and goals of each patient, the dentist must combine the science of dentistry with the aesthetic principles of beauty.

Most people consider the following to be part of an attractive look:

• Symmetry in lips
• Little to no gum appearance
• Slightly protruding mouth profile
• Dominant top teeth
• Short upper Lip
• Straight, white teeth

The blending of these traits with facial feature like the lips, nose, and eyes in relationship with one another, will create a smile that is in harmony with your overall appearance.

THE MOST COMMON COSMETIC DENTAL PROCEDURES

Cosmetic dentistry can range from low-level whitening, like at-home whitening strips, to full mouth reconstruction, employing some of the latest technology and diagnostic tools available. Here are some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures:

• Ceramic or porcelain crowns
• Whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Braces and orthodontics
• Dental implants
• Inlays and onlays
• Bridges
• Composite bonding

While these procedures will improve the appearance of your teeth, some can also improve the function and health of your mouth. For example, once teeth are properly aligned by braces, chewing becomes far more natural and effective. Since chewing is the first step in digestion, this can affect the entire general health of the patient.

Another example of how cosmetic dentistry can provide functional improvement would be dental implants. By retaining the proper spacing between teeth with the implant, teeth do not shift and cause an improper bite. The implant also fills the hole in the patient’s mouth, thus helping to avoid the collection of debris that could lead to an oral infection, abscess, or cavities in neighboring teeth; the same can be true for the functional purpose of bridges.

Composite Bonding can address both cosmetic and functional issues, since it is used to repair decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth.  Bonding effectively covers the effects of tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth, and worn-down edges. The composite is applied to the tooth’s surface, where it is then sculpted into the right shape before curing it with a high intensity light. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available.

Other cosmetic dentistry procedures are performed purely for the sake of improved appearance. One of the most popular of these is teeth whitening.

Over the years, your teeth can become stained from food, drinks, medication and personal habits such as smoking. Whitening procedures done in a dentist’s office offer superior results in a shorter time than home whitening kits, as years of use are eradicated from the tooth’s appearance. Many people feel that whitening their teeth gives them a more youthful appearance, and a significant self-esteem boost.

So, whether you are looking for a dental procedure that will offer a brightened and improved appearance, or if you need dental work that will perform a functional purpose while improving appearance, cosmetic dentistry may be just what you need.

Call (954) 368-6264 to schedule a consultation with general dentist Dr. Ernie Soto of in Plantation, Florida, or schedule an appointment online right now. Discover how cosmetic dentistry can improve your appearance and self-esteem, while improving dental function and general good health.