What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

A cosmetic dentist specializes in improving the appearance of a patient’s teeth, gums, and smile. While general dentistry focuses on oral hygiene, disease prevention, and treatment, cosmetic dentistry emphasizes aesthetics. Here are some of the common procedures that cosmetic dentists perform:

Teeth Whitening:

Bleaching teeth to remove stains and discoloration.

Veneers:

Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin placed over the front surface of teeth to correct imperfections like chips, gaps, or misaligned teeth.

Dental Bonding:

Using tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps.

Dental Implants:

Replacing missing teeth with artificial teeth that look natural.

Inlays and Onlays:

Indirect fillings made from porcelain or composite materials used to repair decayed or damaged teeth.

Crowns:

Caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their appearance and function.

Orthodontics (Cosmetic):

Clear aligners or braces to correct misaligned teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Gum Reshaping:

Recontouring the gum line to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile.

Tooth Contouring and Reshaping:

Minor adjustments to the shape of the teeth to improve symmetry and appearance.

The goal of a cosmetic dentist is to enhance the patient’s smile while maintaining the health and functionality of their teeth and gums.

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Ryan Pruitt