Cosmetic Dentistry: Overview, Procedures, Benefits, and Candidacy
You’ve heard of dental specialties like endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. But have you heard of cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients who come to John P. Goodman DDS because they are unhappy with their smiles are surprised to find that cosmetic dentistry can help. What is cosmetic dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry is a special field of dentistry that focuses on improving the look of your smile with cosmetic procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers. During a consultation at our Kansas City, MO, dental office, Dr. Goodman can explain what cosmetic dentistry is and how it can help you achieve your dream smile.
Here’s What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do
Smile in the mirror or take a photo of yourself smiling. Now study your smile. If you notice any of the following cosmetic imperfections, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry:
- Discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Small or large teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Uneven gums
- Missing teeth
If you have old dental work that needs replacing, you may also benefit from cosmetic dentistry. The materials used in cosmetic dentistry today are more advanced than ever before, providing long-lasting, great-looking results.
Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Traditional dental care is administered to restore the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and other parts of your smile. Meanwhile, the purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the appearance of the teeth, gums, and overall smile. Dr. Goodman believes that all dentistry should also improve the cosmetic appearance of the smile.
Here are some treatments that fall can under the “cosmetic” field of dentistry:
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign® (clear orthodontic aligners)
- Cosmetic bonding
- Tooth reshaping
- Gum contouring
- White fillings
Some dental treatments, like dental crowns, can improve the health and appearance of your smile all at once.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
By enhancing the look of your smile, cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-esteem, helping you feel more confident in social and professional situations. For instance, one study shows that after teeth whitening, people are more likely to be viewed as more professional and more confident during job interviews.
Additionally, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry conducted a poll where respondents were asked to rate a person’s smile before cosmetic dentistry then rate that same person’s smile after cosmetic dentistry treatment. The poll showed that people with more attractive smiles were considered to be more intelligent, more successful in their careers, and more friendly than before they underwent cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry offers many benefits, but it should only be offered to patients who have healthy teeth and gums. If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop before having cosmetic procedures so you can prolong the beauty and health of your new smile.
If you want to brighten your smile, choose professional teeth whitening as your first cosmetic procedure so that any restorations like veneers or crowns can be matched to the color of your teeth at their brightest.
Additionally, cosmetic dentistry is primarily recommended for adults. Young children do not qualify for some treatments, but bonding is often applied to chipped teeth in kids.
Contact Us to Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry
What did you think about your smile as it is today? Would a brighter smile, straighter teeth, or a more even gumline make your smile more attractive and boost your self-confidence? If so, cosmetic dentistry may be perfect for you. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can benefit you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman in our Kansas City, MO, office. Call us at (816) 842-8585 or message us today.
