A dentist is a person who examines the teeth and gums using different dental tools. A Cosmetic Dentist is a doctor who examines the teeth and provides suggestions, treats, and operates on people to enhance their physical appearance. Cosmetic Dentistry is the process of making changes in the teeth to improve the appearance of the face. The smile’s overall appearance is changed throughout the process by altering the colour, shape, size, and alignment of the teeth and gums.
What attracts people to a Cosmetic Dentist?
i) It boosts a person’s appearance- Research and every Cosmetic Dentist said that undergoing the process of Cosmetic Dentistry makes a person look younger and prettier. It is because the teeth are aligned in such a way that the smile comes out perfectly.
ii) Improves self-confidence- Self-confidence is essential no matter what. Be it meeting new people or having a presentation or a meeting, they all require communication. Many people face anxiety due to cavities or gaps in their teeth as they fear that the other person might judge. Who wouldn’t want to look prettier at a party!
iii) Health benefits- In the earlier times, when dentistry was new to the world, people believed that only those with cavities or bacteria in their teeth visited a dentist. The meaning has evolved, and people now visit dentists for different purposes. However, health comes first. Most people face issues like cavities due to excess eating of cold items or sweets, tooth gaps due to birth, gum problems, etc. All these problems can be solved while enhancing the look of the teeth. It not only makes the teeth and gums look shiner but also makes them healthy.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry:
i) Tooth whitening- Everyone wants a bright white smile when photographed. Teeth whitening removes the stubborn bacteria and yellowness in the teeth by polishing the enamel. This process requires time and investment of two weeks to see significant results. This process is also called tooth bleaching. There are various in-office and at-home treatments primarily involving peroxide gel. The element is known to de-pigment the teeth. Another common technique for whitening teeth is the laser technique. This is six times more effective than the traditional polishing ones.
ii) Teeth reshaping- This process is also known as cosmetic contouring or slenderizing. It is used to fix and alter crooked or broken teeth. Visible results can be seen right after the treatment. Regular checkups and consultations with the prescribed dentist have to be done to follow the post-treatment procedure. Reviews said people prefer reshaping their teeth instead of whitening as it has long-term benefits.
iii) Teeth bridging- It eliminates the gap between teeth or replaces a missing tooth with cement or false teeth, known as pontics. This procedure requires careful thought and consideration of various factors, as once it is done, the false tooth cannot be removed. The results of this procedure last for about ten to twelve years. To fix the front teeth, a cantilever and Maryland bridges are used. They are highly reliable and have a meagre chance of failure.
iv) Braces and aligners- Though they are orthodontic treatments, they are included in Cosmetic Dentistry as they enhance the appearance of the face by changing the smile. This makes a person look prettier and makes them feel confident. Braces are best recommended to fix minor gaps, alignment, or teeth height. People aged 13-30 are in their best years to fix any minor inconveniences in their teeth. This procedure can initially be painful and challenging, as brushing, eating, and drinking seems torture. But once the person gets used to it, it becomes more manageable, and the results are worth it. The rates of this procedure spiked up in the last two years. Once a person commits to this process, regular checkups have to be done to check if the braces cause any improvement or inconveniences.