Your smile is one of the most attractive features of your face, and your smile plays a significant role in your self-esteem. If your smile isn’t as appealing as you’d like, there are many ways to improve it. One option for improving your smile is to have cosmetic dentistry done. Cosmetic dentistry involves several different procedures that you can use to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Absolutely no dental work is permanent; however, if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can be an effective solution to restore your smile. With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can improve your smile and have teeth you’re proud of. 

Table of Contents

    What is the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

    A general dentist is trained to perform a variety of dental procedures including cleaning and polishing teeth, making fillings, and performing dentures. Cosmetic dentists focus on making patients look better through the use of cosmetic procedures such as whitening, veneers, crowns, and bridges.

    Cosmetic procedures can be performed at any time in life but are most often done in adulthood. While both types of dentists specialize in general and cosmetic dentistry, the difference between them is that a cosmetic dentist focuses on making patients feel good about their appearance while a general dentist focuses on keeping the teeth and gums healthy.

    What qualifications do you need to be a cosmetic dentist?

    Obviously, you must be licensed to practice dentistry in your state, but it’s important to know what additional training you’ll receive to become a cosmetic dentist. The American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry offers a specialized certification for cosmetic dentists. Cosmetic dentists undergo two years of coursework, take an exam, and complete a clinical rotation where they perform cosmetic procedures under the supervision of an experienced cosmetic dentist.

    To find a certified cosmetic dentist in your area, visit the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry website.

    What kind of training do cosmetic dentists receive?

    Cosmetic dentists undergo extensive training in order to perform cosmetic procedures. This training includes two years of coursework, the completion of an exam, and the completion of a clinical rotation where they perform cosmetic procedures under the supervision of a certified cosmetic dentist. After passing the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry certification exam, cosmetic dentists must also complete a minimum of 250 hours of supervised cosmetic dental experience before they can become certified.

    While a cosmetic dentist may be able to provide many different cosmetic services, only a cosmetic dentist can offer cosmetic dentistry. To find a cosmetic dentist, contact the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

    What types of cosmetic procedures can you perform as a cosmetic dentist?

    Cosmetic dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. They can perform the following procedures: –

    Whitening teeth: Many people are unhappy with the shade of their teeth because of dark staining. With whitening, cosmetic dentists remove stains and discolorations while making teeth brighter.

    Veneers: Cosmetic dentists create veneers from porcelain or composite material that will be bonded to the surface of your teeth to hide minor flaws, restore damaged teeth, and change the shape of your teeth.

    Composite Bonding: Composite bonding is a technique that uses a composite resin to bond artificial enamel directly to the tooth’s surface to repair chips and cracks in teeth. 

    Gum Contouring: Gum contouring is a procedure that improves gum health by removing gum tissue that can interfere with dental work and prevent the proper function of the teeth.

    Smile Makeover: A smile makeover is a cosmetic treatment performed by cosmetic dentists that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. This could involve changing the size of your lips, the angle of your jawline, the shape of your gums, the placement of your teeth, or the color of your teeth. 

    Teeth Shaping/Enamel Shaping: Teeth shaping is a procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. During this procedure, cosmetic dentists reshape the enamel of your teeth to improve the appearance of your teeth and create a more perfect smile. 

    How long does it take to get cosmetic dentistry?

    Cosmetic dentists generally work with patients after they’ve been referred by their dentist. It’s important to note that cosmetic dentists cannot perform a complete smile makeover in one appointment, as some procedures require several appointments. In most cases, the first visit to your cosmetic dentist will be focused on getting a complete oral health examination. If your cosmetic dentist feels that your teeth and gums are healthy and the reason for your dissatisfaction with your smile is cosmetic rather than structural, she may recommend whitening your teeth or placing veneers on your teeth. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to choosing a procedure that will benefit you the most. Cosmetic dentists have years of experience and can recommend treatment options based on your lifestyle, goals, and current situation.

    What does cosmetic dentistry cost?

    Cosmetic dentistry is generally an elective procedure so there’s no cost involved in most cases. Cosmetic dentists offer services at different prices depending on the procedure performed. The price of cosmetic dentistry procedures also depends on the dentist you choose to perform the procedure.

    How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist for me?

    Cosmetic dentists perform procedures such as whitening, veneers, crowns, bridges, and more to change the appearance of your smile. Some people are happier with one type of cosmetic procedure than another. For example, whitening can be an effective way to remove dark stains and discolorations from your teeth, but it will not restore the appearance of chipped or broken teeth.

    Why do I need a cosmetic dentist?

    Some people think that cosmetic dentistry is only for women, but it’s actually more common in men than women. Men are often concerned about the appearance of their teeth, and cosmetic dentists can help to improve their smiles. Men are also concerned about their appearance because they are more likely to have tooth decay and periodontal disease.

    When tooth decay and gum disease occur in men, the condition is referred to as “male pattern gingivitis.” It’s usually caused by the accumulation of food debris in the gums of men, which irritates the gums and creates pockets around the teeth.

    Cosmetic dentists are trained to treat the root causes of this condition so that you can have a healthy mouth and smile.

    If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can perform several cosmetic procedures to help restore your smile.