What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures that aim to improve the appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and bite. These procedures can be used to correct a range of issues, from stained or discolored teeth to chipped or crooked teeth.

Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners, and gum reshaping.  Also, Botox and lip fillers are becoming an important part of cosmetic dentistry. Each procedure has its own unique benefits and can help achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the use of bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. This procedure can be performed in-office or with take-home kits provided by the dentist.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and can be used to correct a variety of issues, including chipped or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and discoloration.

Dental bonding is a procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, and other imperfections in the teeth. The resin is applied to the affected area, shaped to match the surrounding teeth, and then hardened with a special light.

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, can be used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth, improving both their appearance and function.

Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, involves the removal of excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums. This procedure can be used to correct a "gummy" smile, where the gums appear to dominate the smile, or to address uneven or receding gums.

Botox and lip filler are not directly related to cosmetic dentistry, as they do not involve the teeth or gums. However, they are often used in conjunction with cosmetic dental procedures to enhance a person's overall facial appearance and provide a more balanced and youthful look.  Both of these treatments are used to enhance the 'frame' of teeth, or in other words, all the supporting structures that you would see when a person smiles.

Botox can be used to relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In the context of cosmetic dentistry, Botox is often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead, which can complement the results of dental treatments such as veneers, bonding, or orthodontics.

Botox also has a therapeutic effect and can also be used for treating headaches, muscle tension, TMJ issues, as well as other muscular imbalances in the head and neck region.  Often times, the muscles in our face and head can become strained and over worked, creating an unbalanced cascading effect where other muscles then also become overworked and used.  Botox helps to 'reset' these muscle groups creating less tension and an improved overall stress free environment. 

Lip filler, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a gel-like substance into the lips to add volume, shape, and definition. Lip filler can be used to enhance the appearance of the lips, making them fuller and more symmetrical. In the context of cosmetic dentistry, lip filler can help balance out the proportions of the face and create a more harmonious and attractive smile.

Overall, cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of a person's smile, boost their confidence, and improve their oral health.  Come see us for a consult to see if you're a good candidate!