Most people are unsure of the differences between a cosmetic and traditional dentist in North Center. Traditional dentistry focuses mainly on preventing oral disease and treating it, along with proper hygiene. Elective dentistry focuses on making improvements to the teeth, smile and mouth. In essence, general dentistry focuses on necessary treatments while elective versions provide desired treatments and restorative benefits.
Trends
There have been many technological advances in dental materials, to make them look natural and tooth-colored. This also allows the dental treatments to be more predictable and durable than at any time in the past. Dentists typically use cosmetic purposes conservatively to preserve the natural structure whenever possible. They typically will use lasers to perform many procedures and do not have to send the patient to a specialist. Because procedures can be done in the office, it adds a great convenience factor for patients and can reduce recovery times.
Treatment Options
Treatments can include full mouth reconstruction, smile makeovers, dental implants, veneers, whitening, composite bonding and inlays or onlays. If you go in for any of the procedures and your dentist notices functional problems with the muscles, teeth, bone structure or bite, they may recommend a full mouth reconstruction to correct those problems. The materials used are more durable and functional than ever before.
A smile makeover will take into consideration your smile esthetics and can include multiple elective procedures, from dental veneers and implants, to sculpting or teeth whitening. This can be done for the top and bottom teeth.
Dental implants are fake teeth that are permanently adhered to the gum and jawbone. The implant is a metal piece and once you have healed from that, the faux tooth is placed. It is considered to be a better option than dentures.
If you have decayed, discolored, broken or chipped teeth and wish to have a beautiful smile again, composite bonding can help. The composite material will look like the enamel of your teeth and is applied to the surface or into the cavity. It is then sculpted into the proper shape, contoured and hardened with special lighting. This type of restoration blends with your other teeth and is meant to be nearly invisible.
Another option is indirect fillings, or inlays and onlays, which are composite or porcelain materials to fill the tooth that has decay or structural damage. They are different from fillings, as they are made from a laboratory and placed by your dentist.
