Cosmetic Works
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. Many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists” regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field.
Fields
There are only 2 dental specialties that predominantly focus on dental esthetics/cosmetics. They are: Prosthodontics and Orthodontics and such specialists are called Prosthodontists and Orthodontists respectively. Every dentist is trained for 4 years in all specialities of dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry includes endodontics and also periodontics.
Options
The addition of a dental material to teeth or gums – examples: bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum grafts; the removal of tooth structure or gums; straightening of teeth accompanied by improvement in appearance of face.
Materials
In the past, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were made of gold, amalgam and other metals—some of which were veneered with porcelain. Now, dental work can be made entirely of porcelain or composite materials that more closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure.
These tooth colored materials are bonded to the underlying tooth structure with resin adhesives. Unlike silver fillings (amalgams) they are entirely free of mercury. Many dentists offer procedures to be cosmetic and because their patients prefer natural looking teeth. Cosmetic dentistry has evolved to cover many new procedures and new dental materials are constantly introduced.