What’s the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a traditional dentist? Cosmetic dentistry is the practice of dentistry that includes a number of dental treatments that are aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth of the patient. Traditional dentistry usually is aimed more at maintaining the health of the teeth, without much thought to the aesthetic features of the smile after the procedures. A cosmetic dentist will work not only to maintain your health but also your attractiveness.

The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to help you, the patient, have a better appearance through bonding, bleaching, orthodontics, reshaping, laminating or dental implants. The bleaching of the teeth will usually involve a bleaching tray that is custom-made for the patient. You wear this tray at home for several hours every day. Your teeth then slowly become whiter and whiter over a period of about six weeks. You can also visit your dentist’s office to get your bleaching done. This will usually be done with a light or heat activated bleaching solution.

VENEER bonding will involve the etching of the surface of your teeth. This is done so that the resin can adhere. Your dentist then will contour the resin into the right kind of shape. After that, he or she will smooth and polish the resin. Then, in order to prepare for the VENEER, a thin layer of enamel is removed from your tooth. This is done so that your finished tooth will be symmetric and flush with the surrounding teeth. Next, the tooth is then etched in acid solution along with an adhesive that is painted on to the tooth. The VENEER is then applied, while the resin hardens through a bonding light. At the end, your dentist will polish the VENEER.

In cosmetic reshaping, a little enamel is removed from the uneven teeth, so that it will match your other teeth. In orthodontics, you will have braces applied to the teeth. Invisalign are a new breakthrough in braces that eliminate embarrassing wires and metal. When dealing with dental implants, you can eliminate dentures or partials. Implants are much more secure and much more natural looking than bridgework, dentures or partials. An anchor is placed into the area where the tooth will be. Then, six months later, a post is attached to that anchor. Later, an artificial tooth is attached to that post. This process will take several visits to your cosmetic dentist and can take about nine to twelve months to complete.

Whereas cosmetic dentistry deals with all of the various facets of dentistry, traditional dentistry is mainly concerned with maintaining and restoring the health of your teeth. In life, you want more than just healthy teeth, you want to look and feel your best. That’s why you want to visit a cosmetic dentist who can give you both!