Cosmetic dentists use a variety of tools in order to create a patient’s ideal smile. Often, patients who approach cosmetic dentists have been unhappy with their smile for years. There is a quest to know how they can change their smile and, in so doing, alter the way people look at them.

Cosmetic Dentists can look at a smile and carefully draft an ideal smile design. In order to find a patient’s optimal smile, a Top cosmetic dentist will use a variety of methods and materials to achieve success in enhancing the look of a patient.

Tooth Whitening. The most common cosmetic procedure, this process uses bleach or a laser in order to remove stains that accumulate on teeth due to caffeine (coffee or tea), red wine, soda, cigarettes/cigars, diet or poor oral health. Cosmetic dentists customize trays that fit the mouth perfectly and can either do in-office laser treatments or provide home-based bleaching alternatives. This procedure lightens and brightens the teeth, creating a more youthful and vibrant smile.

Composite Bonding. This tooth-colored composite material is used to enhance or correct broken, chipped, decayed or discolored teeth. Composite bonding is used to recreate the look of enamel. When restoring a cavity, the composite material is applied after the tooth has been cleaned and is sculpted into the ideal shape. Then, a high-intensity light is used to harden the composite material. Once the composite has set, then it may need a few adjustments in order to recreate the ideal bite. Ultimately, composite bonds look like tooth enamel or dentin and result in a very natural looking filling.

Inlays or Onlays. A more sophisticated and durable kind of filling, inlays/onlays are made from porcelain or composite materials. Inlays/onlays are strong and long-lasting; a cosmetic dentist will use an inlay/onlay when a large portion of the tooth structure has been damaged or compromised. Similar to a crown, inlays and onlays require a two-step procedure. In the first appointment the tooth is prepped and an impression is taken of the tooth; the patient leaves with temporary filling material. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where the inlay/onlay is custom built. The second appointment involves the cosmetic dentist seating the customized piece so that it is perfectly bonded to the remaining tooth structure.

Veneers A laminate cover over the remaining tooth structure, veneers are made of porcelain or composite material that adheres to the tooth’s surface in order to recreate the given tooth structure. Highly durable, cosmetic dentists use dental veneers to fix chipped, broken, cracked, discolored or worn teeth. They are also used to fix gaps – particularly in the front teeth.

Implants. Dental implants are used by cosmetic dentists more and more to restore missing teeth. By artificially replacing the removed or missing tooth, cosmetic dentists use a prosthetic implant to recreate a strong and durable artificial tooth. The visual difference in implant cases on a patient’s face is often dramatic and is known to take years off of a patient’s appearance. Patients will opt for implants in place of dentures or bridges.
Smile Design or Makeover. Smile design or makeover is used by cosmetic dentists to recreate a patient’s smile in order to fashion the optimal appearance. This process is an intricate redesign of the upper and lower teeth. Several procedures are generally used in re-fashioning the look of a patient, such as veneers, inlays, onlays, implants, gingivitis sculpting and or tooth whitening.

Full Mouth Reconstruction. Cosmetic dentists can now not only enhance a patient’s ideal look esthetically, but they can also remedy many chronic issues such as TMJ, bone concerns, bite inconsistencies and or neuro-muscular disorders. This type of cosmetic dentistry requires a sophistication level of training that provides cosmetic dentists with the ability to heal life-long dental maladies while creating a younger-looking beautiful smile.

If you are looking for a Top Cosmetic dentist in your area, we would highly recommend you search our online directory. Each dentist is listed after a rigorous selection process. Our listings of top dentists provide a credential system for each doctor based on years of experience, accolades, training, patient response and instructors or mentors who have evaluated the doctor’s work. If you have any questions and would like to give us a call, feel free to use our number listed at top of this page.