Cosmetic Dentistry: A Look At The Field

For many years, Americans have spent a fortune on products and services designed to make them more attractive. Hairstyling products and dyes, gym memberships, plastic surgery, and contact lenses only scratch the surface. Recently, cosmetic dentistry has joined the foray as people realize that their smile is one of the first things to make an impression on the world. People see a nice smile and a gorgeous set of teeth as a symbol of confidence. Crooked and discolored teeth can say far more about you than you might believe. These things may not even be true, but it is human nature to make snap judgments. If you're interested in how a dentist can change how people see you (and how you see yourself), take a look further into this diverse and exciting field.

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term that encompasses many different procedures, all of which are primarily designed to improve the aesthetics of a smile. Sometimes, these issues are directly related to the health of the smile, although this is the exception rather than the rule. For the most part, the procedures used by the professionals in the field are designed only to help the person feel better about their smile. It shares a lot of similarity with plastic surgery in that respect. It may not be unhealthy to have drooping jowls, after all, but it can certainly bring down a person's confidence in themselves. The same is true of yellow, stained teeth.

At the same time, cosmetic dentistry is often used in conjunction with procedures primarily aimed towards health. For instance, many have sought the advances in the field when looking for fillings. No small number of patients have gone in to have their old metal fillings replaced with white fillings that more accurately match the natural color of the tooth. Others have had teeth replaced. While not necessary for health purpose always, it can certainly make a difference in the overall function of the teeth, while also improving the smile dramatically.

While it is far from the only procedure performed in the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the field's most popular procedure is probably tooth whitening. In this country, there has been a revolution when it comes to the amount of importance we place on sparkling white teeth. The drugstores are filled with products which promise to bring white teeth to the home. While these products are successful in varying degrees, none of them are a valid substitute for what can be done by a professional in an office setting. With advancements in technology and procedure coming every day, the field promises to offer more and more to those looking for the perfect smile.