7 Things You Should Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

Here are seven things to keep in mind when your shopping for a dentist to perform cosmetic dentistry on your mouth.

1. Cosmetic dentists are dedicated to improving the appearance of your teeth, altering them until they look perfect. Many movie stars and celebrities have extensive cosmetic dentistry to give themselves a sparkling smile and a mouth full of straight, even, white teeth. A cosmetic dental professional is similar to a plastic surgeon, but they focus on making the teeth look better, instead of the body.

2. Cosmetic dentistry is much more than teeth whitening. Dental implants are prosthetics that fill gaps left by missing teeth. The process involves the insertion of a screw into the jawbone, which takes hold as the surrounding tissue heals. The crown attached to the screw fills the space left by the missing tooth.

3. If you need new or replacement fillings, tooth colored fillings are now used instead of the old gold, silver or mercury fillings, meaning that repaired teeth do not stand out from natural surrounding teeth. This gives people the confidence to smile and laugh without fear of displaying a mouth full of obvious fillings.

4. In-house teeth whitening procedures are the most common treatments requested. For a movie star smile, the dentist will apply peroxide to your teeth, which is then activated with a specially designed light. Your lips and gums are protected throughout the process with a rubber shield, and the entire treatment should take no longer than one hour. Results should be apparent straight away, and home whitening kits can be used following the in-house treatment to maintain or even improve the color of the teeth. Tooth veneers are an alternative to whitening, which may be recommended by a cosmetic dentist for patients with seriously stained teeth. Veneers are porcelain or plastic strips that stick to teeth, giving them a straight, even appearance line and a naturally white shade.

5. Before you have any cosmetic procedure on your teeth, they will be examined to make sure you have no problems with your teeth, gums or supporting bone structure. This will involve taking x-rays and impressions of your upper and lower teeth. Any issues could have an impact on the success and longevity of cosmetic procedures.

6. Broken teeth can be repaired by cosmetic dentists using a technique known as dental bonding, in which an enamel-like material is applied to the damaged tooth. This is then polished and finished to disguise the damage.

7. Cosmetic dental procedures are not covered by insurance, so it is important to establish what your chosen treatment is going to cost -- including any follow up appointments -- and budget accordingly. The average cost of in-house teeth whitening is $650, although this varies according to the location and the experience of the dentist or technician carrying out the work. Ask your dentist about payment plans for cosmetic dentistry; many clinics allow you to pay in instalments (although this is likely to be subject to additional charges and interest).

Often the best way to find a great cosmetic dentist is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure the dentist has experience in carrying out the procedure you want. For more information and advice click here.