Cosmetic Dentistry, What Is It All About?
By Adam Alford

Every dental advertisement you see mentions Cosmetic Dentistry. It is the new catch cry of the dental professional in the 21st century, but what does it really mean.

Cosmetic Dentistry or Aesthetic dentistry is a rather broad description for dental procedures that improve or enhance a patients smile and so therefore their dental appearance. Remember though that not all cosmetic dentistry needs to be expensive, or it does not mean complete ‘Dental makeovers’. A true cosmetic dentist is one that just carries out all of their treatment not only to a high functional level but also to a high cosmetic level. If you have a dentist who has cosmetic prowess then by the time you see them year in year out, and you replace fillings etc as they fail, then in the end you will have a beautiful long lasting cosmetically pleasing smile.

It is important that your dentist or any ‘Cosmetic Dentist’ asks their patients “What do you not like about the appearance of your teeth?” The reason for this is sometimes to improve or enhance a patients smile is merely a means of smoothing the chips off the front teeth and reshaping them a little whilst smoothing, this can make a dramatic effect to the appearance with out costing anything. It may be that the patient is happy with the color and shape, but just does not like one particular metal filling, once again an easy fix by just replacing the filling to a more cosmetic material, and therefore not expensive. What about if the patient does not mind the shape and position but just wants whiter teeth, another easy fix, just whiten the teeth.

Treatment plans for cosmetics should be based on what the patient has issues with not what the Dentist feels is the most ideal treatment plan, with maximum profits.

If you are looking for the ‘Cosmetic Makeover,’ which includes reshaping the smile, maybe repositioning crooked teeth, or replacing lost teeth, be careful who you pick. Explore all your options with the dentist. Remember when picking a ‘Cosmetic Dentist’ to carry the work out, cosmetic treatment is like an art form, you should always be shown a model of your teeth as they could look like, so you have control from the start. Not all ‘Cosmetic Dentists’ are good at what they do, try and see some before and after photo’s of their work. Good ‘Cosmetic Dentists’ keep copies of their work because they are proud of it, they get a kick out of transforming smiles, just like a sculptor or a painter.

When it comes to the ‘cosmetic makeover’ spending a little more on better quality materials and a better practitioner, ends up costing you less money in repairs and redoing the work later on. Be careful of dentists that want to replace all your old amalgams because they are ugly or leaking mercury into your system, its not really true, these dentists will often place ‘tooth coloured fillings’ which as just a plastic and don’t last as long as other materials available and no where near as long as the amalgams. Be guided by what you want, and what you dislike.

Dr Adam Alford graduated form the University of Sydney, Australia, in 2000 with honors. Dr Alford has worked extensively in Cosmetic and Implant practices in Australia and the UK. He has a special interest in cosmetics and tooth whitening. Dr Alford is the author of the article and he maintains a General Dental, Cosmetic and Implant Dental Surgery in Sydney http://www.mlccentredental.com.au Webmasters are free to reprint this article provided that it is not edited, the authors information is included, and the links are included as live links.

Cosmetic Dentistry NYC Adds To Your Charm And Personality

By Brad Taylor

Many times we realize the value of good things only when we lose them and our precious set of teeth could be one of those things. A simple carelessness on our part or perhaps a disease or even an accident can cause permanent disfigurement to our teeth. Cosmetic dentistry NYC could be a modern day solution to these problems. It has the ability to restore and beautify our teeth so that we are no longer embarrassed in social circumstances. Now every kind of dental problem whether it is yellow teeth, tooth decay due to germs, broken or misaligned tooth, chipped teeth and even in cases where a tooth or teeth have fallen out due to disease or accident can be taken care of, thanks to cosmetic dentistry NYC.

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry where the focus is on improving or modifying the appearance of the patient’s oral cavity and surrounding area to prevent or treat structural, functional or organic oral diseases. Cosmetic dentistry NYC can restructure the appearance of a person’s mouth so that it is more visually appealing and enhances the looks and personality of the patient opting for such a surgery. The common treatments that fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry NYC or any other state are tooth bleaching or teeth whitening, enamel shaping, bonding and veneers. Even the dental filling and materials for teeth restoration that were used earlier for cosmetic dentistry were made of gold, amalgam and other metals. Some of them might have been veneered with porcelain. The recent innovations have made it possible to completely use porcelain or composite materials that closely resemble the natural set of teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry NYC provides a variety of options to the person who wants to go in for a restructuring of his or her dental structure. The most common recommendation for a cosmetic dental procedure is that of teeth whitening. Regular substance abuse, consuming edibles of extreme temperature like too hot coffee or frozen desserts can severely alter the color of our teeth, giving them an unpleasant tinge of yellow. A dentist supervised process can make our teeth regain their gleaming whiteness. A small chip in the teeth can be corrected by the process of enamel shaping that is another tool available under cosmetic dentistry NYC. This process removes part of the contouring enamel that improves the appearance of the tooth. Another option under cosmetic dentistry NYC for chopped or broken teeth will be that of bonding. In this process enamel-like composite material is attached to the tooth’s surface, molded into shape, hardened and then polished.

Cosmetic dentistry NYC also has the solution for people who may be embarrassed to admit in social situations that they have gone in for such a dental procedure. The invisalign braces and ultra-thin veneers are a concrete step in that direction. The extensive use of porcelain or composite material for dental work makes cosmetic dentistry undetectable in the people who have opted for it. This has induced many more people with dental problems to step out into the forefront and get rectification measures implemented on their teeth. Overall, we see that cosmetic dentistry NYC has brought hope to a lot of people who had earlier been suffering quietly.

Brad Taylor has a special interest in health related topics and advises people on many aspects related to health. Among other health related topics, dentistry is one field that he is specially interest in in.

How To Find Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry

By Joe Stewart

Are you ashamed of your smile? Many people are and this is something that can have a real negative effect on your self-esteem. Don't feel alone. Having crooked teeth, visible cavities, broken teeth, plaque build-up or any other visible dental problem can be very embarrassing and cause some people to stop smiling altogether. Unfortunately, Cosmetic Dentistry is not covered by dental insurance, therefore, this is something that must be paid out of pocket and most Cosmetic Dentistry procedures are very expensive.

Cosmetic Dentistry includes different procedures such as porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics and more. Even though the dental insurance does not cover Cosmetic Dentistry procedures, there still may be a solution that could possibly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Let's take a look at one possible option.

One affordable option could be what are known as dental discount plans. Dental discount plans are networks of participating dentists that offer their customers discounts for most dental procedures. The only catch is that you must pay for the procedures at the time of your visit.

These discounts range anywhere from 10% to 60% in savings for most major plans. Not all dentists that except dental discount plans will give discounts on Cosmetic Dentistry, however, there are some participating dentists that do offer the savings. The best thing that you can do if you're considering having a Cosmetic Dentistry procedure done is to check into a dental discount plan in your area and see if maybe you can save yourself some money.

Do Dental Discount Plans Really Save You Money or is Dental Insurance The Way To Go? Find Out The REAL Truth by Visiting Discount-Dental.net or by clicking on Cosmetic Dentistry. Joe Stewart is a former Life And Health Insurance Agent that now works for himself by providing solid, expert information to consumers.

On Cosmetic Dentistry

By Carey O'Rielly, DDS

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term for the type of dental work that enables you to have a dazzling smile that you feel great about. Millions have witnessed this potential on Reality TV "Cinderella stories". Shows like The Swan, Extreme Makeover and America’s Next Top Model have demonstrated how cosmetic dentistry can create positive, even transformational changes in appearance. Technical advances now available combined with the recent media attention have popularized cosmetic dentistry to an unprecedented degree.

Viewers of these shows have also seen the willingness needed on the part of subjects to undergo the various cosmetic procedures. Fortunately some of the processes, such as tooth whitening and veneer application, have been simplified to a great extent. Tooth whitening, the process by which teeth are made several shades lighter than their natural color, can be done using customized trays that are molded to fit your mouth.

The trays are filled with a bleaching gel and worn whenever convenient. The length of time for this method of whitening teeth depends on the strength of the bleaching gel, the frequency and consistency with which the trays are worn and the degree of lightness desired. It can take from 2 – 4 weeks and costs vary according to the dental office. Teeth whitening is in demand because it not only removes stain and brightens smiles, it also contributes to a more youthful appearance.

Another method of teeth whitening that has become popular uses a plasma light focused on the teeth after a special solution has been applied. This procedure takes approximately an hour and the teeth can be lightened three shades or more. It generally costs around $500 depending on the dental office. Whether the trays or plasma light is used, tooth sensitivity can be a factor so it's important to have your dentist's recommendation on the tooth whitening method right for you.

A veneer is a thin shell placed over the body of a tooth that completely alters its appearance and can be customized in both color and shape. Veneers used to require a substantial removal of tooth structure in order to achieve the desired outcome. A very thin veneer, almost like a glove, is molded to the tooth and bonded. This cosmetic process is quick, painless and seems almost magical to the patients who qualify when they see how the beauty of their smile is enhanced.

Another advance in cosmetic dentistry uses bonded dentistry to replace any metal filling with tooth-colored ones that are natural and durable. This requires two-steps in which the filling is removed and an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab. The patient is given a temporary filling until they return for final placement. The inlay or onlay is then bonded to the tooth which in some cases can actually make the tooth stronger. The nerves of the tooth are sealed and protected, thus preventing root canals in many cases.

One advantage to this type of cosmetic work is that inlays and onlays conserve tooth structure. This allows an intermediate step between a filling and a crown or cap, should that ever be necessary. It is also less costly. Inlays and onlays can range from $695 to $900 while crowns can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1200 in a typical cosmetic practice. When the old metal filling is small, it can usually be replaced by a less expensive, one-step composite filling.

It is important to replace metal fillings, also known as amalgams, using a protocol that minimizes the patient's exposure during removal. One component of this, called a rubber dam, isolates the tooth and protects the mouth. Patients may also be given protective eyewear and a nosepiece that allows them to breathe purified air during the procedure. Auxiliary filtration should also be in place to eliminate gaseous metals produced by drilling during removal. We have also installed additional filtration to keep metal waste out of the water lines and other dentists throughout the country have begun to follow suit.

From the point of view of conservative dentistry, it's also helpful to realize that metal fillings more than twenty years old can cause micro-fractures in the surrounding tooth. This is partly due to the minute contraction and expansion of the tooth caused by temperature changes such as hot coffee or ice cream. The abrasion of the metal against the tooth is another factor that can cause tiny fissures in the tooth over time. Gradually these pressures produce hairline fractures that can grow into cracks and eventually break the tooth.

Given the structural reasons to replace metal fillings as well as the fact that they can discolor and create unsightly teeth, the new alternatives make cosmetic repair of any tooth that does not look natural and beautiful more attractive than ever. Replacement of broken or missing teeth can also be achieved by dental implants, another process which has gained in increasing popularity by providing cosmetic solutions not possible before. A post made of pure titanium is placed in the bone and an implant crown is attached to complete the restoration. The cost of placing the implant is generally in the range of $1800, while the implant crown is around $1500. Dental offices often have financing plans available to help with the cost of this type of treatment.

It may be safe to say that, given the new options and techniques at your dentist's disposal, any work you have done on your teeth can be considered cosmetic dentistry. Procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, implants and metal removal are bringing the options offered by cosmetic dentistry to a whole new level. Don't you deserve a healthier, more appealing smile? Find out today how your dentist can help.

Carey O'Rielly DDS
San Diego Cosmetic Dentist and Holistic Dentistry

How To Select A Cosmetic Dentist

By Steven Cancel

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist, one with extensive training, substantial experience and a gentle approach that understands clients' needs, is the key to achieving a successful outcome-a gorgeous new smile! Below are some guidelines compiled from patients for successfully choosing a cosmetic dentist.

Does the Dentist Have Real Credentials In Cosmetic Dentistry?
It seems as though many dentists say they perform some of cosmetic dentistry as part of their services. In dentistry, as in medicine, specialties exist that are indications of a high level of education and training. Presently, however, no specialty in cosmetic dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association exists. In 1984, however, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) was formed and has the filled the need for credentialing in the area of cosmetic dentistry. The organization currently has 7,000 members in the U.S. and in 40 countries around the world. It is the largest international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry, and it administers the leading accreditation program for cosmetic dentists. This accreditation process is a rigorous one, which requires dentists to attend many continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, to be tested and to submit a number of cosmetic cases to be judged by a panel of cosmetic dentistry experts.

Does the Dentist Have Extensive Post Graduate Training In Cosmetic Dentistry?
To perform cosmetic dental procedures at the highest level, technical skill and a rigorous program of post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry, is needed. It may surprise you that the majority of dental schools do not offer training in cosmetic dentistry. It is extremely important that the cosmetic dentist whom you select continually completes courses in cosmetic dentistry. In-depth training is necessary to learn the most advanced techniques and to be aware of the most advanced materials and technology in order to get optimal results.

Does the Dentist Have Extensive Smile Design Experience?
Great cosmetic dentistry is an art. Dentists who are generalists usually have not performed cosmetic smile designs enough, or with a regularity that leads to mastery of this art. If you are considering veneers, for example, you should ask how many veneers the dentist has placed. Look for cosmetic dentists that have placed not just hundreds, but thousands of veneers. This experience allows the dentist to see a wide variety of smiles and to bring this experience and expertise to your smile.

Does the Dentist Have A Caring Approach and Great Communication Skills?
Cosmetic dentistry is a process; it is not a single procedure or operation. So you must find a dentist with whom you can talk easily. It is important that the dentist understands what you desire, and that you understand the process that the dentist is describing. To accomplish this, the dentist should listen and make certain that he or she understands all of your concerns, needs and desires as they relate to your dental health and the appearance of your smile. Only then should he or she spend time diagnosing and consulting on a recommended treatment plan, which should be individualized for each patient.

Does the Dentist Have An Artistic Eye?
It is important to find a dentist who is accurate in his or her evaluation of your needs, precise in the execution of the treatment plan and meticulous in craftsmanship. Make certain that the dentist addresses not only your teeth, but also your gums, lips, facial structure-and your specific requests. Excellent cosmetic dentistry demands a highly sophisticated artistic sense. To achieve optimal aesthetic results, a dentist must have a clear vision of what is artistically possible and appropriate.

Make Certain That You Review Before and After Photos of Work Performed by the Cosmetic Dentist:
You will want to look at before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry that has actually been performed by the dentist you are considering. Be aware that commercially produced photos and albums to show the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry exist. You will want to confirm that you are seeing the actual work of the dentist you are considering and that the before photos are cases similar to yours.

Be Careful Of Going With The Cheapest Price: Many times, you do indeed "get what you paid for." If a dentist is cheaper than others, perhaps that should be a red flag to you.

Other Things to Consider:
You may also want to consider references from other cosmetic dentistry patients, taking a tour of the office, including sterilization areas, and asking about the office's technology and materials. You may also want to check with the state licensing board to verify that the dentist does not have a history of complaints or adverse state Dental Board action.