What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a field that focuses on improving patients' teeth, mouth structure and smile appearance. Within this branch, there are applications such as teeth whitening, veneers, braces, and other treatments to improve the aesthetic appearance of the mouth and teeth.

The main purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve a person's smile and general appearance, thereby making a positive contribution to one's self-esteem and self-confidence.

Differences Between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

The main difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry is the focus of treatment. In general, dentistry focuses on maintaining the overall health and function of the teeth and mouth, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile.

General dentistry includes preventive care and treatments for common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and teeth grinding. These treatments aim to protect the health and function of the teeth/mouth in patients and to prevent future problems.

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, includes procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers and braces designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. These treatments are optional, meaning they are not necessary to maintain the health and function of the teeth/mouth, but are mostly preferred by patients for aesthetic concerns and expectations.

Suitable Candidates for Cosmetic Dentistry
Anyone can benefit from cosmetic dentistry services. In some people, it is the case that the teeth and gums are healthy, that is, they do not actually need any curative treatment. In addition, for example, the candidate for teeth whitening should not have excessive staining on their teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dentist with expertise in this field and discuss treatment options for best results.

One of the cosmetic dentistry applications is preferred in the following cases:

• A worn or broken tooth
• spaces between teeth,
• discoloration of teeth,
• Misaligned teeth
• Deformity of teeth.

As long as patients' teeth and gums are healthy, cosmetic procedures may be an option. However, if the patient has advanced cavities or a gum disease, the dentist will prioritize treating these problems. Once candidates have these problems improved, they can determine which procedures to follow.

Popular Procedures Involved in Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is based on achieving a balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Listed below are the most popular procedures frequently performed in this area.

1) Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is an application that brightens the colors of the teeth and makes them appear whiter and brighter. This method usually aims to restore the natural tooth color to a lighter shade and improves the overall appearance of the teeth. The teeth whitening procedure is usually done by a dentist, but there are some methods that can be applied at home as well.

2) Tooth bonding: In other words, "Dental bonding" is the bonding procedure of a damaged tooth by applying a resin material similar to its natural color to improve its appearance. This composite resin is then solidified with a special light and the material is matched with the surrounding teeth and polished. The “bonding” process is often used to repair cracked or cracked teeth, close spaces between teeth, or change the shape or color of teeth. It is generally considered a more affordable and non-invasive option than veneers or crowns, such as teeth whitening.

3) Porcelain veneer: It is another dentistry method used to improve the appearance of teeth. This process is done by applying thin but strong shells on the teeth. These porcelain shells change the color of the teeth, providing a whiter and brighter appearance, and also make the surface of the teeth more durable. This procedure can also be used to repair minor cracks or fractures of the teeth. It is generally more durable than other aesthetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening and can stay white longer.

4) Gum shaping: It is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the gum line to improve the appearance of the gums. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as making the teeth look smoother or removing excess gum tissue covering the teeth too much. The procedure is usually performed by a dentist or periodontist using a laser or other special dental tools. It is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure, usually with a quick recovery time.

Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry
The most important advantage of cosmetic dentistry is that it can improve the appearance of teeth and therefore a smile, which can increase people's self-confidence. Also, some cosmetic dental procedures, such as closing dental cavities or straightening crooked teeth, can improve the function of the teeth. This can also make it easier for a person to eat and talk and improve overall oral health.

In addition, some other procedures can help prevent or treat more serious dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Finally, advances in cosmetic dentistry have made many operations more comfortable and less invasive so that these procedures can be performed with minimal discomfort and a fast recovery time.