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Cosmetic dentistry has “changed my life!” How wonderful it is to be able to fix a “broken smile” and see how happy it makes patients. Patients have told me how their new smile has changed their lives, bolstered their self-confidence and just made them happier about themselves and their appearance. Some have gone on to advance in their careers or even cancel weddings to find more attractive spouses! Looking at models, advertisements, and people in the public eye shows how obsessed our society is with beautiful faces and smiles. Even the ancient Greeks knew that attractive people were more likely to be successful. I believe that even those who are not especially attractive can enhance their appearance dramatically with a beautiful smile.
Cosmetic dentistry can include many different materials and techniques. The father of cosmetic dentistry is full denture restoration. “Porcelain jacket” crowns were being fabricated in the 1950’s as well as white silicate fillings. The biggest modern advances include Bonding, Porcelain laminates, whitening, and Implants, as well as bone grafting techniques. Actually, conservative cosmetic dentistry must also include Orthodontics- changing your smile without the alteration of tooth structure.
Cosmetic dentistry is an art. Dentists can enhance their abilities by taking courses and learning modern techniques. But without a good lab technician, good assessment, planning, communication, tooth preparations, impressions and the proper materials and techniques, success may be limited. Even with all of the education and technical abilities, some dentists and labs can excel where others fall short. I believe that some people have natural talent and skills and others need to work harder to develop them.
My advice for anyone who wants to improve their smile is to get x-rays and at least one consultation with a cosmetic dentist. If Orthodontics is a viable option, see an Orthodontist for evaluation and consultation before considering other options. Sometimes additional evaluation/consultations with an Oral Surgeon, Periodontist, or Plastic Surgeon may be recommended. Cosmetic Imaging is an available service whereby photos of your smile are taken and “photoshopped” to show what your new smile might look like. The law requires that you are given Informed consent before you decide on a particular treatment. That means that all options are explained to you along with the benefits, disadvantages, cost, and limitations of each option. Ask questions and make sure that you understand what is involved and what realistic expectations should be regarding the treatment planned. Second opinions are good, and you should also know about the different materials available. For instance, Zirconia crowns are very strong and good for posterior teeth, however, they may not be the most esthetic material to use on the front teeth. The lab can overlay porcelain to create better esthetics or use different ceramic materials in these cases. Also, whitening teeth before other cosmetic procedures are performed is often recommended to enhance final results. The book, Change Your Smile, probably the best of its kind explaining and showing pictures of cosmetic dentistry, is available in our waiting room. A free cosmetic consultation is available if you are seeking the “perfect smile”.
By Michael Acquista, DDS
October 24, 2019
