Everyone wants a beautiful smile. Research has shown that those who have attractive teeth are perceived as being more intelligent and trustworthy. They also tend to make more money than those who don’t.While the main goal of a general dentist is to ensure that your mouth is healthy, a cosmetic dentist job is to ensure your smile is camera ready, eliminating imperfections and giving you a smile that you can be proud to show off to the world. Cosmetic dentists also work with patients to create a treatment plan that addresses the needs of each patient.

But many people are unable to have the smile of their dreams because of gaps, chips, discoloration, crooked or missing teeth, and other dental problems. Fortunately, there are ways to fix these problems and restore confidence in one’s smile through cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Bill Frei and Dr. Stephen Thomas are specialists that focus on the appearance of the mouth, including the teeth and gums. They are often referred to as “smile architects.” They are trained to correct the appearance of your smile so that it can be its most beautiful and natural expression. Cosmetic dentists can enhance your smile by addressing misaligned or chipped teeth, whitening them to remove stains and discoloration, bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, and more.

Aesthetic dentists are often not able to perform procedures that would benefit your oral health, such as root canals and extractions. These types of procedures are considered restorative in nature and typically covered by insurance. However, some cosmetic treatments, such as tooth whitening and dental veneers, are considered elective in nature, meaning that they are not medically necessary.

 

The definition of beauty has changed over time. Historically, beauty was defined as symmetry and harmony. The Greeks saw beauty in lines, shapes, and a balance of proportions. In modern times, beauty is more subjective and is more about a person’s personal preference. The field of cosmetic dentistry is based on the principle that beauty in the mouth means a well-aligned, uniformly colored, attractive smile.

Many people think that cosmetic dentists are a type of orthodontist, but this is not true. While some orthodontists have completed additional specialty training in a residency program and are skilled at straightening crooked or overlapping teeth, most cosmetic dentists specialize in enhancing the appearance of your smile with procedures such as whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and crowns.

Do cosmetic dentists offer braces?

While some cosmetic dentists may offer braces or Invisalign, it is usually a better option to visit a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, periodontist or prosthodontist. These doctors have undergone extra training and are able to treat complex cases, such as those requiring the placement of implants or bone grafts.

In addition, they are skilled at addressing issues such as teeth grinding (bruxism), which can result in the movement and loosening of adjacent teeth. This can result in the need for other procedures such as dental bridges or crowns.