Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Teeth reshaping (sculpting) and bonding
- Whitening (tooth bleaching)
- Reshaping of teeth
- Bonding with dental composite material
- Dental bridges
Whitening Procedures
- Multiple whitening options available
- Over the counter products like Crest Whitestrips
- Dentist-supervised methods
- Laser whitening technique
- Laser whitening is six times more effective
Reshaping Procedures
- Tooth reshaping improves tooth appearance
- Used to correct chips, length, shape, or position
- Can correct crooked or long teeth
- Fast results and alternative to braces
- Also known as enameloplasty or contouring
Bonding Procedures
- Enamel-like dental composite material used
- Color matched and applied to tooth surface
- Sculpted into proper tooth contour
- Utilizes dental adhesives
- Examples include inlays and onlays
Dental Implants
- Prosthetic replacements for missing teeth
- Made of titanium and connected to abutment
- Connected to implant through abutment
- Gum lifts for raising and sculpting gum line
- Metal braces and clear aligners for straightening teeth
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Largest international dental organization
- Composed of general dentists, specialists, and lab technicians
- Founded in 1984
- Over 7,000 members in the United States and 70+ countries
- Offers continuing education through lectures, workshops, and publications
American Society For Dental Aesthetics
- Established in 1976
- Provides advanced aesthetic and restorative techniques education
- Membership requires minimum experience or postgraduate training
- Attendance to ASDA sponsored continuing education seminars
- Nomination and recommendation by Society members
History
- Newell Sill Jenkins is regarded as the founder of aesthetic dentistry
- Jenkins developed Jenkins porcelain enamel
- Improved porcelain paste, porcelain inlays, dental crowns, and bridges
- Practiced most of his life in Dresden, Germany
- Lived from 1840 to 1919
References
- Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association
- Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery article on cosmetic dentistry
- Journal of Mich Dent Assoc article on cosmetic dentistry
- American Dental Association's Specialty Definitions
- American College of Prosthodontists website
Techniques and Procedures
- Role of lasers in cosmetic dentistry
- Clinical management of tooth size discrepancies
- Tooth size discrepancy in a Libyan population
- Dental adhesive systems classification review
- Resin bonded bridges techniques for success
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field. This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists.
cosmetic dentistry (uncountable)
