Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance of teeth, gums, and bites. Through bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, and implants, cosmetic dentistry positively changes the look of teeth and smiles. These procedures affect a person’s self-esteem and, therefore, are considered necessary by a majority of the population.
Still, anxiety about procedures and their effectiveness lingers. Today, however, there is less reason to be uncertain. Cosmetic dentistry practices are in the limelight and take special care to be viewed positively. In addition, cosmetic dentists gain accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This governing body maintains the integrity of cosmetic dentistry practices, ensuring responsible patient care. One scientific study states, “Regarding Hollywood smile or smile makeover, the majority of dentists choose conservative approaches, and implants were the first choice to replace missing teeth for 93.8% of the surveyed dentists.”
Concerns about cosmetic dentistry procedures, like the longevity of porcelain veneers, can be dispersed with some basic information. Studies show that veneers prepared by a general dentist are less likely to last as long as those prepared by a cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers done by a cosmetic dentist have higher success rates than those performed by a regular dentist. This is due to the expertise required for careful preparation and isolation during cementation, including preassessment of remaining enamel and bonding systems. One clinical study showed survival rates of porcelain veneers done by a cosmetic dentist of 94.4% after five years and 93.5% after ten years, while another study showed 96% survival after ten years and 91% after 20 years. Studies of veneers done by general dentistry and graduate students showed 53% after ten years and 47% after seven years.
These results are encouraging for cosmetic dentistry.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding research continues to advance. Bonding has improved the restoration and integrity of damaged or missing teeth, a needed component of cosmetic dentistry. Even still, only a few adhesives adhere to enamel. Therefore, it is usual practice to add a coupling agent to adhere to the dental surface. Creating favorable surface topography for anchorage promotes successful bonding at the bonding zone, and ultraviolet irradiation (UVI) also increases the bond strength. Every tooth requires a different approach. Each circumstance is unique. Undue pain is not necessary. Responsible cosmetic dentists evaluate every patient’s tooth based on its needs, including materials, processes, anesthesia, and natural coloring.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry practice. The multiple products and procedures promoting it may also seem confusing. To clarify, there are two significant approaches to teeth whitening: chemical bleaching and mechanical cleaning. Chemical bleaching with peroxides in your dentist’s office is the safest and most effective method. Mechanical cleaning relies on balancing appropriate abrasives and legally regulated 1% hydrogen peroxide in toothpaste. The goal is to use abrasives that are harder than stains and softer than enamel, such as Silica toothpaste, which has shown promise in recent years. However, in-office treatments have better and longer-lasting effects than whitening kinds of toothpaste.
Some Crazy Teeth-Whitening Facts
If modern teeth-whitening practices seem inconvenient or unpleasant, look at their history. While lemons, granules, herbs, and other properties have been used to whiten teeth, one unbelievable practice is that of the ancient Romans, who mixed urine with pumice to make toothpaste! The ammonium it produced acted as a teeth-whitening agent so effective that the practice continued into the 1700s. We can be glad cosmetic dentistry has come a long way.
Despite the decline of cosmetic dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has started to increase again in recent years. Enhancing form, function, and aesthetics has been a high priority for many millennia and will most likely continue based on its longevity. Thankfully, through dental education, research, and technology, ineffective or unnecessarily painful procedures are no longer practiced.
Sandy Springs Top Rated Cosmetic Dentist
If you have questions about any cosmetic dental procedures or are unsure which treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to discuss options ranging from transformative smile makeovers to more conservative treatments to achieve your dental goals while preserving your natural tooth structure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
Posted on behalf of Creative Dentistry & MedSpa