Ask the Warrior Dentist - What?s New in Cosmetic Dentistry?

Lots of things are brand new in the field of cosmetic dentistry, so it is easier and more affordable than ever before to look better and feel better thanks to a more beautiful smile Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is mostly meant to change how the mouth, teeth, and gums look ? as opposed to non-cosmetic procedures that might treat periodontal disease or fight tooth decay without noticeable changes in outward appearance

Lots of things are brand new in the field of cosmetic dentistry, so it is easier and more affordable than ever before to look better and feel better thanks to a more beautiful smile.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is mostly meant to change how the mouth, teeth, and gums look ? as opposed to non-cosmetic procedures that might treat periodontal disease or fight tooth decay without noticeable changes in outward appearance. Of course some kinds of dentistry accomplish both things simultaneously, because often times a remedial procedure, a repair, or work to cure oral diseases will also result in better looking teeth.

For example, there is a new method of cosmetic dentistry that involves using dental implants to attach replacement teeth or dentures to the mouth. While the dental implant itself is hidden from view ? and not even seen ? the overall results of using this rather unique device are wonderfully cosmetic. Someone with missing teeth can suddenly have a new set of teeth, so this kind of new innovation helps improve cosmetics while also fixing a serious dental problem.

One of the most popular kinds of cosmetic dentistry to take hold in recent years is tooth whitening. Not only has it become much easier to do ? so that people can even do many of the bleaching and whitening steps in the comfort of their own homes ? but the whitening products used by dentists now work better and last longer.

For those with serious stains, one of the newer remedies is to use a high-tech tooth veneer. These veneers are very thin artificial surfaces than can be attached with dental adhesive to the face of the tooth. So if your front teeth are badly discolored, for instance, then you can have your dentist apply a beautiful and sparkling new veneer. Your discoloration or staining will be hidden from sight and nobody but you and your dentist will know that you have a superficial cosmetic veneer.

Some of the more involved types of cosmetic dentistry include surgical procedures such as gum trimming. Many people are unhappy with the way their mouth looks because they have a gummy smile. But dental surgeons can now trim and sculpt the gums to make them look less conspicuous or more symmetrical, and the outcome is a more attractive smile.

Of course the field of orthodontics has always been the main category of popular cosmetic dentistry, because orthodontists are those dentists who do such things as installing braces to help straighten crooked teeth. But whereas wearing of braces used to be a much longer ordeal ? with less predictable and reliable results ? nowadays dentists can get results in a much shorter period of time and with less noticeable braces.

Within just a few months people can get the same results that used to take a year or more, and there are many different types of dental braces to help correct existing situations for a better looking smile as well as a healthy and better functioning set of teeth.

Ask your dentist about these and other new and improved cosmetic dentistry procedures. Having a better and more alluring smile has never been easier than it is now.

Dr. Susan Wells DMD has been a warrior dentist practicing dentistry in Warrior, Alabama since 1978.? She treats patients for all aspects of general dentistry including preventive dental care oral hygiene instruction and full scale exams and cleanings. To find out more visit her site at http://DrSusanWells.com.