What is Considered to be Cosmetic Dentistry?

“Cosmetic dentistry” is a somewhat misunderstood term, as it’s a relatively new field of dentistry. We often get questions about what differentiates it from regular dentistry, so we wanted to take a minute to talk about the differences, and give some examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What Constitutes Cosmetic Dentistry?

Traditional dentistry is a medical practice, aimed at reducing or preventing a number of diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. If left unchecked, these diseases can sometimes lead to much more severe health issues, as well as potentially reduce a person’s ability to eat normally.

On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is almost solely concerned with improving the quality of a person’s smile and teeth. There might not be any disease directly involved, just physical problems such as cracked or missing teeth. A better smile can help improve a person’s quality of life in numerous ways, from social situations to business interactions.

Another difference is that cosmetic dentistry is often -although not always- considered an elective procedure. This means that some dental insurance plans may not cover cosmetic treatments, or have lower coverage. However, this varies considerably from one insurance plan to the next, and can also be affected by the dentist’s own evaluation of the necessity of the work.

Common Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Virtually all cosmetic treatments are intended to make a person’s mouth look better. Some of the most frequent types include:

• Teeth Whitening: This is the most common kind of cosmetic dentistry. It thoroughly removes stains, turning yellowed teeth a brilliant white again.
• Dental Implants: When a patient is missing teeth, implanted false teeth can allow them to regain all normal chewing ability while looking natural to those looking at their teeth.
• Composite Bonding: Composites are used to “patch” small areas of teeth, such as cracks or discolored areas. The composites are bonded to natural teeth and become part of them.
• Dental Veneers: Somewhat like wood veneers, these are coatings that are bonded to the teeth with adhesive, covering up cracks, holes, or stains.  Veneers are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• Inlays: Inlays are a form of filling, which are added to teeth with large cracks or holes. They can slow down tooth decay while looking much more natural than metal fillings.

Modern Family Dentistry in Austin Can Fix Your Smile

Dr. Maggie and Dr. Benjamin Sharfae both have over fifteen years of experience bringing the best in modern dentistry to people across the Austin area.  From traditional cleanings to extensive reconstructive work, Modern Family Dentistry is committed to safe effective, and gentle dentistry for every patient.

For more information or appointment scheduling, contact us today!