Are you hiding a dull or incomplete smile behind closed lips? You might want to consider cosmetic dentistry this year. Many cosmetic dentistry procedures can improve the appearance of your smile.
In fact, more people are experiencing the benefits of cosmetic and surgical dentistry firsthand. The cosmetic dentistry market might even reach $30.1 billion by 2025.
What is cosmetic dentistry, exactly, and what surgical dentistry procedures are available? Keep reading to find out!
After reading this guide, you could discover the cosmetic dentistry procedure you need. Then, you can improve your smile and start grinning with renewed confidence.
Discover everything you need to know about cosmetic dentistry with this guide today!
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
First, let’s cover the basics: what is cosmetic dentistry, exactly?
Cosmetic dentists and traditional dentists complete the same training. Their services often differ, though. Cosmetic dentistry services are designed to improve the functionality, health, and appearance of your teeth.
Talk to your cosmetic dentist about any concerns you have regarding your smile. For example, perhaps you have a missing tooth.
Cosmetic issues can also impact your oral health. A missing tooth leaves a gap between your teeth. The surrounding teeth might lean toward the gap to fill the space.
Your teeth might begin to appear crooked as a result. You can use orthodontics to straighten your teeth. Then, a dental implant can replace the missing tooth.
Cosmetic dentistry provides you with different options to makeover your smile. For example, you might want whiter, brighter teeth. Perhaps you want to fix the appearance of a chipped tooth.
The combined effort of these services can improve the appearance of your smile. You’ll have an easier time chewing and maintaining your oral health, too. For example, it’s easier to brush and floss if your teeth are straight.
Look for an experienced, licensed cosmetic dentist. Consider finding a family cosmetic dentistry practice as well.
A family cosmetic dentist can help every member of your family, regardless of age.
They can fix any issues your family members have, allowing your entire family to smile feeling confident.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is cosmetic dentistry,” let’s discuss the procedures.
First, make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your family cosmetic dentist. They’ll help you determine which cosmetic dentistry procedures will benefit your smile. They can help you recognize which surgical dentistry services might help as well.
For example, you might discuss surgical dentistry procedures like:
- Biopsies
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Crown lengthening
- Cyst removal
- Facial aesthetic surgery
- Frenectomy
- Gingivectomy
- Gum grafting
- Pre-prosthetic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Ridge augmentation
- Root amputation
- Scar correction
- Socket preservation
- Soft-tissue grafting
- Surgical treatment for sleep apnea
There are now over 29,000 cosmetic dentists in the US. Choosing the right cosmetic dentist will ensure you can accomplish your goals. With their help, you can improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
Here’s a little more information about some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures you might want to discuss with your dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Your wisdom teeth (also called your third molars) are located in the back of your mouth. For many patients, wisdom teeth erupt during their early 20s. You might need to make space among your teeth to accommodate your molars.
Your dentist might suggest you get your wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure. If your wisdom teeth don’t have space to grow, you could experience pain or infection. You might also need your wisdom teeth removed if you experience:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Trapped food and debris behind your wisdom teeth
- Development of a cyst (fluid-filled sac)
- Complications with orthodontic treatments
- Damage to a nearby tooth
Your oral surgeon will likely recommend anesthesia. Then, they’ll make an incision in the gum tissue. Your surgeon will remove any bone that blocks access to the tooth root.
They’ll remove the tooth, clean the site, and stitch the wound.
Jaw Surgery
If your top and bottom jaws don’t align, your surgeon might recommend orthognathic surgery. Corrective jaw surgery can improve your facial appearance.
It can benefit your jaw’s functionality, too.
Dental Implants
Remember, having a gap between your teeth could cause the surrounding teeth to lean toward the gap. If your teeth have started to appear crooked, consider surgical dentistry with dental implants. An implant will fill in the gap between your smile.
This cosmetic dentistry procedure will require your dentist to drill a screw into your jaw. Then, you’ll need to wait for roots to grow around the implant. This process ensures the implant will remain in place.
Finally, your dentist will place the crown on top of the screw, filling any gaps between your teeth.
Potential Benefits
Are you on the fence about surgical dentistry to restore the appearance of your smile? Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist. They can help you recognize the potential benefits.
For example, you might have a missing tooth. If you’re missing a tooth, you might struggle to chew or speak. You might feel more self-conscious, too.
Cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile, which could boost your confidence. You might feel more comfortable in social settings as a result.
Consider surgical dentistry to fix any issues related to your mouth or face. With minimally invasive techniques, you can heal sooner than anticipated. Choosing an experienced oral surgeon will minimize potential complications as well.
You can create a customized treatment plan to accomplish your distinct needs.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?: Your Guide to a Stunning Smile
To recap, what is cosmetic dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry procedures can repair and restore your smile. You could improve your oral health and appearance as a result.
Consider visiting your family cosmetic dentistry practice to determine which procedures suit your needs.
Eager to get started? We’re here to help.
Request a consultation with our team today!