New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Your smile is one of your most noticeable features. But what if there are some details about its appearance that you are unhappy with? You might be thinking about visiting a cosmetic dentist. But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry, and what does it involve? Continue reading this blog post to gain a basic understanding of this aspect of oral healthcare.
Cosmetic Dentistry: The Basics
In a nutshell, cosmetic dentistry is a term that encompasses any dental service that has the goal of enhancing the appearance of the teeth and gums. It can address multiple issues, including dental stains, chipped teeth, minor misalignment, an uneven gumline, and more.
Cosmetic dentistry is not officially recognized as a dental specialty. Therefore, any licensed dentist can choose to offer cosmetic treatments.
In many cases, there is a degree of crossover between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. For example, porcelain crowns may be classified as a cosmetic treatment because they look very natural and can improve the appearance of stained or misshapen teeth. However, their primary purpose is usually to fortify those teeth, protect them against additional damage, and restore their function.
What Treatments Does a Cosmetic Dentist Offer?
Here is a brief list of some popular cosmetic dental treatments:
- Teeth whitening uses a powerful formula to remove dental stains. It can brighten teeth by several shades!
- Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-designed for each patient. They can hide multiple imperfections.
- Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to disguise flaws in teeth.
- Gum recontouring is a minimally invasive surgery that reshapes the gumline, resulting in a more proportionate smile.
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, gradually straighten the teeth.
- A smile makeover combines multiple aesthetic services to completely transform the look of a patient’s smile.
What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry
When you attend a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, they will thoroughly examine your mouth and ask about what you want to accomplish. Feel free to bring photos to help your dental team understand your goals. Based on what your dentist learns, they can recommend a treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal look. Depending on the services you choose to undergo, treatment may take as little as one appointment. In other cases, multiple appointments across the course of several months are necessary.
Once your beautiful new smile is complete, your dental team will give you tips to maintain your look. With proper care, your cosmetic dentistry results could last for years!
Cosmetic dentistry is a safe and reliable way to enhance your smile! If you have questions about what to expect from treatment, your local dental team would be happy to speak with you.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been proudly serving our community for decades. Our talented team of dentists offers a range of cosmetic services, and we are passionate about helping patients enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles. If you have questions about how we may be able to enhance the appearance of your teeth, we are eager to welcome you in for a consultation. Get in touch with our New Haven office at 203-712-4068.