What Cosmetic Dentistry Can and Cannot Acheive for Patients

First of all there is no such specialty as cosmetic dentistry. There are a plethora of courses that do in fact offer courses in cosmetic dentistry from many aspects. There are also a number of "institutes" which specialize in different aspects of dentistry. But, they are not academically recognized schools. That is not to say that they are misrepresenting what they do. It is just that they have no academic standing as far as licensing and specialty training is concerned. A check of web sites will show many who advertise as being "Cosmetic dentists"; Having clarified this, it is note worthy, that dentists have been assessed as being he most active of the health care professions, as far as continuing education is concerned.

Cosmetic dentistry is a part of a general practice in which the dentist endeavors to improve the overall oral appearance of the patient. Materials are such that we can now offer both filling materials and crown and bridge treatment that is both long lasting and very pleasing aesthetically. If you have a concern about your oral appearance arrange for a consultation with your dentist. Or seek out the dentist of a friend who may have had nice treatment rendered. A search of web sites will reveal many options; but, always remember some sites tend to be quite self serving.

Many patients will peruse magazines and will come in with photos asking if the dentist can do this sort of treatment. A well trained and ethical dentist will give a thorough and honest appraisal. Many people in the limelight have what many dentists feel is overly white teeth. They are sometimes referred to as "Toilet bowl white". But, if a patient is comfortable with such a choice a dentist can work with his / her laboratory to attain the colour and appearance the patient wants.

Colour is one factor, as well the contour and relative size, of particularly, front teeth which can be a great boost to a good smile. Many patients are thrilled that the crooked and slanted biting edges of the front teeth have been restored to an even appearance. A nice looking smile, in my opinion, is not a solid white. Teeth can have a slight gradation of colour from a darker hue at the gum level to a slightly translucent appearance at the biting edge.

In conversation with fellow dentists one often hears of impossible goals to achieve. I once had a patient who brought in a lovely photo of Cindy Crawford. She said "I want to look like that!". I had to explain the limitations I saw. I could not ethically treat her. Sadly I felt she looked more like Broderick Crawford than Cindy Crawford and any expensive dental treatment might fall short of what she was envisaging. I say this not out of malice; but, out of a genuine concern of not being able to achieve the impossible.

On a consultation the dentist not only assesses the patient's wishes, but also the condition of the existing dentition. In most cases we can work with challenging cases and attain good results. If you would like to improve your smile contact your dentist and also check out the possibilities. Look at veneers, all porcelain crowns, and even pre-treatment orthodontics to straighten the teeth. It can be a worth while project but it needs some research and consultation. Smile!!!