What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is an ever-evolving term. In the early days of dentistry, anything that restored a tooth to proper function utilizing proper tooth form was considered cosmetic dentistry.
Today, cosmetic dentistry is considered to be anything that restores teeth to proper form and function with proper shape and color to the ideal relative to the general population. This can include anything from a routine filling to dentures to dental implants.
Check out some of our cosmetic dentistry smile stories
She said “I want my smile to pop!” and let us do the rest. Minimal prep porcelain veneers gave her a broader and brighter smile. Recently she was stopped in Las Vegas by a woman who told her she had “the most beautiful smile in the world!”
She was tired of watching her teeth get darker by the day. We were able to fix some cavities and bite issues on the way to restoring her beautiful smile with crowns and veneers.
He had been having patchwork dentistry done for years. When he finally decided to fix things the right way, he came to us. After a thorough workup, we decided to reshape the gumline areas before fixing the teeth with a combination of crowns, veneers, and implants.
His wedding day was approaching, and he still had the microdonts (small teeth) he was born with. He didn’t like the spacing, and the various repairs done on them over time were not worthy of his wedding photos. A local specialist referred him to us, and we fixed the front four teeth with crowns.
How are fillings, dentures, and implants cosmetic?
Routine fillings are now considered cosmetic due to the advancements in dental materials. In the early days of dentistry, we could only restore teeth with either silver fillings or with gold. Nowadays, we can restore teeth with tooth-colored fillings or even full coverage tooth-colored crowns.
Dentures may even be seen as cosmetic. Dentures are no longer just a set of “clickers”. A well made, good fitting set of dentures can restore your missing teeth to the proper form and function with proper shape and color according to what is considered normal in society. When combined with dental implants, dentures can even be utilized in a fashion that more closely resembles natural form and function.
Dental implants may also be considered cosmetic dentistry in many lights. The initial function for which dental implants were utilized was the restoration of one missing tooth. This would allow a single tooth to be replaced without the violation of adjacent teeth. The tooth could be restored in the proper position, with the proper function, and now with the appropriate color to match the rest of your teeth. When combined with other dental procedures, such as dentures or bridges, to give better stability to the restoration, this, yet again, increases the functionality closer to natural.
What other procedures are considered cosmetic?
Humans in general are always looking for brighter, shinier, and better looking. A couple of procedures that can be included in this are veneers and tooth whitening.
Veneers are utilized when the shape and color are not ideal. A thin layer of porcelain is overlain one’s teeth to restore the tooth to the ideal shape and color.
Tooth whitening is utilized when the form and function of the natural teeth is appropriate, but the color is not as white as one desires. There are many different ways to whiten natural teeth. This can be explained to you in detail by Dr. Musselman at your comprehensive treatment planning appointment.
Cosmetic dental procedures should be utilized in addition to traditional dental treatments, or to “cover-up” a bad dentition. This, also, can be explained in detail by Dr. Musselman at your treatment planning appointment.
This patient had severe acid erosion and decay. We were able to save all of the teeth, restore his function, and protect the teeth from erosion in the future.
Check out a few more of our cosmetic dentistry smile stories
Uneven wear, failing bondings, slight gaps and rotated teeth are all good reasons she had for upgrading her smile. We solved these problems with a smile makeover of minimal prep porcelain veneers.
A brighter smile is what she wanted, but that wasn’t what was really bothering her. The crowded lower front teeth were wearing a pattern into the edges of her upper front teeth. We were able to artificially straighten her teeth and give her a beautifully-shaped, brighter smile.
A lime-sucking habit is what caused the acidic damage to his front teeth, and he sought our help just in time. These teeth were almost unable to be restored, but we were able to adjust his bite and restore the teeth with crowns.
“I like the shape of my teeth, but they are getting darker, and the whitening gel is not working as well as I’d like.” We brightened her smile with minimal prep porcelain veneers and fixed a bite issue as well.
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He wanted to restore his teeth after years of uneven wear and darkening. He did not want his teeth to look unnatural, so we went with a natural shade that has less gray in it. When we finished, he got new clothes and a new haircut to match!
She noticed her teeth slowly collapsing inward, as well as the multitude of shades in her smile. She wanted a broader, more uniform smile, but wanted it to look natural. She is very happy with her new porcelain veneers.
She wanted straight teeth without going through Invisalign. After careful analysis and preparation, we were able to artificially straighten the teeth using porcelain veneers. She loves how natural they look!
Substance abuse almost ruined his front teeth beyond repair. After cleaning out the cavities and restoring the teeth with crowns, he has been getting promotion after promotion at work.
He wanted his smile to pop in bright white. Shortly after his porcelain veneers were placed, he met the girl of his dreams.
He wanted to get rid of the gaps and get a brighter smile. After Invisalign treatment to close the gaps on the bottom, we used porcelain veneers to bring back a light, yet natural look.
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Interested in the smile of your dreams? See what's possible at Musselman Dentistry
So many people choose to invest in cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smile and overall appearance, which can have a profound impact on their self-confidence and quality of life. A beautiful smile can boost self-esteem and make a positive impression in social and professional settings. Cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or teeth whitening can address issues such as discoloration, misalignment, chips, or gaps, providing a smile that aligns with their desired aesthetic goals. Ultimately, deciding to invest in your smile is about feeling happier and more comfortable in one's skin, which can translate to improved well-being and a more positive outlook on life.