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Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums, and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improving dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance.
In the past, cosmetic dental procedures were primarily available to Hollywood celebrities and the very wealthy. But thanks to advances in dental technology and an increased demand for cosmetic dental procedures, cosmetic dentistry is now more affordable and accessible than ever before.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, the first step is to find a qualified cosmetic dentist near you. Many general dentists now offer cosmetic dental procedures, but to get the best results, it’s important to find a cosmetic dentist who has the training, continuing education, experience, and artistic eye to deliver the smile you’re looking for.
URBN Dental is a dental clinic led by some of the most talented and skilled cosmetic dental care professionals, including those certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. We can fix your dental issues, such as crooked teeth and missing teeth, using cutting-edge treatment options that improve your confidence.
You can find our cosmetic dentistry in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, or Montrose. Please schedule an appointment with an accredited fellow cosmetic dentist to explore your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan in Houston.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. If you’re not happy with the way your teeth look, cosmetic dentistry can help. Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, tooth reshaping, and veneers. These procedures can change the color, shape, size, and alignment of your teeth, without addressing overall dental health.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It can make your teeth several shades brighter. Dental bonding can improve the shape of your teeth and make them look longer. Tooth reshaping can change the way your teeth look by removing small amounts of tooth enamel. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Missing teeth
- Uneven or disproportionate teeth
- Misaligned jaws
Cosmetic dentistry is usually elective, which means it’s not covered by dental insurance. However, some procedures, such as dental bonding, can be used to fix dental problems and may be covered by insurance. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, talk to a dentist to find out what procedures would be right for you.
Who are Cosmetic Dentists?
A cosmetic dentist is a professional who offers dental care services to patients with the goal of improving their appearance. The most common procedures performed by cosmetic dental professionals are teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. However, they may also offer other services such as teeth contouring, teeth implants, and teeth straightening.
In order to become a cosmetic dentist, one must first complete dental school and obtain a license to practice. After that, many cosmetic dentists choose to undergo additional training in order to learn the specific skills needed to perform the procedures they offer. This continuing education may be in the form of a fellowship, residency, or post-graduate course.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the largest professional organization for cosmetic dentists. In order to become a member, a dentist must complete a rigorous accreditation process. This process includes successfully completing a written exam, submitting cases for review, and completing an oral exam.
The benefits of seeing an accredited fellow cosmetic dentist are numerous. In addition to improving your appearance, cosmetic dental procedures can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. They can also help you to avoid more serious dental problems in the future by correcting problems early on.
If you are considering any type of cosmetic dental procedure, be sure to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist who is certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. During your consultation, they will be able to evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry:
- Improved self-esteem and confidence: If you’re not happy with your smile, it can affect your confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile you’ve always wanted, improving your self-esteem.
- A boost to your career: A great smile can be a major asset in your career. In a recent survey, over 70% of respondents said that an unattractive smile could hurt someone’s career prospects.
- A youthful appearance: As we age, our teeth can become stained and worn. Cosmetic dentistry can help turn back the clock, giving you a youthful appearance.
- Improved oral health: In some cases, cosmetic dentistry can also improve your oral health. For example, tooth-colored fillings are less likely to crack your teeth than metal fillings.
5 Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of your smile if they are stained, chipped, or cracked. Veneers can also be used to close spaces between your teeth or to make your teeth look longer.
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan that may involve one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is designed to improve the appearance of your smile and give you the confidence to show your smile more often.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can be done in your dentist’s office or at home. Whitening can make your teeth several shades lighter and can help to brighten your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Implants are a popular option for people who have lost a tooth due to injury or disease.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. It uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are virtually invisible. Invisalign is an effective way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.