Aesthetic Dentistry
The terms “cosmetic dentistry” and “aesthetic dentistry” are all too often viewed as one and the same and I have seen them interchanged over and over again. Although I would not go as far as dubbing this an outright error, I would, however, insist that this is a misconception which shortchanges aesthetic dentistry. Let us set the record straight and define the two terms as accurately and as fairly as possible:
- On the one hand, cosmetic dentistry is that branch or specialty of dentistry which concentrates on the improvement and / or enhancement of appearances of the teeth, of the gums and of the open mouthed smile.
- On the other hand, aesthetic dentistry focuses on the broader aspects and functionality of the mouth by improving and enhancing its appearances while, at the same time, ensuring optimal oral and dental health as well as practicality and usage. Perhaps a more accurate definition of aesthetic dentistry is; the combination of art and science as applicable to dental procedures.
Aesthetic dentistry provides dental patients with an extensive assortment of treatments, some of which are the following:
- Tooth Whitening is also referred to as bleaching. This is a process which reduces or eliminates stains and discoloration from teeth and leaves them looking brighter.
- Dental Implants are root-shaped prosthetics made of titanium which are embedded into the jawbones in order to support artificial teeth.
- Composite Bonding is the process of applying a composite resin to improve the appearance of a natural tooth or to cement an artificial restorative tooth to replace a missing one.
- Porcelain Veneers are very thin layers of porcelain that is applied to the front part of a tooth to cover imperfections and to improve its function.
- Bite Improvements stabilize and balance the bite in order to avoid uneven and excessive stress on any one or more teeth which can ultimately lead to breakage or joint dysfunction.
- Gum Lifts are minor surgeries which reshape the gum tissues to reduce the amount of gums showing while smiling.
- Mouth Guards are usually worn at night. These are devices that are fitted over the teeth to stop them from grinding or clenching which can wear away natural as well as restorative teeth.
- Root Canal Treatments are also known as root canal work.
- Braces are devices that move teeth into more attractive positions and improve alignments for healthier bites.
- Build Ups are the restorations of worn down or broken teeth to their natural size for more attractive looks as well as for better use of them.
- Dental Bridges restore missing teeth with artificial ones which are clamped onto existing crowned teeth on either side of them.
- Dental Crowns are restorative layers which entirely cover the remnants of natural teeth to give them a better visual as well as functionality.
- Overlays are usually used in conjunction with build ups to cover the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
To promote, preserve, advance and incorporate aesthetic dentistry into the full gamut of the dental field and all its branches, a matchless organization was established — the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) (http://www.estheticacademy.org/). The AAED is comprised of dental experts from every aspect of dentistry and they are all dedicated to uphold and enforce the highest standards of professionalism in aesthetic dentistry and all its facets; clinical, scientific, artistic and ethical.
Posted in Dental Implants
content rss