Who are cosmetic dentists?
Cosmetic dentists are doctors who specialize in oral care focused on improving the appearance of the mouth, teeth, gums, and overall smile. This field of dentistry is becoming increasingly popular in the USA. It not only helps people transform their appearances but also helps restore their confidence.
Although cosmetic dentistry is widely practiced in the USA, it is not recognized as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association (ADA). Hence, aspirants train in other dental specialties like endodontics, orthodontics, etc., before pursuing a fellowship in cosmetic dentistry. After completing this program, specialists seek a medical license before practicing and aim for board certification.
What are the standard procedures performed by cosmetic dentists?
A cosmetic dentist is licensed to perform various procedures, from minor fixes to major surgeries. A few common examples of these include:
Teeth whitening
It is a relatively common dental procedure. Teeth whitening helps clean teeth and rid them of plaque, tartar, and other debris. After thoroughly cleaning, dentists bleach the teeth' surface to make them brighter and whiter. Habits like smoking or certain medications, drinks, and food lead to stains on the teeth over time. While products like toothpaste, rinses, and Whitestrips may help brighten teeth to a certain extent, professionally performed whitening makes a more significant difference in a single visit.
Dental veneers
Thin shells made of porcelain or ceramic that resemble an individual's natural teeth are employed in this procedure. Dental veneers help fix issues like crooked teeth, enamel erosion, and excessive spacing between teeth. To fit veneers, a dentist will trim parts of the enamel from your teeth's surface, take an impression of the teeth, and then fit them once ready. The complete procedure may require 2-3 visits.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns or caps are prosthetics that can be fitted over a decayed or damaged tooth to preserve and keep it from eroding further. Dental specialists also use crowns to protect procedures like root canals, enamel filling, and dental bridges.
Inlays and Onlays
These are indirect fillings used in teeth that are too weak to support a basic filling. Inlays are deposited in the tooth's center and cover pits and fissures, whereas onlays cover one or more tooth cusps. The procedure can be used as an alternative to crowns to preserve the tooth's natural exterior and strengthen it after decay.
Dental implants
In tooth loss due to injury or decay, a dental implant is employed to replace the missing tooth. It is a metal device usually made of titanium and is surgically placed into the missing tooth's bone socket. With time, the bone and tissue heal and fuse with the implant to secure its position.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored substrate to the teeth to repair chips, cracks, decay, or discoloration. It is usually more affordable than other alternatives and fillings. The dentist will apply a moldable resin to the tooth, harden it with ultraviolet light, and then the doctor will trim, shape, and polish the material to blend it into the tooth's surface.
Orthodontic treatment
Though orthodontics is an entirely separate specialty in dentistry, it is also an essential aspect of cosmetic dentistry. Orthodontics involves using special devices like braces, elastics, retainers, etc., to help shape misaligned teeth and enhance the smile and the jaws.
How to find top-rated cosmetic dentists in Dallas?
Whether it's treating decayed teeth or improving your smile, cosmetic dentists can help you. They concentrate on making your smile brighter and enhancing your appearance. Additionally, they can also advise on dental hygiene and keeping your teeth healthy.
However, choosing a qualified, experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist can be tricky, and booking appointments with them may be a bit of a hassle. Zocdoc is a platform that helps patients connect with healthcare experts seamlessly. It provides access to an open directory of the best medical and healthcare providers who will attend to all your medical needs.
Each medical and healthcare expert associated with Zocdoc has a unique profile summary where you can read about their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and spoken language. You can also access the verified reviews and user ratings of previous patients to help you make an informed decision before visiting the specialist.
Other features on the website include customizing your search based on the area and gender. If you conduct an area-specific search, you'll be able to locate the nearest providers near you. Furthermore, you can save on expenses by choosing in-network providers and paying through your healthcare plan by including the insurance carrier's name in the search filter.
All bookings with Zocdoc are easy, secure, and free!
Vital stats on dental decays and cosmetic dentistry in the USA and Texas
Dental decays and cavities are very common in the USA. According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that around 13.2% of children between the ages of 5 -19 years and 25.9% of people between the ages of 20 - 44 years had untreated dental caries. Regular visits to a dentist help prevent such unwanted cavities.
Cosmetic procedures are also equally common and are slowly gaining popularity nationwide. According to a statistical analysis by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 2015, patients were asked to specify their reasons for undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatments. Around 86% of the answers were to improve physical attractiveness and self-esteem.
In Texas, too, the scenario isn't any different. According to the reports by Texas Health and Human Services, 2016-2017, around 17.7% of the children in Texas have one or more dental issues like decay or cavity. However, the good news is that about 79% of children in Texas underwent one or more dental visits in 2015.
Sources
WebMD
Verywellhealth
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Texas Health and Human Services
