Unlike general dentistry, cosmetic dentists not only are able to combine the science of oral medicine with the latest in technology, they have an eye for aesthetics and symmetry and are able to uniquely tailor their services to each patient. However, most cosmetic dentists also offer general dentistry services alongside their cosmetic procedures.
Typically, if you opt to go to a cosmetic dentist, you can expect services in these areas:
Cosmetic dentistry practices are usually reserved for procedures that improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry procedures focus on improving the color, position, shape, size, alignment of your smile.
To achieve this, a cosmetic dentist may use the following procedures:
Crowns are also a customized approach to fixing teeth which may be either poorly shaped or broken. A cosmetic dentist may recommend caps in order to support a tooth that has a large filling when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure remaining or to protect a weak tooth from fracturing. Sometimes referred to as caps, these are typically made from acrylic or porcelain and fused to metal to withstand biting pressure.
For a long time, straightening your teeth meant months of painful, bulky wires which needed to be routinely tightened and adjusted. No more! Now, cosmetic dentists use Invisalign®, a clear, medical-grade plastic that’s nearly invisible. But not only are they nearly imperceptible, they are also custom-fit for max comfort and ease. Whether it’s crooked teeth, misalignment, gaps or overcrowding, Invisalign can help correct all of the same issues traditional braces can…but without all the hassle and discomfort.
To improve the look of teeth, cosmetic dentists custom-make thin, shell-like material which is then applied to the front of a patient’s tooth. Veneers can help alleviate concerns with crooked, discolored or damaged teeth and even minimize large spaces.
Teeth Whitening. Among a wide variety of cosmetic complaints, studies show that 18-52% of people are unhappy with the color of their teeth. Luckily this is a relatively easy problem to address, and usually involves a customized, reusable mold which can then be taken home along with a supply of medical-grade teeth whitener. While there are many over-the-counter options, cosmetic dentists are able to provide much more effective, less-irritating and longer lasting results than what can be bought at a drugstore.
Tissue Reshaping/Laser Gum Surgery: Also called “gum contouring,” this process is the realignment of the gum line. The shape of our teeth and gums are largely genetic, however, other factors, such as smoking, medication and diet can impact our gum lines. Sculpting the gum line so that it doesn’t rest too high or too low is an art, and is typically not considered a medically required procedure.
A maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist, often in the dental field (such as cosmetic dentist), with advanced medical knowledge regarding conditions affecting:
This type of surgery is typically recommended for those with bite abnormality, chronic facial pain, cleft lip and/or palate, bone-fused dental implants, poorly-executed tooth extractions, or facial injuries.
Implant dentistry typically encompasses the realm of functional improvement; however, implants also have aesthetic side effects as well. Dental implants are a type of prosthesis that is joined with the bone of the jaw or skull to support dental elements such as crown, bridge, or denture.
Just like it sounds, general dentistry handles all the routine procedures for maintaining overall dental health. This includes:
Located in San Diego, Dr. David Landau, Dr. Lawrence Addleson and their extraordinary team are widely recognized for their top-quality smile designs. They have been awarded with recognition from their peers for many consecutive years and have been credited for the “whole body” approach to cosmetic dentistry.