The field of dentistry includes many different specialties that help not only the function of your teeth, but also the appearance of your smile. The desire for a nice smile appears to be universal across time as archaeologists discovered various methods to replace missing teeth dating back thousands of years. In China, tooth-shaped bamboo pegs replaced missing teeth. The Egyptians are credited with the first dental bridges by joining fake teeth together with gold and silver thread over 3000 years ago!
Cosmetic procedures, also known as Esthetic (or Aesthetic) Dentistry, have come a long way since ancient times, but also since the first dental veneers were invented in 1928 by pioneering Californian dentist, Charles Pincus, whose goal was to change an actor’s smile for a film shoot.
What is the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry?
If you have been to a dentist, you most likely visited a general dentist. General dentists handle the maintenance and most common tooth issues that affect people of all ages, such as cleanings and fillings. This is usually referred to as preventative and restorative dental care.
General dentists can receive additional training to certify in specific procedures to enhance your smile, such as implants or straightening teeth with clear aligners. Not all general dentists offer the same services. Much of what an office offers depends on the dentist’s preferences, training and availability.
Some general dentist offices prefer to focus on cosmetic procedures, but this is not an official dental specialty. The most common dental specialties include Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatrics, Periodontics and Oral Surgery. These specialties require graduation from an official program, after which the specialist can only perform in their new field. They cannot return to general dentistry.
There are many advantages of being a patient of an office with a general dentist who offers specialty services. Perhaps the most obvious advantage is being able to stay with a location and support team you already know and trust. It is typically easier to schedule needed procedures, and there may even be shorter wait times to receive the care you need.
What Cosmetic Procedures Can General Dentists Perform?
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure that a general dentist can offer. Whitening can remove stains from common foods such as coffee, tea and wine.
There are two main options for whitening: in-office or at-home. In-office whitening takes the least amount of time and commitment, since it only requires one visit to the dental office. At-home whitening is also a good option, and is usually less-expensive. Many offices sell high quality at-home whitening kits. Even though it may take longer, if you are consistent and follow the product directions, whitening at home can be just as effective as an in-office treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can fix the appearance of your smile by covering chipped, cracked or discolored teeth with a thin layer of porcelain. Veneers can be used to change the size or shape of your teeth as well as cover up small gaps. Since veneers are customized for each patient, you will work with your dentist to design your new smile, including the color of your veneers.
Veneers are a permanent choice because of the way they are bonded to your teeth and how long they last. The dentist removes a very thin layer (thinner than a fingernail) of your tooth enamel and bonds the porcelain ceramic veneer with special adhesive.
Veneers can withstand chewing and other normal day-to-day use and are stain resistant. You care for veneers the same way you would your natural teeth. With good care veneers can last more than 20 years.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a similar option to veneers in that the dentist uses it to cover up broken, chipped or discolored teeth, and to change the shape or size of a tooth. However, in dental bonding, the dentist adds composite resin to the tooth and shapes it in place.
Another difference between veneers and dental bonding is that dental bonding is not considered permanent since the resin could be removed to return to your original smile. This is classified as a “reversible” procedure, whereas veneers are “irreversible.”
Dental bonding may be recommended in cases where the needed repair is a tooth that doesn’t need to withstand much biting force, such as a front tooth. Since the dentist does not need to remove any existing enamel and can shape the resin immediately, this procedure can be completed in one day. With good care, dental bonding repairs can last 3-10 years.
Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring is exactly what it sounds like: the dentist removes small amounts of your natural enamel to shape or contour your tooth. As we all have a limited amount of enamel, this procedure is limited, but can be used to shorten teeth or smooth out rough areas. This is considered a quick and painless procedure.
Gum Contouring
We all have a unique smile. Part of what makes it unique is how much of your gums cover your teeth. You may have a “gummy smile” if your gums cover more of your teeth than what is typical. If your teeth are covered by excess gum tissue, your dentist can remove the extra tissue and reshape them to expose more of your tooth. This is called gingival sculpting and can be completed in one office visit. You will receive local anesthetic to numb the area while the dentist uses a laser or scalpel to remove tissue. Recovery depends on how many teeth need the treatment, but is usually fairly minimal.
If you are self-conscious about your gum line or feel your teeth are shorter than they should be, you may be a candidate for gum contouring.
For more information on what cosmetic procedures we offer, visit Jonny Fisher DDS at our office in Pullman, Washington. Call (509) 383-8300 to schedule your appointment today!
