A: I really think the answer to that question is the amount of training that a dentist does in order to really perfect the cosmetic skills. In reality, every dentist is a cosmetic dentist, because we do things that look natural and blend in with the rest of your smile.
However, there are definitely different types of training programs that dentists can go through to enhance their skills.
A Cosmetic Dentist In Webster Is A Specialist For A Reason
Honestly, as a cosmetic dentist in Webster, this is a question we get asked quite a bit and while technically, all dentists are cosmetic dentists, it’s a different approach to dental care. It’s hard to explain sometimes since some services overlap with other dental fields as well. Do you like football? Good, then picture your favorite dentist in Webster. Now, they would be like the head coach of the team. Their skillset and knowledge are so broad and diverse they can probably provide services a cosmetic dentist offers. The decision there really lies within the dentist’s comfort level and skillsets. Cosmetic dentistry can be performed by dentists—however, we refer back to football. Sure, the quarterback can probably play wide receiver—but do you really want him to?
Think about it, you have a dedicated wide receiver who all they do is practice running routes and catching the ball. Then you have a QB who all he does is practice play-calling and throwing the ball. Sure, the QB knows enough about the receiver position to play—but who do you trust more? Someone who catches the ball every day, or someone that has only seen the receivers do it?
Yes, a dentist might be able to install veneers, but if he has only watched others—that could lead to mistakes. Instead, you want a cosmetic dentist in Webster that has gone through at least three years of advanced education. They have gone through intense hands-on training with all things related to cosmetic procedures.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry most often deals with the visual appearance of your smile rather than functionality. Your smile is one of the most important features you have and its appearance carries so many implications with it.
Your smile can make you look and feel confident or it can make you feel insecure if there’s something off with it. However, with the great strides in the art of cosmetic dentistry, you can get a smile makeover by seeing a cosmetic dentist in Webster.
Now, the reason that Dr. Piyuse states that “in reality, every dentist is a cosmetic dentist…” is because the American Dental Association does not have a certification for cosmetic dentistry.
It’s actually a set of skills, and level of artistry that any general dentist can acquire throughout their career.
What Can A Cosmetic Dentist In Webster Do?
We talk about this subset of dentistry skills as artistry because that’s exactly what it is. The word cosmetic dentistry encompasses everything that deals with surface-level imperfections.
So, can it correct my underbite? No, that would be covered under orthognathic procedures.
What about a fractured tooth? No, that falls under the umbrella of restorative dentistry.
What if I suffer from bruxism? No, you would see a maxillofacial specialist.
By now it’s pretty obvious the limitations of what a cosmetic dentist in Webster can do. However, for minor cosmetic issues such as stained teeth, or slightly misaligned teeth, cosmetic dentistry is the solution.
Even though it may seem like there’s not a lot of problems that cosmetic dentistry can handle, there’s actually quite a few within this area.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
While there is a multitude of treatments that fall under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella, some of the most requested are:
- Veneers are thin facades of porcelain that are permanently attached to your natural teeth to correct shape and color. Although considered a permanent solution, they may need replacement due to wear after about 10-15 years.
- Crowns are also a facade but are more durable than a veneer which makes them more expensive as well. They are both cosmetic and preventative as they’re typically used for a cracked tooth to prevent further damage.
- Teeth Whitening Employs the usage of medically-safe bleaching agents to remove stains off the surface of the teeth. Unless stains are beneath the enamel, this whitening procedure, over time, can whiten teeth by several shades safely.
- Dental Implants are one of the treatments that are classified as both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dentists consider implants restorative since they restore the full function of natural teeth when you’ve lost a tooth. Dentures, on the other hand, do not give full functionality and can end up causing other issues. Insurance companies, however, still consider dental implants as a cosmetic elective procedure even though that couldn’t be further from the truth. Dental implants are actually under the specialization of Prosthodontics.
What Is Prosthodontics?
Since it overlaps a bit with cosmetic dentistry, we felt we should talk about prosthodontics and what it is. We could give you a history lesson on the word and how it originates in Greek—but that won’t really explain it. In a nutshell, prosthodontics deals with advanced care, restoration, and surgical procedures related to teeth. Usually, these are procedures and treatments to correct conditions that weren’t corrected in earlier stages such as tooth decay.
Prosthodontics makes use of advanced procedures such as dental implants, bone grafts, and gum tissue grafts. If a dentist is compared to a general practitioner in the medical field, a prosthodontist would be considered a specialist. They provide more specific diagnoses and then the advanced treatment options they require to correct.
The education required to proficiently practice prosthodontics is more involved than general dentistry and even cosmetic dentistry. It requires about three additional years of schooling in a prosthodontics graduate program. When a dental student goes on to specialize in prosthodontics, they end up with a deeper knowledge of dental and oral pathology. This gives them an advantage in diagnosing and treating complex cases where the issue may be underlying.
Prosthodontics also employs advanced and often technically complex surgical procedures that treat serious dental and maxillofacial issues. Some of the procedures prosthodontics employs may include:
- Mandible surgery for (TMD) Temporomandibular Disorder
- Advanced repair or replacement of missing, damaged, or decaying teeth
- Dental implant surgery or full-mouth reconstruction
- Bone and gum tissue grafts
- Dentures and bridges
- Diagnosis and treatment of bruxism or other TMD-related disorders like sleep apnea
However, as mentioned above, insurance companies still consider dental implants a cosmetic procedure, so they are not typically covered. If a policy does include dental implant coverage it’s usually a very small percentage of the cost.
Do You Want A Smile Makeover In Webster?
If you’re not happy with the appearance of your smile—we can help! Maybe your teeth are a bit stained and you want to brighten them up. Or, you might have slightly misshapen teeth that can be masked with veneers.
Whatever your situation may be, Clear Lake Dental Care has the answers you’re seeking. Contact us today for a consultation and let’s get your smile back!
