Cosmetic Dentistry Essay

Words: 1465
Pages: 6

Cosmetic Dentistry

This morning I woke up and looked in the mirror and noticed that my teeth were not as white as I like them to be. I think to myself, I need to call and make an appointment to get my teeth whitened with my dentist. Teeth whitening is an example of Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmetic Dentistry is different than regular dentistry in the sense that regular dentistry deals with oral hygiene and the prevention, diagnosing and treating of any oral diseases. Cosmetic dentistry however focuses on improving a person’s teeth, smile, and mouth. General dentistry deals with what needs to be done whereas Cosmetic dentistry is

The cost of dental bonding depends not only on the location, it can also depend on the bonding process and how small or big the procedure you had done was. The average cost of dental bonding is $300 to $600 dollars per tooth. Dental insurance sometimes covers the procedure depending on if it is used for structural purpose.

Let’s say that you are a ex-smoker, and after 5 to 10 years of smoking your teeth are just not as white as you like them to be. An easy fix for your tooth discoloration are Veneers. Veneers commonly known as porcelain veneers are thin sheets (half a mm thick or about as thick as a fingernail) of tooth colored porcelain that cover the front and sides of your teeth. They are used to fixed severe discoloration, chips, and cracks. They are also to help fix the gaps in your teeth. The placement of veneers usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment your tooth is prepared. The dentist does this by removing a thin layer of the surface of your tooth (about 0.5 mm) so that the veneer can fit on the tooth. Next a gingival retraction cord is placed so that the dentist can get a good impression. Then an impression is taken so that the Lab Tech can create your veneers. Since your teeth feel rough after this preparation, the dentist will usually place temporary veneers. If he doesn’t it is ok because they are not always needed. They are easier to stain while in this state though, so you