When you think of cosmetic dentistry, you may only think of teeth whitening or teeth straightening. Those are indeed treatments available for New York-based cosmetic dentistry patients, but it goes much further than that.
Cosmetic dentistry is a discipline meant to help your smile look the best it possibly can, and that can involve a lot more than whitening and straightening.
Before you endeavor to get a white, straight set of teeth, cosmetic dentists often have other work to do “under the hood,” so to speak. Cosmetic dentists typically start with a full examination of the entire mouth and jaw, inside and out. If they find that your bite, called your “occlusion,” needs work, dentists may spend time getting the jaw in alignment. Depending on the health of your gums, they may also need to do work to get your gums healthy and looking good.
Cosmetic dentists in New York and elsewhere also address any other issues that may be affecting your dental health, such as teeth grinding or “bruxism,” TMJ, periodontal disease, bad breath or other issues. When a dentist is also focused on holistic health – another name for looking at the health of a person as a whole – he or she may also spend time addressing any underlying health or hygiene issues. That, in turn, can set you up for a healthy, beautiful smile for many years to come.
With the underlying issues addressed, cosmetic dentists can then move onto the portions of cosmetic dentistry that you’re probably most familiar with. For one patient, a dentist may prescribe Invisalign trays for straightening the teeth. For another patient, the dentist may have to replace teeth or insert bridges, crowns or implants. For other patients, veneers that slide right over any existing teeth may be the best solution to create that beautiful smile. Still other patients may need to have teeth removed in preparation for dentures.
If you’re getting the sense that each person’s cosmetic dentistry journey is highly individualized, you’re right! Walking out of a cosmetic dentistry clinic with the most beautiful smile possible requires careful consideration of your situation and your needs.
You have lots of options for getting cosmetic dentistry in New York, but the actual steps you’ll have to take will depend on your situation and the qualifications and capabilities of your cosmetic dentist.
Website is a cosmetic dentist whose emphasis is on restorative dentistry and implants. He has private practice clinics in New York City and Brooklyn, New York.
