Family cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry concerned with overall dental health as well as the appearance of patients’ teeth. People go to cosmetic dentists for a variety of reasons. Some people have had bad teeth all their lives and their confidence is affected because they feel unattractive. Other people’s teeth are affected by aging and they go to cosmetic dentists to make their teeth look younger. People whose teeth have been damaged in accident might visit a cosmetic dentist to get their smile back to normal. Family cosmetic dentistry aims to solve these problems.
Family dentists, also known as general dentists, work to prevent and treat tooth decay and maintain healthy teeth and gums. These dentists do regular cleanings to prevent plaque buildup, fill cavities, extract teeth, and instruct patients in good oral hygiene. Family dentists also examine the mouth and teeth for any potential problems which they might either treat themselves or refer the patient to a specialist. Some family dentists specialize in geriatric or pediatric dentistry, while others practice on patients of any age.
Family cosmetic dentistry deals with the aesthetic condition of a patient’s teeth, and these dentists work to beautify patients’ smiles. Most family dentists can do some form of cosmetic dentistry without any special training, such as tooth whitening or applying porcelain veneers. Other family cosmetic dentists have specialized background and training and practice cosmetic dentistry exclusively. These dentists might be qualified to do more complicated procedures such as tooth shaping, gum re-shaping, and orthodontics.
Family cosmetic dentists improve the look of people’s teeth and mouths by fixing discoloration with bleaches or more expensive processes such as porcelain laminate veneers or resin fillings. They can change the shape of teeth by filing the enamel to that it’s straighter or smoother, or by replacing missing teeth with porcelain bridges. Family cosmetic dentistry sometimes involves orthodontic work, using braces or other straightening devices to close gaps and turn crooked teeth. Other cosmetic dentists might trim and shape patients’ gums to make them straighter or to make teeth look uniform.
A general dentist trained in family cosmetic dentistry can perform the aesthetic procedures mentioned above on patients of any age. Geriatric patients might need special repairs or replacements for teeth that show the effects of aging, such as yellowing teeth or receding gums. Children who’ve been injured or in an accident can have broken, lost, or discolored teeth repaired or replaced.