Cosmetic Dental Care
Achieve Your Dream Smile with Cosmetic Dental Care
At Cedar Grove Dental Group, we offer cosmetic dental care to enhance the appearance of your smile. Unlike traditional dental care focused on oral health, cosmetic treatments aim to improve the look of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Our cosmetic dentists can whiten teeth, reshape gums, replace missing teeth, and enhance your overall appearance.
If you've always wanted a smile you love, our services inCedar Grove and the surrounding area can help boost your confidence. Call us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and discover the best treatment for you.
Exploring the Definition of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dental care offers elective treatments to enhance a patient's smile, addressing issues such as teeth discoloration, misshaped teeth, and excessive gum coverage. According to the American Dental Association, 90% of patients desire whiter teeth. Modern technology has greatly improved cosmetic dentistry, with more durable and natural-looking materials now available. While the main goal of cosmetic dental care is to enhance appearance, treatments can also have restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings can be both restorative and cosmetic, with options like porcelain or composite materials that match the natural color of the teeth.
"Cosmetic dental care offers optional treatments and services aimed at enhancing a patient's smile"
Options for Cosmetic Dental Care
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses any dental treatment aimed at enhancing the appearance of the teeth. Dentists frequently utilize a variety of cosmetic procedures to assist patients in achieving their desired outcomes. Some examples of cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
- Dental implants: Dentists can replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to the natural root. This not only improves the appearance of the teeth but also enhances mouth functionality. Other similar options include bridges and dentures.
- Gum recontouring: This procedure allows dentists to reshape gums that are either receded or overextended, ensuring that teeth are properly anchored without being overly noticeable. By properly balancing the gums and teeth, gum recontouring enhances the smile's appearance.
- Inlays and onlays: Inlays are restorative devices that fit inside cracked teeth to strengthen and improve their appearance. Onlays provide similar benefits by covering the top of the tooth. These options are ideal for treating cracked or chipped teeth at the back of the mouth.
- Teeth whitening: Professional bleaching is the most common treatment recommended by the Oral Health Foundation for whitening teeth. Dentists use bleaching agents to remove stains caused by various factors, such as foods, beverages, medications, tobacco use, and aging. While teeth may not be fully restored to their original shade, professional bleaching can make them several shades lighter.
"Cosmetic dentistry includes any dental treatment aimed at enhancing the appearance of the teeth."
Selecting the Correct Treatment and Cosmetic Dentist
It is important for patients to thoroughly research and consider their treatment options before making a decision. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, it is crucial to carefully evaluate certain criteria such as the dentist's years of experience, the scope of their practice, the dental technologies they utilize, and the results of previous patients.
The initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist is a key step for patients to learn more about the practice and discuss their needs. During this appointment, the cosmetic dentist will provide advice on the most beneficial treatment options and help set realistic expectations. X-rays and teeth impressions will be taken to assess the patient's teeth shape, size, and color, which will enable the dentist to create a personalized treatment plan.
"It is important for patients to thoroughly research and evaluate their treatment options."
Everyday Home Care Tasks
Taking care of your home differs depending on the treatment you have received. For most cosmetic treatments, dental care and oral hygiene routines are the same: brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist regularly for checkups. However, some treatments require more personalized care.
When it comes to dental implants, it is crucial to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste to clean around the implant thoroughly. We also recommend using unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss, along with an oral irrigator.
For gum contouring and teeth whitening treatments, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities like biting and chewing. Your gums and teeth need time to heal, which can take up to a week. During this time, avoid spicy, sticky, and acidic foods and drinks. Continue to brush your teeth two to three times a day and floss at least once a day.
"When it comes to cosmetic treatments, dental care and oral hygiene routines typically involve brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist."
Establishing a Dental Care Routine
Patients receiving cosmetic treatments will be provided with personalized dental care routines as part of their treatment plans. This may include instructions for home care, maintenance, and specific dental practices tailored to their treatment. It is generally recommended that patients follow the same care guidelines recommended by dental professionals.
A cosmetic dentist may suggest brushing twice daily, in the morning and before bed. Patients undergoing cosmetic treatments are encouraged to brush after every meal to maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums, aid in healing, and prevent tooth decay and loss. Flossing and rinsing at least once a day is also recommended to remove food particles and debris.
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure treatment progress and recovery are on track, and to allow for any necessary adjustments or recommendations from the provider.
