Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dentistry that is quickly gaining popularity in many regions of the world. While traditional dentistry focuses on practices that promote oral hygiene and treating or preventing oral diseases, cosmetic surgery focuses on the improving visual appeal of a person's mouth, teeth, and smile. Traditional dentistry focuses on the dental problems that necessitate treatment, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on the non-essential. This is not to say that cosmetic dentistry represents mundane or superficial concerns, far from it. Cosmetic dentistry operations may also be restorative in nature. For instance, dental fillings are a common procedure that people request to repair damaged or decaying teeth. In the past, these fillings were usually done with gold, silver, artificial materials, or other materials that left unsightly and easily visible markings on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you are able to select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and of your smile. Many people choose to replace older fillings with newer filling made of these materials to preserve their oral integrity.  

            Though this procedure may seem superficial and unnecessary to some, having your teeth repaired to look more natural drastically increases a person's self-esteem and mental health. The field of orthodontics can also be considered a form of cosmetic dentistry that has noticeable effects on both a person's self-esteem and their health. Teeth straightening is important for both children and adults, as using braces not only promotes healthy jaw functionality, but it also gives a person confidence in their smile. Technological advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry have made the process more affordable and simpler to actuate. In fact, many cosmetic dentists are capable of doing most procedures in their own offices, eliminating the need for specialists and the extra costs that that necessitates.

            Cosmetic dentistry has advanced to the point where many non-intrusive methods can be implemented to fix similar problems, allowing the patient a choice as to which method they want. One problem many people look to cosmetic dentistry to fix is tooth chipping and decay. Some of the various procedures recommended to fix broken or decayed teeth are inlays and onlays, composite bonding, and dental veneers. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or other composite materials and are a very permanent and resilient, yet cosmetic method of providing a kind of filling to teeth with some form of structural damage. Whereas actual dental fillings require a second dental visit with an invasive molding process that is uncomfortable, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist with only one visit, and no filling of your teeth with molding agent required.

            Composite bonding is another form of cosmetic dentistry that restores the natural look of your teeth in spite of decay or damage with minimal intrusion or pain. A composite material with the look of enamel is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of the tooth, and then sculpted into shape and hardened using a high-intensity light. The filling blends in perfectly with the tooth, effectively erasing the damage. This procedure is usually the go-to by cosmetic dentists for repairing teeth after cavities, as the result is permanent and it requires minimal effort from the cosmetic dentist.

            The cosmetic dentistry process of using dental Veneers involved bonding a thin layer of material, usually composite or porcelain, to your teeth. They are used to fill in cracks and gaps, and to help correct the appearance of discolorations. Dental veneers also include porcelain crowns, which are used to cover up heavily damaged or filled teeth to create a natural look. Dental veneers are also used in cases where other teeth whitening processes have failed. Teeth whitening involves using bleach or other whitening substances to permanently stain the teeth a whiter color, and this form of cosmetic dentistry adds a dazzle to a person's smile and can help to erase damage done to teeth by poor hygiene, smoking, or drinks such as wine and coffee.

            One of the most severe dental problems that people advancing in years face is the loss of teeth. Though dentures represent a cheap and permanent fix, they do nothing to alleviate the inevitable collapsing of the face that occurs when teeth are lost. This collapsing causes a person to look older and more unattractive. Dental implants are artificial tooth root transplants that are used as part of prosthetic dentistry to enhance a person's smile and counteract this loss. This is a procedure that is a shade less intrusive than full mouth reconstruction, which is a form of cosmetic dentistry that not only fully recovers the youthful smile and jaw structure of a person, but can also be used to correct functional problems with your muscles, bite, and bone structure. Though this procedure requires much time, and a fair bit of actual surgery, its benefits are lifelong and can restore even the worst smile to a picture-perfect set of chompers.

            Cosmetic dentistry is a field that is far from being solely about vanity or the mundane. Having crooked and discolored teeth makes a person uncomfortable to smile, which makes dealing with social situations more awkward and uncomfortable. Having a small amount of non-intrusive work done to improve your smile will not only cause more people to notice your brilliant teeth, but also improve your oral hygiene. One of the most important things to do, however, is to find an adequate cosmetic dentist that will suitably meet your needs. It is very important to first do research on cosmetic dentists in your area and read reviews of people who have had procedures done. The only thing worse than not getting a procedure done is getting one done incorrectly that leads to more suffering and disfigurement than what you were originally trying to fix.