Did you know that an attractive smile is the first thing most people notice about you? That's one reason why celebrities and those in the public eye do everything they can to enhance the appearance of their teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the ways to achieve that celebrity smile. A dentist who is properly trained in restorative and cosmetic techniques, like Tarzana dentist Afsoon Gerayli, DDS, can help you have the smile you're looking for.

What's a Cosmetic Dentist?

All dentists get some basic training in cosmetic applications such as tooth whitening. Cosmetic dentistry goes a few steps farther, however. A good cosmetic dentist must thoroughly understand dental anatomy and how to make changes to improve a patient's appearance. A good eye and sense of balance and proportion are also necessary, and the dentist must know how to use various dental materials and techniques to the patient's advantage. Finally, a cosmetic dentist must be able to communicate his or her vision to the patient and dental laboratory technicians who will create crowns, bridges or veneers. Although not yet a recognized sub-specialty, cosmetic dentistry does take additional education and experience.

The Cosmetic Consultation

The first visit with a cosmetic dentist is key to making changes that will give you the smile you want. If possible, bring photos of yourself as well as pictures of other people who have the kind of smile you would like to acquire. Communication is a vital part of this process and you want to make sure that both you and the dentist are on the same page before any work starts. As part of the consultation, the dentist will conduct a complete dental exam to identify any problems that should be dealt with before the actual smile improvement starts. For example, a cavity must be filled unless the tooth is going to come out, and conditions like gingivitis should be treated. After the exam is completed, you and the dentist can sit down and discuss what’s possible, how long it will take and approximately what it will cost.

Cosmetic Treatments

Cosmetic dental procedures fall into two categories – treatment in which the primary purpose is to improve the function or health of your teeth and treatment concerned solely with your appearance. Some treatments achieve both. For example, orthodontia improves appearance, but its primary purpose is to correct problems that may cause or lead to dental problems like jaw pain, uneven tooth wear or an increased risk of tooth decay. Here are the primary cosmetic treatments:

• Whitening: Teeth whitening treatments rely primarily on hydrogen peroxide, although special lights may also be used to enhance the process. You have the option of in-office or home treatment.
• Bonding: Bonding is typically used to repair chipped teeth. A composite resin (a form of moldable plastic) is attached to the tooth and shaped. Composite resins can be color-matched to existing teeth.
• Veneers: Thin shells of composite resin or porcelain, veneers are custom-made and attached directly to the surface of each tooth. Although veneers don’t actually straighten the teeth, they can make them look straighter.
• Crowns: A broken or badly decayed tooth can be covered with a crown made from composite resin or porcelain. Crowns are stronger than veneers and used on the top surface of a tooth.
• Bridges: A bridge, as the name implies, covers the gap between several missing teeth and provides a solid surface to which prosthetic teeth can be attached. A bridge can be permanent or removable. Bridges are made from plastic and/or metal, with composite resin or porcelain prosthetic teeth.
• Implants: A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing or badly decayed tooth. The implant consists of a titanium metal post that is inserted into the jawbone. A prosthetic top is then attached to the implant.
• Inlays/Onlays: Fillings made from composite or porcelain material can be used in place of traditional metal fillings. These can be color-matched to the existing tooth so they are less notifiable than metal fillings. An inlay is applied to the inside of the tooth and an onlay is applied to the biting surface.
• Gum Surgery: The gums can enhance or detract from the appearance of your smile and can be surgically reshaped if desired.
• Contouring: Teeth can be contoured or reshaped with a laser or drill.

If you want to achieve the smile you've always wanted, Dr. Gerayli and the staff at Victory Cosmetic Dentistry can help you. Don't look for another Resada dentist, just give us a call today. Your smile will thank you.