Cosmetic Dentistry

You may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry if your healthy teeth have imperfections that you would prefer to be changed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Drs. Campbell and Sparks can consult with you to determine what procedures and enhancements would best achieve your desired outcome.

There are three main differences between cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Generally speaking, cosmetic dentistry focuses more on the aesthetic of your smile while restorative dentistry focuses more on the functionality, resolving structural problems with the mouth and improving oral health. (This isn’t to say that restorative procedures don’t take smile aesthetics into consideration—they do—it’s just not the primary intent.) Restorative procedures tend to be essential, such as replacing or repairing teeth, while cosmetic procedures are usually elective, such as fixing small gaps or discolorations, problems that don’t necessarily affect a person’s overall oral health.

Dental implants, root canals, and amalgam dental fillings are examples of restorative dentistry.

Dental bonding, teeth whitening, and veneers are examples of cosmetic dentistry.

Some dental procedures can be both restorative and cosmetic, such as composite or tooth-colored fillings, while others may be categorized as one or the other depending on the intent of the procedures, such as dental surgery or dental crowns.

In reality, while some dentists specialize in one or the other, or in a specific procedure, many dentists—like those from Norman Smile Center—are trained in areas of both, which means you can receive the majority of the treatments you may need from the same familiar provider. Moreover, cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures often overlap and complement each other to help give you the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible.

There are many types of cosmetic treatments available from teeth whitening to total smile makeovers. After determining your overall goal, Drs. Campbell and Sparks will discuss options available to you which may include teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, dental bonding or Botox.

Often times cosmetic and restorative dentistry overlap and can be achieved at the same visit. Procedures such as Botox or dental bonding generally are done in one visit. Other procedures such as, crowns or veneers may require multiple appointments.

For the most part, general dentists are more interested in preventing and treating oral conditions to preserve your dental health, while cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the aesthetics and appearance of an already-healthy smile. However, there is often overlap, because good dental care can improve the appearance of your smile while certain cosmetic procedures can encourage a healthier one.

A general dentist will:

• Diagnose and treat oral conditions or diseases, such as cavities or gum disease
• Provide routine and preventative care like dental cleanings and fluoride treatment
• Assist with your overall oral health and dental hygiene routine

A cosmetic dentist will:

• Offer a wide range of aesthetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile, such as veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening

However, many cosmetic and general dentistry often overlap and complement each other. For example, when placing a filling, your dentist may offer to use composite or tooth-colored filling material instead of amalgam to make the filling more aesthetically pleasing and less noticeable.

No matter whether you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist, be sure your dentist has a dental degree from an accredited dental school and is a member of the American Dental Association. This ensures he or she has the skill and expertise necessary to provide treatments, services, and procedures that help your smile, not hurt it.

At Norman Smile Center, our general dentists also have training and experience in cosmetic dentistry procedures, so you can find all the services you need for your healthiest, most beautiful smile all under one roof.

The majority of cosmetic dentistry procedures are considered elective—not essential for improving or preserving oral health or preventing oral health conditions—and are therefore not covered by dental insurance plans. However, there are some cosmetic dentistry services that, if deemed medically necessary by your dental provider, may be covered in part or in whole by your insurance company, such as:

• Braces or clear aligners, depending on the age and insurance plan of the patient
• Gum contouring, if it’s needed for oral health reasons

Before deciding on any cosmetic dentistry procedures, be sure to speak with your insurance company and your dentist. Even if your insurance won’t cover a cosmetic service, you may be able to take advantage of special offers from the dentist or customized payment plans to help you afford the treatments you need for a beautiful smile.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are very safe with minimal side effects when performed by a qualified and certified dental professional. Not all cosmetic dentistry services are right or appropriate for everyone; unnecessary treatment can damage perfectly healthy teeth and getting certain procedures without addressing problems like cavities or gum disease can cause more serious health issues.

However, licensed dental professionals certified by the ADA—like those at Norman Smile Center—are trained and experienced in identifying oral health conditions that would preclude certain cosmetic dentistry procedures and will advise against it. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry options, the dentists at Norman Smile Center can perform a complete oral health assessment and help determine if you are a good candidate.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, crowns, and dental bonding can fix slightly crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth. Clear aligners can fix a broader range of alignment or orthodontic issues.

Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are shaped to your mouth and placed over your teeth to cover small gaps or minor misalignments.

Dental bonding can reshape teeth or close gas between teeth with a composite resin that’s applied to the front of the teeth.

Crowns are artificial teeth that can be placed over a crooked or misshapen tooth to improve the appearance of your smile.

Clear aligners are thin, clear plastic trays that are custom-molded to your mouth and used to correct crooked or crowded teeth. By using a series of trays changed out every few weeks, clear aligner treatment gently repositions your teeth and jaws to improve your alignment and straighten your smile.

Severely crooked or misaligned teeth, however, may require more extensive orthodontic treatment like braces, as may teeth that need to be rotated or pulled down from the gums.

Cosmetic dentistry like dental bonding, veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening can help correct a wide range of irregularities or flaws in your smile, including:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Severely stained or discolored teeth
• Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth
• Teeth that appear uneven, disproportionate, or too short or too long
• Gaps between teeth
• Gummy smiles or high lip lines
• Receding gum lines

Cosmetic dentistry cannot address oral health problems like cavities, infection, decay, or disease, such as gum disease. These conditions require restorative treatment such as fillings, root canals, or gum therapy.