An Insight Into Cosmetic Dentists In West Los Angeles

By Regina Tate


A cosmetic dentist is a professional in the profession of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry involves the application of dental work to improve the overlook of teeth, bite and gums. It basically deals in dental aesthetics in regards to correction of size structure, color, positioning of teeth, shape and smile outlook. It has been declared unethical for a dentist to refer to themselves as cosmetic dentist in West Los Angeles as some use it as a marketing strategy. The field is however not approved NY the American Dental Association.

The specialty, on the other hand, never includes the two key dental specialties usually captured under dental esthetics but entails periodontics and endodontics. Also, cosmetic dentistry involves various procedures dependent on the needs of patients. These includes adding dental materials such as laminates or porcelain veneers, gum grafts and so on. Also, a complete removal of the tooth structure or the gums can be done via this process and is termed as gingivectomy or enameloplasty.

Another procedure that does not involve addition or removal of dental material or altering with the structure is teeth whitening, gum depigmentation, and laser whitening. Finally there is orthodontics which is basically the straightening of teeth followed by improving the face appearance.

Whitening or tooth bleaching remains to be a common dental cosmetic procedure. Although a number of whitening products remain largely available now, seeking treatment and follow-up for teeth-lightening procedures from a dentist are deemed essential. Laser whitening procedure involves the application of some chemicals to the gums to cause bleaching as it is covered some rubber material. Argon laser beams are then used to activate the applied chemical hence speeding up the process.

Tooth reshaping, on the other hand, involves removal of parts of the enamel to enhance the appearance of the tooth. It may be applied to distort the length, shape, position of a tooth or correct a small chip. The process where the enamel is removed is known as enameloplasty, recontouring, slenderizing or contouring and is a faster procedure which can be used instead of braces.

The final procedure is bonding in which a dental composite which feels like an enamel is applied on the surface of the tooth and then shaped, hardened and polished. Dental bridges are applied in replacement of missing teeth and are usually cemented in the gum. The average life span of bridges is almost ten years.

Onlays and inlays are also used in repairing decayed or crooked teeth. Their applicability includes situations where fillings become too small to be relied on in correcting a decayed tooth or even excessive crowns. Lastly, bite reclamations may as well be used for patients who have worn out teeth brought about by grinding that makes their faces to appear short. Dentist is usually at a position of adjusting their vertical dimensions.

For one to be approved by the American Dental Association as a cosmetic dentist one needs to undergo further training of 2-3 years after graduating from the dental school. This is then followed by certification of the same




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