What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

The world of cosmetic dentistry has experienced a sudden boom in the last few years, and the words “cosmetic dentistry” appear in virtually every dentist’s advertisements. It is especially important at this time to be cautious when selecting a dentist for cosmetic purposes since so many dentists are claiming to specialize in the field of cosmetics. (Any dentist who places a white filling can call himself or herself a cosmetic dentist.)

There is no recognized board certification in cosmetic dentistry at this time, unlike for a board-certified oral surgeon or orthodontist. The closest designation is a dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry who has documented and shown his cases to a review board. Dr. Bell is in the process of becoming accredited, and he is currently a general member of the AACD. Dr. Bell has taken both lecture and hands-on courses in smile design from some of the finest cosmetic dentists in the United States.

Porcelain Veneers as an Alternative to Braces

This procedure can be one of the most exciting services cosmetic dentistry can offer. Dr. Bell can create the appearance of straight teeth in just two visits – without braces! In addition, the teeth color can be changed, and worn or damaged biting surfaces are repaired at the same time. It is amazing how many people are not even aware this service exists and choose to be unhappy with their smile because they don't want years of braces.

Whitening Therapy

We offer this solution to our patients at a very affordable cost. Click the following link for more information on Zoom! whitening options: http://www.discusdental.com/consumer/zoom.html.

Contact one of our Team members for pricing information.

White Fillings

This before picture shows large amalgam (silver) fillings that are deteriorating, turning the teeth blue, and what is left of the natural tooth is weakened. The after picture shows laboratory-made and cemented restorations that restore strength and beauty back to these teeth.

This is another case showing how broken-down silver fillings can be replaced with superior materials to give back the original strength and beauty of natural teeth. Note that the natural enamel was saved on the cheek side and palate side using white laboratory-made fillings. The white fillings restore teeth to approximately the strength of a natural tooth that has never been restored. The gold crown will rebuild a tooth to about five times the strength of a natural tooth and is necessary in heavy bite situations.

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Bonding

This is an extreme case of gum recession and root exposure repaired with bonding. Not surprisingly, the teeth were sensitive as well as disfigured. After bonding, the teeth were not sensitive to temperature or air, and they look much more attractive.

This case shows how teeth can be “straightened” with bonding. You can see the rotations of teeth creating “v”-shaped spaces at the edges. The front four teeth were bonded, and the results were pleasing. Bonding uses white filling material that is placed over the teeth and "bonded" to the teeth with special dental adhesives to create a micromechanical bond. No anesthesia was necessary for this case, and the patient was very happy with his new smile.

These pictures show a typical fracture repair after an accident. We can match the existing tooth structure so closely that the restoration seems to disappear into the teeth.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonding

Advantages: Bonding can be done in one visit, with minimal tooth reduction. Many times no anesthesia is necessary, and it is less expensive than laboratory fabricated restorations. With proper layering of different colors and the translucency of bonding materials, the dentist can match tooth structure as well as (and sometimes better than) the dental laboratory.

Disadvantages: Bonding is not able to stand up to heavy biting forces, so it tends to wear and break if used in the wrong situations. In addition, bonding dulls after time and has to be re-polished, whereas porcelain (made in the dental laboratory) is much harder and does not lose its shine or glaze.

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Invisalign

Invisalign is the nearly invisible way to straighten teeth, using a series of custom-made, practically undetectable aligners. It has been proven effective in both clinical research and in practices nationwide. So whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted since wearing braces, you'll have a new reason to smile!
For more details please visit: www.invisalign.com

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