What is True Cosmetic and Esthetic Dentistry?

Did you ever notice that people who smile a lot – seem happier? One of the most basic forms of communication we possess is our smile! This universal facial expression indicates pleasure, kindness, amusement, friendliness and love. Those who have a beautiful smile love to show it and a dazzling smile illuminates your face, making you look and feel younger. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Executive Director, Dr. Ken Zakariasen explains, "In an age of increased oral consciousness, unlike a generation ago, people are keeping more of their natural teeth as they grow older. Maintaining an appealing smile is a major part of their desire to stay fit, healthy, and attractive."

Your smile is an integral part of your self-esteem, confidence and total health and well-being. It becomes a part of your image, how you communicate with those around you, and how others describe you. Your smile, in many ways is you! "A smile is not only a reflection of a person's oral health, but of their self-esteem and passion for life," adds Arthur Chal, DDS, President of the AACD.

It is not only dentists that recognize the importance of a beautiful smile. In a recent survey of American adults,

• 92% believe an attractive smile is an important social asset.
• 87% said they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile.
• 74% felt an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.

Everyone wants whiter teeth. Over the last 5 years, smile whitening has increased by over 300%. While many dentists offer cosmetic tooth whitening, few have the expertise and artistic talent for esthetic "smile design".

True Cosmetic and Esthetic Dentists involve themselves in smile design, through the use of artistry and science. We define an ideal smile as one that has a repetition of tooth shape, color, line and texture; where the shape, size and position of the teeth are in harmony and relative symmetry to one another. We study lip posture and gum lines and incorporate whitening procedures to create a uniform color between natural and restored teeth.

The treatment of choice may be the whitening of one or several teeth, or possibly only portions of individual teeth. Other teeth may need to be reshaped or contoured to fill the "smile zone." Soft tissue may need to be altered to frame the teeth ideally and in the proper proportion. Wear patterns are evaluated to determine the esthetic profile in a smile. Joint (TMJ) health and muscle harmony must be assessed. Lip posture while smiling and at rest can be improved by controlling the facial contour of the smile. The end result is a healthy mouth and a smile that is beautiful, natural and functional.

As you can see, the choice of treatment varies, but the goal is always the same: a healthy, beautiful smile designed to meet individual esthetic and physiological needs. Choose a dentist who is specially trained in cosmetic "smile design" and state-of-the-art procedures and materials.