You have a special event coming up in a few months, and you want to look your best. You get a fresh haircut and pick out clothes you like, but there’s still something missing when you see yourself in the mirror—confidence in your smile. At this point, you need professional help. Although many general dentists offer cosmetic services, it’s important to find a specialist to make sure your teeth look amazing for your special event. Read on to learn why you should turn to a cosmetic dentist.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry Matters
Obviously, a general dentist is primarily focused on relieving pain and treating and preventing oral disease. Cavities and gum disease take first priority and need to be treated right away to restore the patient to full health. However, what if your teeth are perfectly healthy but don’t look quite right to you? Cosmetic dentistry takes your smile to another level where you can not only have teeth that are strong but also visually appealing, giving you self-esteem.
How a Cosmetic Dentist Differs from a General Dentist
Although general dentists may tend to provide restorations that are also beautiful while they address other issues, a cosmetic dentist has more qualifications in this area of dentistry, such as the following:
Training and Experience
Before having your home remodeled, you’d want to know that your contractor knows what they’re doing and are trained. If you want to have a perfect, natural-looking smile, you shouldn’t go to just any dentist. You need to find a provider who has dedicated many hours of continuing education coursework on aesthetics. In other words, your dentist needs to have focused on advanced training in cosmetic dentistry.
Professional Expertise
Even if there isn’t necessarily a certified specialty in cosmetic dentistry, you can tell when a dentist is committed to this field. Cosmetic dentists are active members of professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They may also contribute to cosmetic dentistry journals and new research or break-throughs in the field.
Balance Between Science and Art
Changing the way a smile looks requires an obvious background in the science of dentistry, but creating beautiful results also involves an artful eye and hands. In some cases, your cosmetic dentist needs to literally sculpt your teeth as an artist would sculpt a masterpiece. With the scientific knowledge and eye for aesthetics, your dentist can provide care that leaves you with a brilliant, more confident smile.
If the way you look and feel truly matters to you for this special event, you shouldn’t take any chances. Meet with a qualified cosmetic dentist who has put in the training and clinical hours specifically for these procedures. That way, you know you’ll love your smile and not be afraid to show it to the world.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard has been practicing dentistry for more than 35 years. In his continuing education, he has focused on cosmetic transformations, and he is on the editorial review board for the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics and is a founding member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Howard, you can contact his Rancho Bernardo office at 858-451-0550.