Your smile is one of your most precious assets. Cosmetic dentists are committed to helping you obtain and maintain the smile you have always dreamt of. To complete your smile makeover, your dentist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan customised to meet your aesthetic goals so that a mirror makes you smile.
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This treatment plan may consist of cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, including teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, dental crowns, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery and gummy smile reduction.

Cosmetic dentists offer advanced dental care in a caring, comfortable and professional environment. They specialise in cosmetic, restorative and prosthetic procedures such as bridges and dentures.

Cosmetic dentistry, which is like a dental facelift, is an emerging field of specialisation. While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth and smile.

What do I have to do?

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction.

A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening. Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures.

Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain and other problems. Dental fillings can also be included in the category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and composite resin materials are used to provide a tooth-like appearance.

The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done via a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.

Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or alcohol), or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.

Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface of a tooth to replace chips and cracks improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discolouration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.

Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Thus, cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile, or the way they look. It is no longer in the captive domain of movie stars or other celebrities. New techniques have become affordable for a wide spectrum of people.

What should I study?

You should pursue a bachelors in dental science (BDS). After BDS, you can specialise in operative surgery, conservative dentistry or prosthodontics. A postgraduate degree, preferably in oral and maxillofacial surgery or conservative dentistry, is useful.

The BDS course is open to students who have completed Plus Two or an equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and biology as the main subjects. Admission to the dentistry course is through an entrance test conducted by the respective state governments or institutions.

What next?

Cosmetic dentistry currently represents the fastest growing area in the entire dental profession. Many dentists now offer cosmetic dentistry as a regular part of their practice. Excellent employment opportunities are available for cosmetic dentists in dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments. Apart from this, cosmetic dentists could also advise pharmaceutical and other companies producing oral care products. Self-employment is another promising avenue. After gaining experience, one can start his / her individual practice.

Sources: The Telegraph Kolkata, India)