Modern cosmetic dentistry provides effective solutions if you are not pleased with your smile. This professional dental care branch aims to enhance the look of your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall smile. Popular treatments encompass teeth whitening, veneers, fillings, and implants. The cosmetic dentistry industry is expanding quickly, with the market projected to hit $32 billion by 2026. While not medically necessary, cosmetic procedures can significantly boost your confidence in your smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the visual aesthetics of your smile. Common procedures in this field include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers. It encompasses any dental work aimed at enhancing the aesthetics (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums, and bites. This typically involves improvements in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall appearance. Many practitioners label themselves as “cosmetic dentists,” regardless of their specific training, education, or experience in this specialty.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the visual aesthetics of your smile. Common procedures in this field include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers. It encompasses any dental work to enhance the aesthetics (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums, and bites. This typically involves improvements in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall appearance. Many practitioners label themselves “cosmetic dentists,” regardless of their specific training, education, or experience in this specialty.
Reasons to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
There are various reasons to consult a cosmetic dentist, such as:
Tooth decay
Damage like cracks or chips
Crooked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Discoloration
Missing teeth
Individuals with damaged, decayed, crooked, or discolored teeth may also face difficulties eating and speaking, while these dental issues can affect others’ self-esteem. A 2022 survey by the American Dental Association found that one-quarter of adults avoid smiling due to the condition of their teeth and mouth, with 23% feeling embarrassed about it. If you are dissatisfied with your smile, a cosmetic dentist can enhance the condition of your teeth.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Various cosmetic dentistry procedures can enhance your smile. Here are some of the most significant ones:
For those with a “gummy” smile, gum reshaping or contouring can expose more teeth, making your smile more balanced. This procedure is also helpful when a tooth is broken below the gum line or to improve access to a cavity, providing a better foundation for crowns or deep fillings. We can discuss the process and address any questions if you are considering gum reshaping.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most affordable methods of improving your smile. In-office bleaching treatments cost around $500, while at-home kits with molds and gels from your dentist are another option. Over-the-counter whitening products, such as toothpaste, rinses, and strips, cost between $3 and $50 and offer convenient at-home use.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are custom-made, thin shells of porcelain or resin covering the teeth’ front. After removing a small amount of enamel, these shells are bonded to the teeth to alter their color, shape, size, or length. Often called “Hollywood teeth,” veneers can cost between $500 and $1,300 per Tooth.
A porcelain bridge is ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth, bridging the gap, and providing a natural appearance. Upgrading from removable dentures to a fixed bridge offers more stability and permanence, helping maintain facial shape, preventing teeth from shifting, and restoring chewing and speaking abilities.
Dental bonding is when a tooth-colored resin is applied to the Tooth and then hardened using ultraviolet or laser light. This procedure, which costs $100 to $400 per Tooth, can fix decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth and serve as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
Dental Crown
Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials. Created in a lab, they are bonded to the Tooth by a dentist, with inlays fitting within the tooth’s center and onlays covering more extensive areas. These fillings, costing $650 to $1,200 per Tooth, preserve more healthy tooth structure than crowns.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials. Created in a lab, they are bonded to the Tooth by a dentist, with inlays fitting within the tooth’s center and onlays covering more extensive areas. These fillings, costing $650 to $1,200 per Tooth, preserve more healthy tooth structure than crowns.
Dental Implants
Dental implants involve inserting titanium posts into the jawbone to replace tooth roots. The jawbone heals around the post, anchoring it securely and creating a solid foundation for a replacement tooth. This procedure costs between $1,250 and $3,000.
Cosmetic Tooth Contouring
Cosmetic Tooth Contouring, also known as enamel shaping, corrects minor issues like chipping or slight overlapping by removing small amounts of enamel and polishing the Tooth for a natural look. This painless procedure yields immediate results.
Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists straighten teeth and correct bites using aligners or braces, treating both adults and children with buck teeth, crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, or crooked teeth. Post-treatment, a retainer might be necessary to maintain the teeth’s new position.
A general dentist is a primary dental care provider, offering preventive care like teeth cleanings and treatments such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. While these treatments often enhance appearance, health, and function, a cosmetic dentist specifically focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile. Their treatments are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
Our downtown Toronto dentistry offers easy access for all Toronto residents. Our skilled doctors provide various services, and we are here to help you find the best treatment options. Please make an appointment with us to achieve a beautiful smile and boost your confidence.
