Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
Serving Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton, Florida
Chances are good that you have heard the term cosmetic dentistry, but have some questions about it. The following are some common questions about cosmetic dentistry that can help you better understand what cosmetic dentistry is and why it is so important to the advancement of dentistry.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry takes aesthetic appearance into consideration and alters its methods and procedures to maximize dental attractiveness. Unlike traditional dentistry which typically uses metal fillings and gold crowns, or dentures that may or may not fit very well, cosmetic dentistry repairs and improves your smile using the natural-looking materials of dental porcelain and white dental composite. So you will see pages about porcelain veneers, and composite fillings.
Some cosmetic dentists will also do gold crowns if you would like that, but typically do not do metal fillings because of the health issues around use of mercury and nickel. Cosmetic dentists are general dentists who have completed post-graduate study to enlarge their offerings, knowledge, and expertise. Typically, they invest in more recent and sophisticated technology. They take a preventive and proactive approach to your dental care rather than simply responding to problems.
Why do you offer cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic Dentist in West Palm Beach, Dr. John Sarris and his team perform cosmetic dentistry because we believe that no smile should be anything but beautiful and fully functional. Cosmetic dentistry offers you functional, beautiful dental restorations that often last longer than traditional restorations.
Is cosmetic dentistry better than traditional dentistry?
While there is no study available that conclusively answers this question, we find that people are happier with their cosmetic dentistry solutions than with traditional dental restorations. Many patients who initially come to us to have a cavity repaired with a tooth-colored filling are so pleased with the results that they return to have their old metal fillings replaced with new tooth-colored fillings.
Whether cosmetic dentistry is better than traditional dentistry depends partly on what your goals are and your circumstances. Cosmetic procedures sometimes cost more so your budget will determine which is the better way to go. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry offers more choices of procedure, which many would regard as better than fewer choices. Typically, cosmetic dentists implement their preventive approach by investing in superior dental technology such as:
Digital X-rays, which expose you to far less radiation and provide instant images Oral cancer screening devices such as Vizilite to catch any problem early
Soft tissue lasers for far easier and less painful gum work than a scalpel would give
The best way for you to determine your own answer to this question is to come for a personal consultation with Dr. Sarris and consider having a cosmetic dentistry procedure such as a tooth-colored filling.
What can cosmetic dentistry treat?
Cosmetic dentistry can perform any type of dental work other than orthodontics. Dr. Sarris offers Invisalign for those whose teeth misalignment is not too severe, but he would have to refer some people to an orthodontist. While there are some common cosmetic dental problems that we see on a regular basis, we can treat as wide a variety of problem as you can imagine, from discoloration (treated by Teeth Whitening) to a mouthful of missing teeth (treated with Dental Implants). A smile makeover is a customized way of combining cosmetic dentistry procedures for your individual dental needs.
Who offers cosmetic dentistry?
Some general dentists offer cosmetic dentistry procedures on the side without necessarily having full qualifications. The best-qualified cosmetic dentist: Has specifically studied cosmetic dentistry in a post-graduate dental school such as the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Offers permanent solutions to your dental problems Uses appropriate, advanced dental technology
Encourages questions from his patients Offers comfort while you are in his office, such as sedation dentistry and little amenities like bottled water and neck pillows
You can learn more on our How to Choose a Dentist page, or you can contact Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Sarris directly to learn more about cosmetic dentistry options in the Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton areas of Florida.
Contact Us
561.278.7450
John G. Sarris, D.M.D., P.A.
1911 S. Federal Highway, Suite 600
Delray Beach, Florida 33483
