Cosmetic and Esthetic Dentistry

A beautiful, youthful smile!  We all want it, but what does it take to get it? Common sense dictates that there are different ways of doing things, some better than others, right? So what should the discerning dental patient know about cosmetic dentistry, especially if our only problem is solely for appearance's sake, and we possess a totally pain-free set of teeth but simply want some “sprucing up”? 

This section will address various procedures, tips, techniques, and downfalls of what cosmetic dentistry can and cannot do for the dental patient, including several virtually unknown aspects, which should always be respected when trying to improve the appearance of our “pearly whites.”

Esthetic Dentistry in Rogers

Esthetic dentistry encompasses cosmetic dentistry and much more. It is a much more complex and lofty undertaking. Esthetic dentistry actually includes the myriad intricacies involved in the harmonious function and appearance of the masticatory/chewing system, and not just the appearance of the teeth and gums. Muscles, joints, bone, cartilage, ligaments, neurology, anatomy, biochemistry, physiology; all of these aspects come into play when a dental professional truly strives to create an esthetic, pain-free, and functional (and not just a cosmetic) solution for their patients.

In other words, the cosmetic dentist is concerned primarily with “covering up” something ugly, with little emphasis placed upon form and function. The esthetic dentist is concerned not only with how it all looks cosmetically but how it functions as well, trying to ensure that the end result will function harmoniously within the miraculous stomatognathic/chewing system, which we all take for granted until something goes wrong. Obviously, the concept of esthetic dentistry is much more complex than cosmetic dentistry. In summary, cosmetic and esthetic dentistry are different in definition, concept, and execution.

Now that this distinction is out of the way, what types of services do patients concerned with improving their appearance desire, and what do they need to know prior to implementing “cosmetic dentistry”?

Cosmetic Dentistry in Rogers

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite. Many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists” regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field.

Though the American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty of dentistry, there are dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists. Most notably, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), with its 20,000+ members, is the world’s largest international dental organization, with a charter designed to provide its dental professional constituents with the latest advances in the application of cosmetic dentistry technologies, techniques, and ethical practices via conferences, lectures, workshops, and publications. A member who participates in this organization tends to qualify as a doctor who is at least introduced to the concepts required to classify one's practice as not only cosmetic in nature but esthetic as well. There will be more on this distinction shortly.

The AACD offers a very challenging credentialing process, which very few of their constituent members have earned. An individual who has earned this status in the AACD is known as an Accredited member of the AACD. There exist approximately 400 dentists on the planet with accredited status in the AACD.

Contact Dr. Nick D.D.S. today at (479) 876-8000 for more information on esthetic and cosmetic dentistry in Rogers, AR.

***Clinical photos are original cases that were accomplished personally by Dr. Nick***