What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

Dreams Can Come True

With so many dentists doing cosmetic work nowadays, what really makes a great cosmetic dentist? It takes years of training beyond dental school, dedication, a sophisticated understanding of biological and physical sciences, a mastery of technical skills, and an artistic touch.

Any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. General practitioners are trained to focus on function with less appreciation on appearance. They are trained to “fix” things, while the cosmetic dentist is trained to “create” things during the process.

Cosmetic dentists must be able to process the patient’s perceptions while creating beauty in appearance. They must not only be able to assess what might be wrong with the patient’s teeth, as a general dentist would, but they must also interpret the patient’s self-perception of the problem. If the patient is not satisfied with their smile, the cosmetic dentist must then apply his scientific and artistic knowledge to rectify the situation.

Beyond interpersonal skills, many aspects of cosmetic dentistry require extensive and additional training. The materials that a cosmetic dentist often uses are much different than what is utilized in general dentistry. There are various porcelains, complex bonding agents, luting (cementing) agents, tints, and other aesthetic products. To master the use of these materials, one must comprehend the chemistry of bonding, as well as how these products interact with each other.

Only with extensive training, and years of experience, can this mission be accomplished.

Your smile is the ultimate fashion accessory, and it’s the first thing people notice about you. Cosmetic dentistry can easily, affordably, and radically beautify your smile while also restoring your self-confidence. Take a look at the incredible before and after photos on our website and see how after almost 30 years of experience, a smile makeover can transform your life.