Cosmetic dentistry
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The meaning of Cosmetic It is probably helpful, at this point, to point out that the term 'cosmetic', while it is in common use in dentistry, actually has a specific meaning. The word is derived from the Greek 'cosmetikos' meaning adornment and, strictly speaking, should be used in relationship to things that are temporary, superficial and readily reversible. Cosmetics do not alter the material on which they are placed. They have to be replaced every time one wants a particular look. Cosmetics do not damage the underlying structure on which they are placed. 'Cosmetic' would usually relate to something like lipstick or eye shadow which will temporarily alter the area on which the cosmetic is placed. Such 'cosmetics' do not adhere to the underlying tissue and if one doesn't like the appearance, it is easy to remove the cosmetic and replace it with something that is more acceptable. There is a huge lucrative international cosmetic industry founded on this principle, much of which preys on some people's vanities, self image and insecurities.
Cosmetic dentistry is dental work that improves the appearance and function of a person's teeth. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry.[1][2] This has been misunderstood by many general dentists; there is no restriction on a dentist saying that he or she is a cosmetic dentist.[3]
Fashions and 'aesthetic dentistry'
The provision of aesthetic dentistry is to improve the beauty of the teeth, the smile, or the face as perceived by the patient. There is nothing more controversial in dentistry than what constitutes a beautiful smile. If you were to ask ten dentists to look at a patient's teeth and ask for their comments about the dental appearance, you will get eleven different opinions. These will range from the dentists who like the 'natural look' to dentists who prefer the 'false teeth' look. As in most areas of life there are fashions. Fashions come and go. In the early years of this century, i.e. from the year 2000 to the present time, there has been an American dominated 'All Teeth and Have a Nice Day' look. This has led to the provision of ultra white, very even and very big teeth. The whiteness of the teeth and their graduated size and regularity extending widely and backwards have the effect of making the teeth and mouth a very dominant part of the face. This look has been popularised by various actresses, models and minor celebrities.
Very few of these actresses, celebrities or models would be candidates for Mensa and some people would call them 'airheads'. However, many gullible, younger people worship their celebrity status, money and lifestyle. There has been a rise in acceptance of the views of such 'airheads'. Airheads are superficial and self absorbed. They are not concerned about themselves in the future and want provision of 'The Look' here and now. Many of the images appearing in glossy magazines which target young people are of airbrushed models that are heavily made up and the images are 'cropped and improved' by various bits of computer technology before appearing in these magazines. This is likely to produce unrealistic expectations in younger people who, as a consequence, seek elective aesthetic or 'cosmetic dentistry'.
However, unlike changing someone's hair or the colour of their skin with cosmetics or tanning (either by real sun or fake tan with various chemicals) the provision of dentistry for such patients is often a much more complex, irreversible and dangerous process. The promotion of such dentistry requires a very delicate balance between improving the patient's appearance and avoiding doing inappropriate and unnecessary biologic damage to the teeth, especially when such treatment is viewed in the much longer term.
Contents [hide]
1 Fields
1.1 General dentistry
1.2 Prosthodontics
1.3 Orthodontics
2 Common cosmetic dental treatment options
3 Materials
4 Credentialing
4.1 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
4.2 American Society For Dental Aesthetics
5 See also
6 References
[edit]Fields
[edit]General dentistry
Many general dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, training and experience in this field. In addition, there are certain ADA recognized specialty areas, most notable Prosthodontics and Orthodontics, which are distinct disciplines from cosmetic dentistry but which may overlap with some aspects of cosmetic dentistry.
[edit]Prosthodontics
According to the ADA, prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003) Prosthodontics[4] and dentists who have these additional 3 years of training are called Prosthodontists.
[edit]Orthodontics
According to the ADA, orthodontics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003) Orthodontics[4] and dentists who have these additional 3 years of training are called Orthodontists.
[edit]Common cosmetic dental treatment options
Whitening, or "tooth bleaching", is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. While many whitening options are now available, including over the counter products, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.[citation needed]
Enamel shaping removes parts of the contouring enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth. It may be used to correct a very small chip. The removed enamel is irreplaceable, and may sometimes expose dentin. It is also known as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, recontouring, reshaping, slenderizing and stripping.[citation needed]
Contouring, also known as tooth reshaping, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session. The dental contouring procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate is involved. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth.[citation needed]
Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like dental composite material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened and then polished.[citation needed]
Dental bridges are false teeth, known as a pontics, which are fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures. In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as many as ten years or more.
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. They are an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures. Depending on the procedure, tooth reduction may be necessary.[5][6]
Gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. The procedure involves reshaping the tissue and/or underlying bones to create the appearance of longer or more symmetrical teeth.[citation needed]
[edit]Materials
In the past, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were made of gold, amalgam and other metals—some of which were veneered with porcelain. Now, dental work can be made entirely of porcelain or composite materials that more closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure. These tooth colored materials are bonded to the underlying tooth structure with resin adhesives. Unlike silver fillings (amalgams) they are entirely free of mercury. Many dentists offer procedures to be cosmetic and because their patients prefer natural looking teeth.[citation needed]
[edit]Credentialing
[edit]American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the largest international dental organization in the world, composed of general dentists, specialists, and lab technicians focused on the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. Founded in 1984, the AACD has over 7,000 members in the United States and more than 70 countries around the globe. Members of the Academy include cosmetic and reconstructive dentists, dental laboratory technicians, educators, researchers, students, hygienists, corporations and dental auxiliaries. AACD members seek out continuing education through lectures, workshops, and publications in order to keep up-to-date with all of the advancements in cosmetic dental techniques and technology. In 1984, the AACD was formed and has filled the dire need for credentialing in cosmetic dentistry. The purpose of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry (ABCD) is the testing, analyzing, and evaluation of the services of dentists and laboratory technicians for the purpose of awarding AACD Accreditation in cosmetic dentistry.[7]
[edit]American Society For Dental Aesthetics
Conceived in 1976, the American Society for Dental Aesthetics was developed with a single purpose in mind: continuing dental education to teach dental health professionals the most advanced aesthetic and restorative techniques available. To become a member of the ASDA, a dentist must show a minimum of five years in dental practice, or postgraduate training of two years in an approved program; attendance to at least two ASDA sponsored continuing dental education seminars; nomination by a member accompanied by two letters of recommendation by Society members; presentation of five (5) cases illustrating the concepts of aesthetic dentistry.[8]
