Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry (pronunciation: kɒzˈmɛtɪk dɛnˈtɪstri) is a branch of Dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and/or bite. It primarily concerns with dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance.
Etymology
The term "Cosmetic Dentistry" is derived from the Greek word "kosmetikos", meaning "skilled in adornment", and the Latin word "dent-", meaning "tooth".
Related Terms
- Dental Aesthetics: The aesthetic or cosmetic aspect of teeth.
- Orthodontics: A specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws.
- Prosthodontics: 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.
- Periodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth.
- Endodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.
- Dental Implants: A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.
Procedures
Cosmetic Dentistry includes several procedures such as:
- Teeth Whitening: A common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
- Dental Veneers: A layer of material placed over a tooth, veneers improve the aesthetics of a smile and/or protect the tooth's surface from damage.
- Dental Bonding: A procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, ultimately "bonding" the material to the tooth to improve a person's smile.
- Dental Crown: A type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.
- Inlays and Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials and used to fill decayed or damaged teeth.
- Dental Implants: Surgical fixtures placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over a few months.
- Dental Bridges: Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cosmetic Dentistry
- Wikipedia's article - Cosmetic Dentistry
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