Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and smile. It involves various procedures and treatments aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of the teeth while also considering their functionality and oral health. Some common procedures offered in cosmetic dentistry include:
- Teeth Whitening: This procedure helps to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
- Dental Veneers: Thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their shape, size, color, or alignment.
- Dental Bonding: Tooth-colored resin material is applied to the teeth and then shaped and polished to improve their appearance. It is often used to repair chipped, cracked, or stained teeth.
- Dental Implants: These are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth (crowns). Implants can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
- Dental Crowns: Also known as caps, dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Orthodontics*: While orthodontics primarily focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment, it also has a significant impact on the aesthetics of the smile. Braces and aligners are commonly used to straighten teeth and improve the overall appearance. Dentists aspiring to become orthodontists must apply for and complete a postgraduate orthodontic residency program. These programs usually last two to three years and provide specialized training in orthodontics.
To practice cosmetic dentistry, a dentist needs to complete a dental degree and become a licensed dentist. In the United States, dentists can obtain either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The qualifications required to practice cosmetic dentistry are the same as those required for practicing general dentistry. Dentists interested in specializing in cosmetic dentistry may choose to pursue additional training or educational programs aside from their dental degree to further enhance their skills and knowledge in this field.
Regarding the DDS and DMD degrees, they are essentially equivalent and have no significant differences in terms of qualifications or scope of practice. Both degrees are awarded upon completion of dental school and signify that the dentist has completed the necessary education and training to practice general dentistry. The distinction between DDS and DMD degrees primarily lies in the nomenclature used by different dental schools, with some schools awarding DDS degrees and others awarding DMD degrees. Regardless of the degree held, dentists can practice both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.