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Cosmetic Dentistry Combines Art and Science

Cosmetic dentistry, these days, sometimes combines science with fine art. This requires a craftsman's skill to make sure the tooth restoration is as attractive as it is durable. After all, your smile is too valuable to be spoiled by unnatural-looking dental veneers.

The goal of a cosmetic dentist should be to provide you with an attractive, natural-appearing smile. You have a wide array of choices, and a good cosmetic dentistry professional should be happy to review the possibilities with you. For example, porcelain onlays and inlays can return structural integrity to a broken tooth, while leaving it looking as good as (or possibly better than) the original.

This is especially apparent if you now have metal fillings or a gold tooth. Metal and gold, after all, are not normal components of teeth. There's a huge difference between gold or metal combination fillings and porcelain dental crowns that reflect the translucence of natural teeth. Plus, porcelain restorations are now as strong, or stronger, than your own teeth. Ask your cosmetic dentist to take before-and-after photos so you can see the difference for yourself.

Admittedly, these more natural-appearing restorations are also a little more expensive. And many dental insurance plans may not cover all of the cost for cosmetic dental work. But in terms of your appearance (and the self-confidence it boosts), there's no comparison.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist - Raise Your Self-Esteem

What can cosmetic dental work do for your self-esteem that all the pots of cream and eyeliner on Madison Avenue can't? While we agree with the ad men that esthetics motivate how people see us, value us, and respond to us, true natural beauty has to do with good health, not technique with a make-up brush. When you admire the dazzling smile of that Revlon model, will you buy the lipstick - or seek the restorative dentistry that perfected the smile? Dentistry thee smile to health and symmetry. Cosmetics? Sure. But call on cosmetic dentistry for a beautiful smile that won't wash off.

• Vertical dimension is a key element in a pretty smile. It is the height between two points - one on the upper jaw, one on the lower - when the bite is closed. When vertical dimension is askew, facial features can appear "collapsed." A good denture maintains esthetic vertical dimension, likewise muscle tone and youthful looks.
• Sex a factor in dentistry? So-called masculine front teeth are boxier, more prominent, with "bold" cuspids, slightly rotated. A "feminine" smile has more delicate, rounder teeth, and open incisal embrasures, spaces, between the curved surfaces of adjoining teeth. This norm is changing, though. Women are seeking a "sportier" look.
• The "smile line" is used by some believers as a guide to cosmetic dental harmony. The theory goes that the curve of the bottom lip should reflect the curve of the upper front teeth. Whether your six front teeth are natural, or part of a denture or dental bridge, restorative dentistry can help bring out the best in your smile line.
• An early orthodontics evaluation assures healthy growth into a sound, balanced bite. The position of the jaw will determine profile. For jaw abnormalities, orthognathic surgery brings nothing short of miraculous results.
• Wear. As we age, our front teeth naturally wear down to an even line. Rounding edges with tooth bonding or dental veneers will achieve a younger aspect.
• Beautiful gums are intrinsic to a beautiful smile. Coral in color, firm-healthy gums are, well, sexy.
• Euclid's concept of "golden proportion" is followed by many cosmetic dentistry professionals. The rule holds that the most esthetically pleasing smile has certain proportions. Each tooth in this "perfect" smile is about 60% the size of the tooth just in front of it.
• Young teeth have more texture - stippling, concavity - than older teeth worn smooth with age.
• Light. The way teeth reflect light is another factor in pleasing the eye. Dental crowns, bridgework, dentures and other cosmetic dental work can be tinted to capture and reflect light just like natural teeth. Michelangelo, move over.
• A low lip line - one that hides tooth and gum in a grin - can be compensated for by veneering. The front teeth are lengthened to regain "ideal" form.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.