If you are dissatisfied with your smile, with how your teeth feel, or with your teeth in general, then there is a solution. The field of cosmetic dentistry exists to provide you with comfort and peace of mind. 

So what exactly is cosmetic dentistry?

Basically, cosmetic dentistry focuses more on comfort and appearance, rather than health and medical issues. Teeth whitening, some forms of realignment, and natural-looking prosthetics all fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. There are two main branches of cosmetic dentistry: orthodontics and prosthodontics. 

Orthodontics: this area focuses on the orientation of existing teeth within the mouth. For instance, if you require braces, then you would consult an orthodontist. If you are unhappy with how your teeth are arranged, but do not suffer from a sufficiently severe case of misalignment, then you should consult an orthodontist for cosmetic surgery.

Prosthodontics: on the other side of the coin is prosthodontics, which focuses on the creation and installation of synthetic teeth to replace those that have been lost or damaged. If you want to have dental bridges or false teeth installed, then you're going to want to see a prosthodontist.

Why would I want to have cosmetic dental work?

We often underestimate just how much of an impact our teeth have on our day to day lives. From the way we eat to the way we talk to how your smile looks, our teeth play a huge role in both self-confidence and comfort. For people who are unhappy with their teeth, yet do not qualify for health-necessitated dental work, cosmetic dentistry is the perfect solution.

It offers a boost to your self-confidence through a more perfect smile, potentially an easier time eating and talking, or even an elimination of chronic headaches! 

What do headaches have to do with dentistry?

Poor tooth alignment or an over or underbite can actually lead to painful headaches on a regular basis. Through "cosmetic" dentistry, you can eliminate a lot of problems that you wouldn't normally associate with your teeth, such as headaches.

In this sense, the term "cosmetic dentistry" is a bit of a misnomer. Cosmetic dentistry not only covers procedures to improve your appearance, but also a variety of opportunities to tangibly improved your quality of life. Bite reclamations (the reversal of an under or overbite), gingivectomies (the removal of gum tissue), and gum lifts (the sculpting of the gum line) can all lead to a much more comfortable life.