Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

Serving Kanata, Stittsville and Ottawa, Ontario

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry which holds the aesthetics of your smile second only to the health of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry uses materials like dental porcelain and technology like laser gum contouring to achieve a natural-looking, beautiful, healthy smile. It does away with old-style materials that draw attention to your dental restorations while maintaining or improving the integrity and functionality of your teeth and gums.

How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?

General dentistry is focused entirely on the repair and maintenance of your mouth without taking the aesthetics into account. Cosmetic dentistry performs the same restorations, but places a focus on aesthetics as well as functionality. From tooth coloured fillings to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry uses the most advanced technology and procedures to give you a smile you can be proud of.

What are some popular cosmetic dentistry procedures?

Because cosmetic dentistry can address almost any dental issue, your options are virtually endless. Some of the more popular procedures include:

• Porcelain veneers
• Dental implants
• Tooth coloured fillings
• Porcelain dental crowns
• Gum recontouring
• Smile makeover

Is cosmetic dentistry more expensive than general dentistry?

Because cosmetic dentistry uses advanced materials and technology, the up-front price tag is often higher than similar procedures performed by a general dentist. However, when you take into account the fact that some cheaper general dentistry treatments are often more damaging to your overall oral health and must often be redone at a later date, the end cost is comparable. However, more valuable than the end savings is the knowledge that your smile looks completely beautiful and natural, and you will have the longevity and peace of mind that makes the investment worthwhile.

What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?

The most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry is that your dental restorations look like your natural teeth. However, the benefits do not stop here. Because metal restorations expand and contract with heat and cold, they often cause damage to the teeth they are meant to repair. Metal amalgam fillings have also been known to leach mercury into the surrounding soft tissues. The tooth coloured filling and porcelain restorations used in cosmetic dentistry eliminate this.

Cosmetic dentistry can also offer complete smile makeovers, providing you with the smile of your dreams. Many patients find that their new smile boosts their self-confidence, making them feel much more attractive than ever before.

Who is qualified to perform cosmetic dentistry procedures?

Only a trained cosmetic dentist should perform cosmetic dentistry procedures. Dentists who have not undergone specialized training may not have the knowledge of cosmetic dentistry techniques needed to give you a beautiful, radiant smile.

Please contact our Ottawa cosmetic dentist Dr. Barakat today to schedule your appointment. Dentistry at Main proudly serves patients in Ottawa, Kanata and Stittsville, Ontario.