What Does Modern Cosmetic Dentistry Look Like?

The dental industry has made great strides in the last decade, and much of that progress has been made possible by technological advances and significant improvements in available equipment. From the patient's perspective, new technology and the treatments it offers can be confusing and daunting.

Many of us grew up in a world where crooked teeth could only be fixed with braces, extracted teeth could only be replaced with uncomfortable, often ill-fitting dentures, and cosmetic dentistry meant bleaching our teeth. Those days are over, but the sheer variety of treatments available online can make it hard for people to know which treatment will work for them.

We at Meza Dental Care are developing a series of articles explaining the various methods so you can have an informed conversation with your dentist. We want you to understand your options and have enough knowledge to choose the treatment best suited to your situation and needs.

Firstly, What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

While all dental work should provide teeth that function properly, cosmetic dentistry refers to procedures primarily concerned with improving the appearance of your teeth. In some cases, where the teeth are highly misaligned or crooked, the best treatment might involve orthodontia, such as traditional braces or newer products like Invisalign. In less extreme cases, however, many new and improved treatments are available that will even out your smile and improve your overall appearance.

A Modern History of Cosmetic Dentistry

Depending on your age, you may remember a time when being born with less-than-perfect teeth was something you just learned to live with. Good dental health meant avoiding cavities so that you didn't lose your teeth, because the alternative was horrible.

In the early 1900s, porcelain dental crowns and dentures were invented, but they eventually became too expensive and were replaced by plastic and acrylic alternatives. In the 1930s, dental veneers were invented, but they were costly and used inferior adhesives that often fell off, making them highly impractical. In the 1950s, a composite tooth-filling material was invented, which meant we were no longer doomed to noticeable black or silver fillings. Laser-based dental treatments were invented in the 1960s but were primarily used to treat gum disease until 1996, when the FDA approved a laser for whitening.

Hello, Dental Veneers!

In the 1980s, the invention of adhesive systems and resin cements changed everything. The ability to bond materials to tooth enamel was a game-changer - those dental veneers from the 1930s became much more useful, and from that time on, the design and production of dental veneers have improved steadily.

The first permanent veneers required shaving the underlying teeth down to stumps to fit the veneer over the top. While this works quite well, removing natural enamel from the teeth increases the risk that bacteria can work beneath the veneer and erode the tooth's structure. Since then, new techniques have been developed that allow the veneer to be attached to existing teeth with minimal damage - known as prep-less veneers, which we prefer here at Meza Dental Care. The veneers we use today are thin, natural-looking, and durable with proper care.

On the Cutting Edge of Cosmetic Dentistry

Perhaps the most impactful advancement in the development of dental veneers has little to do with the veneers themselves but everything to do with the ability to build them to spec - through digital technology. Today's dentists have access to fully digital scans that show teeth and the underlying bone structures, allowing them to design prototype veneers using dental impressions and digital imaging.

With this new technology, dentists can create your perfect smile, then use a 3D printer to build a prototype that you can try on to see how it looks and feels. This technology helps create teeth with more natural tones and shading within the tooth itself, unlike the original veneers, which often looked flat and unnatural.

But technology isn't the only thing that goes into creating the perfect smile. Cosmetic Dentistry is a very intricate balance of design and artistry. It involves having the knowledge, experience, and artistry to make your smile look beautiful and natural by using the patient's bone structure and facial traits and following the natural rules of proportion and symmetry.

Your Perfect Smile

Every smile is unique and special. So, the best way to find your perfect smile is to speak with a qualified dentist, discuss your dental history, and share your ideal smile goals. Let them guide you towards a treatment that will provide the best possible results for your needs. Whether you want to replace that crooked tooth that's always bothered you or you suffer from stained or discolored enamel, your dentist can provide you with options that will improve the look of your smile while maintaining the same functionality you enjoy now.

Getting the smile you've always dreamed of is easier than ever. Meza will help you find the least invasive solution possible to achieve your desired look - because we believe saving your natural teeth is always the best option.

The Meza Dental Advantage

At Meza Dental Care, we believe in providing every patient with the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics. Dr. Meza was the first dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry outside the United States. We pride ourselves on having extremely high standards, and to ensure that every crown and veneer meets these standards, we developed our dedicated laboratory - staffed with trained technicians who go above and beyond every time, producing only the best products using the highest-quality materials and technologically advanced methods.

We offer a wide variety of cosmetic treatments, including:

• Dental crowns

• Veneers

• Teeth whitening

• Dental composites

You can enjoy the benefits of modern, up-to-date procedures and beautiful tropical locales. We will answer any questions and discuss your treatment options if you want to learn more. Just ask for your free estimate and start the journey to your perfect smile today. Email contact@mezadentalcare.com or call toll-free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-(877)-337-6392.