How To Fix Your Crooked Teeth And Own A World Class Smile In 6 Months

Many people are confused about the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist. Contrary to what some people believe, they are not interchangeable. General dentists take care of the medical care of your crooked teeth, such as cleaning, cavity filling, root canals, treatments for gingivitis, and dentures, for example. Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, often do everything a general dentist does but with a focus more on the look of your teeth and your smile.

General dentists sometimes perform tooth whitening services and place crowns, but they focus less on procedures that improve the beauty of their patients' smiles. Cosmetic dentists may undergo special training for dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental implants, as well as sometimes the latest advances in braces that straighten the teeth, such as Invisalign teeth aligners and Six Month Smiles braces. Six Month Smiles operate under the same principle as traditional braces but concentrate more on the teeth that show when a person smiles. For this reason, the process is shortened to just six months.

In order to work on the teeth from an aesthetic perspective, the cosmetic dentist must be sure that a patient's teeth are healthy enough for the procedures. This requires a thorough examination before any cosmetic treatments to make sure that there are no underlying dental issues that need to be addressed first. For example, a root canal may need to be performed before dental crowns or porcelain veneers can be applied.

Cosmetic dentistry also improves oral health. For example, correcting the look of the smile generally improves the health of the teeth and the mouth as well. When the teeth are aligned more ideally, they can function properly, the bite, jaw, gums, and teeth all work together to prevent breakdown and deterioration of the teeth, gums and jawbone surrounding the teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Technology

Cosmetic dentistry is also at the forefront of dental technology. Tooth restorations, such as crowns and veneers, can involve the very latest advances in the industry. One of the latest advancements is the use of CEREC or CAD/CAM technology for making porcelain crowns and restorations.

CEREC utilizes a computer and a machine to make (or mill) the crowns. While traditional crowns require two visits and a temporary crown in between, CEREC allows the procedure to be done in just one visit. The milling machine is connected wirelessly to the computer and makes the crown on the spot, while the traditional method involves crowns being made in a laboratory. The computer technology is also more exact than the laboratory method.

Some cosmetic dentists use laser technology to remove tiny portions of the gum line in order to correct what are known as "gummy smiles." This type of smile is one in which the gums show a great deal. In some cases, the teeth may not show much at all, and so the laser procedure allows the cosmetic dentist to remove enough of the gum tissue so that more of the teeth can show in the patient's smile.

Porcelain veneers are a very popular advanced technique used by cosmetic dentists. Sometimes called "instant orthodontics," the veneers are bonded to the surface of the teeth to make them a beautiful color, as well as a symmetrical size and shape. Veneers have proven to be quite durable and are among the most popular ways to create a great smile, particularly when someone does not want to wait for the results of traditional braces.

Cosmetic dentists have been trained to have an aesthetic sensibility that allows them to create symmetry, function and beauty to a patient's smile. Through excellent dental care, your cosmetic dentist allows individuals to smile with confidence.

Dr. Jacquelyn Averett, D.D.S.

Dr. Jacquelyn Averett is a highly qualified dentist with a caring, gentle touch. She attended UC Berkeley where she earned a degree in Biological Sciences. She went on to obtain her dental degree from UC San Francisco. Dr. Averett then completed postgraduate training as a Hospital Dentistry resident at the University of Washington in Seattle.

She returned to her home in Fairfield and opened her private practice in 1991 to provide excellence in Family and Cosmetic dentistry. Continually taking continuing education courses to improve and expand her skills, she is Six Month Smiles Certified and a Cerec provider. She has a passion to partner with her patients to provide the best treatment available.