10 things your dentist doesn't want you to know about cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is distinguished from "normal" dentistry in that cosmetic dentistry may not entail a medical benefit, as strictly defined. For instance, fixing the appearance of an unsightly but otherwise functional tooth does much to improve the patient's sense of well-being, confidence in social situations and overall charm of a smile. These issues are typically important to a patient, but are not strictly health related. A tooth of poor appearance but reasonable function is not, at least in the short term, a health issue. 

Having said that, cosmetic dentistry is not a trivial affair. You might be surprised what a dentist wishes you didn't know regarding cosmetic dentistry and its services. 

1. The focus of general dentistry is healing and pain relief concerning oral health and hygiene. These are great goals but, as mentioned above, they downplay appearance and presentation. Thus, by sticking with a general dentist, a patient can get the same medical relief, but far less confidence-boosting dental restoration for practically the same price as what a cosmetic dentist would charge. 
2. Teeth whitening services beyond what a regular dentist typically provides. These procedures remove stains built up over time by certain foods and liquids regularly interacting with teeth. Note that whitening is not the same as plaque-removal or cleaning, so it can happen that teeth whitening can leave a whiter smile but still plenty of germs and acids among the teeth and gums. 
3. Bonding can fix minor chips or injuries to teeth. It is not a permanent solution as the bonding material can wear down. On the other hand, bonding is neither prohibitively expensive nor complex. 
4. Teeth straightening and reinforcement is a specialty for cosmetic dentists. General dentists may be able to do these procedures, but not with the skill and chance of success that a cosmetic dentist can offer. 
5. Enamel shaping can improve bite and appearance. Enamel can chip and crack, exposing the rest of the tooth to bacteria and acids that form a cavity. Since it is not living tissue, enamel does not heal by itself, making cosmetic dentistry a valuable service that protects the tooth if enamel proves inadequate. 
6. Even though cosmetic dentistry is usually not covered by insurance, your prosthodontist can be surprisingly flexible when it comes to payment options and total price. 
7. An investment in cosmetic dentistry often carries over into medically relevant oral hygiene. People want to keep their gains. This pertains to money as well as looks. After making an investment for cosmetic dentistry, people typically prioritize overall oral hygiene to minimize future costs and hassles associated with undergoing dental procedures. 
8. A prosthodontist is more educated than a regular dentist. On top of completing dental training, cosmetic dentistry specialists continue their education for a few more years to learn the finer points of their art. 
9. Prosthodontists are reviewed by customers and fellow professionals regarding the quality of their work. Patients can shop around and ask for references. 
10. Cosmetic dentistry is growing and evolving. All may not be lost if a particular operation seems complex, painful or awkward. For example, whereas before tooth straightening necessitated braces, there is now the option of invisalign.  

Cosmetic dentistry entails improved appearance as well as function of teeth and/or teeth replacements. To accomplish their goals, prosthodontists have an arsenal of skills and tools beyond those of a typical dentist.