Cosmetic Dentist or Prosthodontist - Which to Choose for Veneers?

You’ve probably seen a gorgeous celebrity or model that opens their mouth to smile, revealing large, horsey teeth. These unnatural and comical-looking teeth are the work of a bad cosmetic dentist. They’re called veneers, and they are thin coverings that shield the natural teeth so that the color, shape, and size can be altered to fit the face better. The procedure is expensive and can cost thousands of dollars for a full set. Unfortunately, there are some inexperienced or simply lazy professionals who don’t give their clients the best smile possible. There’s no reason why veneers shouldn’t fit the patient’s smile without looking overly large or out of place, which is why it is important to search for the right dentistry practice. 

Not every practicing professional can be considered a cosmetic dentist, although they may offer these services and treatments. You wouldn’t let a hygienist affix braces without the supervision of an orthodontist, so why would you trust in anything other than an aesthetic specialist. The American Dental Association does not distinguish between specialty areas or set specific practice standards, which can make choosing the right one difficult for consumers. Many offices will advertise services that they rarely give and therefore have much less experience or even no appropriate education on the subjects. While there is no easy way to spot the difference between a specialist and someone who is simply greedy, there are a few distinctions. 

While there is no such thing as a designated cosmetic dentist, there are prosthodontists. This is a recognized specialty within the field that requires three to four years of additional training and education. Their practice focuses on restoring teeth that have been lost or damaged. They are experts at implants, bridges, crowns, and in some cases veneers. The reason why they require addition training is due to the complexity of their work. Restoring a smile isn’t only limited to whitening or slapping a cover over the damaged area. For many individuals, other issues must be addressed. Jawbone and soft tissue can suffer from damage as well, which can require repair before proceeding with cosmetics and other aesthetic improvements. It is important for a prosthodontist to understand and treat any necessary underlying problems that may be causing the loss or damage before simply covering the issue up. 

Another important skill a prosthodontist must have is a deep understanding of facial harmony. Small differences in tooth size in comparison with the overall facial features can result in the “horsey” look or even teeth that are too small. It is for all of these reasons that you should seek a specialist. However, there are many treatments that can be performed by a self-professed cosmetic dentist. Teeth whitening, whether by bleaching or laser, is a fairly straightforward procedure with few risks involved. Veneers placed on already reasonably healthy teeth can also be performed, but be sure to choose someone with a strong portfolio of before and after shots and a good reputation.