Orthodontics in Cosmetic Dentistry – Getting it Straight

While dental implants and veneers are getting all of the press, orthodontics is the backbone of cosmetic dentistry. How impressive are gleaming white teeth if they are crooked, gapped, or crowded? The very basis of cosmetic dentistry must start with straight teeth.

The cosmetic dentistry/orthodontics paradox

How can someone that cares about their appearance be burdened with the appearance of big, bulky braces and headgear? How can someone endure years of ugly braces as part of their aesthetic dentistry treatment? In this case the problem with the argument is in the premise. In simpler terms, braces no longer need to be ugly or worn for years. In addition, headgear is for children during development, not adults interested in cosmetic dentistry. There are cosmetically appealing options for patients interested in their appearance and interested in having straight teeth.

Invisible braces solve the paradox

Invisible braces are the hottest orthodontic trend right now. These clear aligners slide right over a patient’s teeth like a completely clear mouth guard, but they really do move the teeth like braces. The most popular and famous brand of clear aligners is Invisalign; however, competitors have recently entered the market. The competition is driven by such a high patient demand and the ease with which dentists can perform orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. A computer program combined with 3-D imaging can plot out the entire course of treatment—the patient is simply fitted with a new clear aligner every few weeks which moves the teeth a little bit more each time.

Clear braces are for patients that cannot have clear aligners

Sadly clear aligners do not work for every orthodontic patient. Some people’s teeth are a bit too crooked or the bite is too far off  for clear aligners. In these cases, adult patients often turn to clear braces. Clear braces are not really clear at all, but made out of porcelain (ceramic) or composite materials so that they are the same color as the tooth. Therefore “clear braces” are hard to see against the background of the tooth. Clear braces provide potent orthodontic treatment where clear aligners cannot, even to tough cases.

Cosmetic dentistry and your orthodontist

Orthodontics can be combined with other cosmetic dentistry techniques to provide the most beautiful smile possible for your face. Since cosmetic dentistry is not a separate dental specialty like Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, many dentists incorporate aesthetic dentistry procedures into their practice. If you are considering a dental makeover and you need orthodontic treatment, it makes sense to work with an orthodontist that also practices cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry techniques

As you are having your teeth aligned, you may need to have some teeth extracted, especially if you are an adult patient. Dental implants are rapidly becoming the most secure way to replace missing teeth. If an orthodontist installs the dental implant, he or she can incorporate the implant into the orthodontic treatment plan. Further, when minor tweaks and adjustments need to be made to fine tune the placement of the teeth, your orthodontist may be able to achieve those cosmetic results by using veneers and/or bonding. Veneers and bonding are cosmetic dentistry techniques that can subtly change the shape and size of teeth. Dental veneers can fill in small gaps that orthodontic treatment may have missed.  In the end you are left with a straight, beautiful smile and all the benefits that go along with orthodontic treatment .