ACE Dental has mentioned that cosmetic dentistry is a blend of art and science that helps patients to get aesthetically pleasing results that are derived from the training and expertise of their dentist.
As most cosmetic dentistry procedures are custom-tailored to fit the needs and goals of each patient, the cosmetic dentist must apply what they know about the science of dentistry and the principles of beauty.
Although most dentists would agree that beauty cannot be measured, there are some principles cosmetic dentists use to achieve what may be considered ideal-looking results.
These principles are not based on perceived beauty but on the concept of harmony and harmonic proportions which can, in fact, be achieved through mathematical relationships.
The relationships of proportion can be measured against that of societies ideal of what is looked upon as attractive or beautiful.
Many patients look at model or celebrity smiles and tell their cosmetic dentists that they want them to emulate that look.
Looking further into the facial aesthetics of top models and celebrities who are held in high regard, cosmetic dentists are able to use math to determine what a great majority of the public feel is an ideally attractive look:
- Symmetry in the lips
- Dominant top teeth
- Little to no gum appearance
- Short upper lip
- Slightly protruding mouth profile
- A seductive smile
- Straight, white teeth
Although beauty truly is up to the eye of the beholder, the possibilities for cosmetic dentistry to help patients achieve their ideal smile are within reach.
There are more factors than the above-mentioned traits that the cosmetic dentist considers to achieve your ideal smile.
The dentist also seeks to blend the symmetry of the other facial features to create your ideal smile.
Beyond your mouth, teeth, and gums, the cosmetic dentist must also consider the lips, nose and eyes in their relationship to each other and other facial features to create a smile that is in harmony with your overall appearance.
Modern Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Modern cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, dental implants, or dental crowns rely heavily on technology that enables the cosmetic dentist to utilize tools and computers that aid in the cosmetic or restorative process.
Cosmetic dentistry patients are benefiting from technology such as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing with better restorations that are more durable, more natural looking and feeling, and less time-consuming than in the past.
As many cosmetic dentists now utilize these machines in their practices it has allowed them to be fully involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, preparation, and treatment of cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Whereas formerly many dentists had to send off these machine restorations to a dental lab, many dentists are undergoing additional training that allows them to prepare ceramic restorations within their offices.
The resulting restorations created by highly skilled cosmetic dentists ensure quality and customization and never before seen durability.
In addition, some procedures that may require multiple office visits are now cut down to a single visit where the fabrication can be made while the patient waits.
The Goal of Your Cosmetic Dentist
Your cosmetic dentist will be seeking to provide you with an aesthetic solution that meets your smile goals but also performs to a standard based on dental functionality.
Your cosmetic procedure, whether a small tooth-colored filling or a complete smile makeover, must adhere to the higher standard of achieving both harmony and utility.
Your teeth must look good and work well together so that eating, speaking, and chewing are normal functions.
That said, the cosmetic dentist is an expert who has been trained to meticulously blend art and science so that facial harmonies are blended with the functionality of your teeth as dependent on your cosmetic treatments.