Cosmetic Dentistry Can Include Tooth Replacement

As a dentist in Macomb County with over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of adults achieve excellent dental wellness as well as beautiful smiles. Dental wellness is the most important aspect of a smile, but I understand that its appearance is an important factor for many individuals as well.

In addition to being a general dentist and a neuromuscular dentist, I have advanced skills in cosmetic dentistry. Most of these skills were acquired through advanced training at one of the most renowned dental training facilities in the world – LVI Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where I achieved Fellowship status and the Master level.

When people think of “cosmetic dentistry,” they often think about teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and/or crowns, and reshaping gum tissues (over teeth most visible in a smile). However, to achieve desired results of a healthy AND beautiful smile, adults often need a combination of cosmetic dentistry and restorative/implant dentistry. 

Missing teeth for adults ages 45+ is fairly common. According to the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention, an average of 12 natural teeth have been lost by the time adults reach age 50. 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db197.htm

Although some teeth may need shape and shade enhancement through porcelain crowns or veneers, we often incorporate tooth replacement or replacement of old or ill-fitted bridges or partials in the treatment plan. We may replace old crowns or bonded teeth. We may also recommend the removal of some “hopeless” teeth or replacement of partial dentures.

In cases where replacing teeth is needed, we typically recommend dental implants. These are ideal tooth replacements for several reasons. In addition to being designed to last a lifetime, dental implants are advantageous to the health of surrounding teeth. This is because their presence helps the bone to maintain bone mass, which preserves the foundation of implanted and natural teeth.

When crowns-&-bridges are used, we also take special measures to create a beautifully natural look as well as proper function. In neuromuscular dentistry, bite alignment is the key to congruity amongst all craniofacial structures, including the jaws, jaw joints, facial muscles, and tissues.

The attention to balanced alignment included in procedures applies to all implant, cosmetic and restorative procedures we do. By incorporating neuromuscular dentistry into treatment plans and procedural steps, our Shelby Township dental office helps patients to avoid the repercussions of TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorder can cause frequent headaches, migraines, ear ringing, sore jaw joints, sore facial and neck muscles, dizziness, difficulty opening the mouth fully, jaw popping, and other symptoms.

Finding a “cosmetic dentist” is obviously an important decision, since there are many variations in treatment plans that affect the very best outcome. If you have considered smile enhancement or need teeth replaced, call our office at 586-739-2155 for a free consultation or tap here to begin.