Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance.^[1] Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field. This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients.^[2] The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry.^[3] However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists.

Cosmetic dentistry may involve:

1. The addition of a dental material to teeth or gums – examples: bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum grafts
2. The removal of tooth structure or gums – examples: enameloplasty, gingivectomy
3. Neither adding nor removing dental materials, tooth structure, or gums – examples: teeth whitening (bleaching), laser whitening, gum depigmentation
4. Straightening of teeth accompanied by improvement in appearance of face^[6] – orthodontics
5. Veneers, dental laminates - conservative
6. Scaling

Whitening, or "tooth bleaching", is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. Whitening is a safe process that is effective for most patients. Multiple whitening options are available, including over the counter products such as Crest Whitestrips, as well as dentist-supervised methods such as in-office treatments or at-home treatments involving trays with a peroxide gel.

Laser whitening is a teeth whitening technique in which gums are covered with a rubber dam and a bleaching chemical is applied on the teeth. A beam of argon laser, which is intended to accelerate the process of bleaching, is then projected upon the teeth. This laser activates the bleaching chemical and lightens the teeth color.^[7] Laser whitening is said to be six times more effective in teeth whitening compared to other procedures.

Tooth reshaping removes parts of the enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth. It may be used to correct a small chip, or to alter the length, shape or position of teeth, as well as when there is tooth size discrepancy;^[8][9] it can be used to correct crooked or excessively long teeth. The removed enamel is irreplaceable, and may sometimes expose dentin. It is also known as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, contouring, recontouring, cosmetic contouring, slenderizing, stripping. This procedure offers fast results and can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances.^[10]

Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like dental composite material is color matched, applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into proper tooth contour, hardened and then polished. This process utilizes dental adhesives, which are solutions of resin monomers that make the resin dental substrate interaction possible. They are mainly classified into two techniques: self-etch or etch-and-rinse.^[11] An examples of a bonded restorations are inlays and onlays, which are used to repair decayed & cracked teeth. Teeth damaged by small to moderate decay, erosion, or small fractures can be repaired with direct composite restorations bonded to the teeth. Aesthetics are especially critical in anterior composite restorations.

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Teeth on both sides of the space left by the missing teeth are prepared.^[12] A bridge is made up of abutments, the teeth that are prepped, and the missing, false teeth, which are called pontics.^[13] This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is cemented in. Bridges can consist of more than three teeth in total and the viability of any bridge is usually determined by applying Ante's Law and assessing where in the mouth the teeth are.^{[citation needed]} Most bridges are fixed, they can not be removed. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out in the same way that partial dentures can. In areas of the mouth that are under less stress, such as the front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges or Maryland Bridges are used to replace anterior or front missing teeth, are minimally invasive but do have a reputation for failure.^[14] Bridges require commitment to serious oral hygiene and carry risk.^[15] The average life of bridges is similar to that of crowns which is nearly ten years.^[16]

 

Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. They are an option for closing gaps, enhance the shape, or change the color of teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures. In the majority of the cases, some level of tooth reduction is necessary for optimal results. To achieve a pleasing smile, dentists fabricate diagnostic mock-ups, which act as a tooth preparation guide before the fabrication of veneers,^[17] it allows the dentist to visualize the changes needed to be done on the patient's teeth with respect to size, shape and proportion, its relation with gingival-contour, lip contour and smile line.^[18] Mock ups can be a great aid in fabricating pre-evaluation temporaries, which can give a preliminary evaluation to the esthetics, phonetics and teeth occlusion, in addition, it gives an opportunity to the clinicians to check if they need to do any corrections.

Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for missing teeth. According to ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) there are commonly three parts to what it is described as an implant: the implant device which is predominantly made of titanium (which is inserted into the bone), the abutment, and a dental crown or a denture which are connected to the implant through the abutment.

A gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. The procedure involves reshaping the tissue and/or underlying bones to create the appearance of longer or more symmetrical teeth.^[19]

Metal braces are used primarily to correct crowded or misaligned teeth. While correcting issues such as jaw alignment are the primary purpose, they can also improve aesthetics.^[20]

Clear aligners are used as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners produce comparable results to metal braces and are preferred by some patients as they are less noticeable to others than traditional braces.^[20]

Bite reclamation is for patients who have had years of excessive wear to their teeth due to grinding or acid reflux can alter their vertical dimension. This gives them a closed or shorter look to their face and smile. By opening up their bite, a qualified professional can reclaim their vertical dimension.

In the past, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were made of gold, amalgam and other metals—some of which were veneered with porcelain.^{[citation needed]} Now, dental work can be made entirely of porcelain or composite materials that more closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure. These tooth-colored materials are bonded to the underlying tooth structure with resin adhesives. Unlike silver fillings (amalgams) they are entirely free of mercury. Cosmetic dentistry has evolved to cover many new procedures and new dental materials are constantly introduced.

The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty.^[21] Prosthodontics is the only dental specialty under which the concentration of cosmetic/esthetic dentistry falls. General dentists may perform some simple cosmetic procedures. Consequently, there are questions regarding whether it is ethical for general dentists to treat "smile makeovers" or complex cosmetic and full-mouth reconstruction cases, as they are not qualified to address the complex needs of the patient.^[21][22]

The American College of Prosthodontists is a not-for-profit organization representing prosthodontists within organized dentistry and to the public, with more than 3,700 members worldwide. Prosthodontics is one of the twelve dental specialties defined by the American Dental Association, which recognizes the American College of Prosthodontists as the national organization representing the prosthodontic specialty- the dental specialty of cosmetic / esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry and reconstructive dentistry.

Membership is open to individuals who have graduated from or are currently enrolled in an ADA-accredited advanced prosthodontics program. The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty association where membership is based solely on education credentials. Certified dental laboratory technician and members of the prosthodontic academic community may become Alliance members of the college.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the largest international dental organization in the world, composed of general dentists, specialists, and lab technicians focused on the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. Founded in 1984, the AACD has over 7,000 members in the United States and more than 70 countries around the globe. Members of the academy include dentists, dental laboratory technicians, educators, researchers, students, hygienists, corporations and dental auxiliaries. AACD members seek out continuing education through lectures, workshops, and publications in order to keep up-to-date with all of the advancements in cosmetic dental techniques and technology. In 1984, the AACD was formed and has filled the dire need for credentialing in cosmetic dentistry. The purpose of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry (ABCD) is the testing, analyzing, and evaluation of the services of dentists and laboratory technicians for the purpose of awarding AACD Accreditation in cosmetic dentistry.^[23] However, this certification is not approved or recognized by the American Dental Association.

American Society For Dental Aesthetics: Conceived in 1976, the American Society for Dental Aesthetics was developed with a single purpose in mind: continuing dental education to teach dental health professionals the most advanced aesthetic and restorative techniques available. To become a member of the ASDA, a dentist must show a minimum of five years in dental practice, or postgraduate training of two years in an approved program; attendance to at least two ASDA sponsored continuing dental education seminars; nomination by a member accompanied by two letters of recommendation by Society members; presentation of five (5) cases illustrating the concepts of aesthetic dentistry.^[24]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

 

Cosmetic dentistry awards in the USA and internationally, here's a breakdown of prominent awards and recognition in the field:

United States

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Evy Awards: Often called the "Oscars of Dentistry," these awards recognize AACD members or Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry authors who have made a significant impact on the dental industry. Categories include:
  • Humanitarian Award: For outstanding contributions to charitable causes.
  • jCD Award: For the best original article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry.
  • Dr. Nathaniel D. Hill Rising Star Award: For emerging leaders in cosmetic dentistry.
  • Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry Education Award: For advancing the art and science of cosmetic dentistry through education.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: For significant, long-standing contributions to the field.
  • Outstanding Service to the Academy Award: For exceptional service to the AACD.
• AACD Smile Gallery Competition (Past): Although the official competition concluded in 2007, the AACD still showcases members' clinical skills through the Smile Gallery. Past awards were given in categories based on technical skill in cosmetic dentistry.
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Awards: While focused on implant dentistry, some awards recognize the esthetic aspects of implant restorations:
  • International Dentist of the Year: Recognizes leadership in the international growth of the AAID and promotion of education.
• American Prosthodontic Society (APS) Awards: These awards often acknowledge the esthetic outcomes of prosthodontic treatments:
  • Golden Medallion Award: Recognizes exceptional contributions to prosthodontics.
  • Rudd Award: Presented to a dental technician or dentist for significant contributions to prosthodontics and dental laboratory communities.
• America's Best Dentists: This recognition highlights dentists with significant experience, continuing education, and positive reviews, often including those excelling in cosmetic procedures.
• "Top Dentist" Awards: Various regional publications (like Mpls/St. Paul magazine) often have peer-nominated "Top Dentist" lists that include cosmetic dentists.
• ADA Design Innovation Awards: While not solely focused on cosmetic dentistry, these awards by the American Dental Association recognize dental offices with excellent esthetic appeal, function, and design.
• Cosmetic Practice of the Year Awards: Some organizations or publications may present awards specifically recognizing outstanding cosmetic dental practices.

International

• The European Awards in Medicine: Recognizes excellence in various medical fields, including dentistry. DentSpa Clinic was named "Europe's Best Dental Clinic" in 2024.
• International Award of Excellence and British Healthcare Awards: This award recognized Dr. Arshad from India as the "Best Cosmetic Dentist from India" in 2023.
• Smile of the Year Awards (Europe): An annual competition based in Europe that celebrates dental excellence in various categories, with winners receiving trophies and certificates. It attracts participants from multiple countries.
• International Dentistry Award: Kreativ Dental in Hungary received the "International Dental Clinic of the Year – Europe" award in 2017.
• The European Awards: Dentakay received "The European Award 2022" in the Dentistry category.

It's important to note that the landscape of dental awards can change, and new awards may emerge while others may evolve or become less prominent. The AACD's Evy Awards and Smile Gallery (past) have historically been significant recognitions specifically within cosmetic dentistry.

🇫🇷 Cosmetic Dentistry Awards

1. Smile of the Year Awards

Organized by Dental Tribune International, the Smile of the Year Awards is a prestigious European competition that celebrates outstanding achievements in aesthetic dentistry. The 18th edition is scheduled for May 16, 2025. The competition features 20 clinical categories, including:Dental Tribune USA+1SMILE OF THE YEAR+1SMILE OF THE YEAR+1Dental Tribune USA+1SMILE OF THE YEAR+1SMILE OF THE YEAR+1

• Implant Restorations

• Ceramic Restorations

• Composite Restorations

• Complex Esthetic Restoration in Pediatric DentistrySMILE OF THE YEAR

Winners receive designer trophies, certificates of excellence, digital seals for promotional use, and material or educational prizes. The event garners international participation, with entries from countries such as France, Spain, and Bulgaria. SMILE OF THE YEAR+1SMILE OF THE YEAR+1

2. Euro Dentistry Best Poster & Keynote Speaker Awards

Presented at the Euro Dentistry Congress, these awards recognize exceptional scientific contributions in the field of dentistry. The Best Poster Award honors innovative research presented through visually compelling posters, while the Best Keynote Speaker Award acknowledges impactful presentations by leading professionals. eurodentistry.dentalcongress.com+1longdom.com+1longdom.com+1eurodentistry.dentalcongress.com+1

3. Advanced Dentistry Conference Awards

At the Advanced Dentistry Conference, awards are given for outstanding research papers and poster presentations. These accolades highlight groundbreaking inquiries and significant contributions to dental science, fostering collaboration and knowledge dissemination among professionals. longdom.com

4. Oral Health & Dentistry Awards by GHP

Global Health & Pharma (GHP) hosts the Oral Health & Dentistry Awards, recognizing leading practitioners and innovative companies in the dental industry. The awards celebrate advancements in technology, treatment options, and patient outcomes, contributing to the growth and evolution of the global dentistry market. GHP News+1oralhealth.alliedacademies.com+1

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🌍 International Awards with French Participation

5. Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellowship

Named after the French pioneer of modern dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international organization that honors outstanding dentists worldwide. Fellowship is awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, integrity, and contributions to the profession. The academy includes members from France and promotes excellence in dental practice globally. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

6. American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) Membership

The ASDA is an international nonprofit organization aiming to enhance the quality of patient care in dental aesthetics. Membership is open to qualified professionals from various countries, including France, who meet specific criteria and demonstrate a commitment to advancing dental aesthetics. Wikipedia

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Newell Sill Jenkins (1840–1919) was an American dentist who practiced most of his life in Dresden, Germany.^[25] He developed the Jenkins porcelain enamel and improved, thus making a composition of the porcelain paste, porcelain inlays, dental crowns and bridges. Hence, he is regarded as the founder of aesthetic dentistry.