Cosmetic Dentistry

Many people are unhappy with how their teeth look when they smile. It could be because their teeth are crooked; it could be because their teeth are discoloured; it could be because they are missing teeth, or because their teeth are chipped or uneven. It could even be because their gums are too big! Whatever the reason, not feeling confident about your smile can be depressing, socially awkward and it can affect your self-esteem.

Now, real advances in dentistry mean that there are many fast and subtle treatments available to improve your smile and make you feel confident again. A dentist who specialises in cosmetic dentistry will have an up to the minute understanding of the latest technologies, products and services, and can help their patients choose the programme of treatments to suit their needs.

What does the job involve?

Cosmetic dentistry is a fast-evolving area of the profession and new treatments emerge quickly. Many patients who visit a specialist cosmetic dentist will require a broad programme of treatments to get the perfect, ‘Hollywood’ smile. This may include minor adjustments to crooked teeth using ‘invisible’ braces. It could include some tooth-whitening technique and polishing. It could also include some re-contouring of the gums so that they are shaped around the teeth in a more aesthetic way.

By having access to the latest treatments and equipments, a cosmetic dentist is able to offer patients to perfect smile with the minimum of disruption to their lifestyle.

What qualifications do you need?

To become a professional dentist you must study for five years to gain a dental degree and then register with the General Dental Council. Specialists in cosmetic dentistry will usually hold a post-graduate qualification in a particular area of expertise such as aesthetic or restorative dentistry.

As the field of cosmetic dentistry is relatively new and still evolving, the majority of dentists who specialise in this field are constantly investing in their career and training in new techniques and treatments. Cosmetic dentistry in the United States is more advanced than in the UK and many of the leading figures in the UK have advanced their careers by studying for qualifications in the USA.

What are the career prospects?

Compared to other aspects of dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is very commercially driven. Most dentists work in private practices and build their customer base through referrals based on the quality of their work. It calls for good customer skills as well as good technical skills, with the ability to network, market your practice and grow your reputation as a high quality practitioner that people can trust.