Cosmetic dentistry is one of the fastest growing areas of dentistry and has its share of supporters and critics. A lot of people see a good smile as an asset and therefore think that cosmetic dentistry is needed. On the other hand, there are also people who think that the cost of the treatments do not make up for benefits it provides.

What is cosmetic dentistry, anyway? For those not in the know, cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure done to improve the way your teeth looks, which in turn affects your smile. Since most of the procedures in cosmetic dentistry are done without any medical reason, it is often viewed by some people as vanity. There are also people who argue that there are psychological benefits to improving one’s smile such as improving a person’s self confidence especially after a history of being picked on because of his or her teeth.

There are several basic procedures in cosmetic dentistry: tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth shaping, dental implants, and gum lifts. Although it is certainly true that veneers are also used to protect a damaged tooth and tooth shaping can correct a person’s bite, the procedures are not done with dental health as the primary reason for doing so. Improving a person’s teeth and smile are usually the only reasons behind cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Now, is cosmetic dentistry really a need or simply vanity? If I were to answer that, I’d say “it depends”. Is cosmetic dentistry used for vanity? I think so, yes. But are vain people the only ones who do so? Of course, not.

People have different situations and personalities. I know a lot of people who were picked on with how their teeth looked and ended up with very low self esteem. Some people also have a weird bite that could have been easily corrected by Aurora dentists with a simple teeth shaping procedure or gum lifts. The term “need” is subjective, as I would personally say. As long as a person can afford the treatment, whether or not he or she really needs it, why stop them? It might even be good for them, especially for those who think it would greatly help their well being. If a person does not have the resources to undergo such treatments, then that’s when I would say it’s a bad choice.