A Cosmetic Revolution?

The advances in modern dentistry are nothing short of amazing. The profession has experienced a dramatic shift in the last 20 years. Where the focus on comfort and functionality was once the sole determinant of successful dental treatment, today we are striving to go beyond comfort and function to truly reproduce the esthetic qualities of a healthy and beautiful smile. Dentistry in 2006 has become an intricate blend of art and science. In and of itself, this is truly a great development in the profession. I am proud that we are able to provide our patients with high quality dentistry that is often times indistinguishable from natural tooth structure. The porcelains and composites of today allow us to recreate beautiful smiles with great attention to detail.

The technological advances of cosmetic dentistry also come with great responsibilities on the part of our profession. Patients are becoming increasingly aware of the treatment options available, as even television shows highlight dental makeovers on a regular basis. I have patients in my office who request cosmetic treatment in terms that only a dentist would understand ten years ago. It is my responsibility to satisfy these requests with my patients' best interest in mind.

This trend is both amazing and concerning to me. It is my personal belief that in many cases, the best dentistry is none at all, as the natural dentition provided by nature, when maintained in a healthy state, is an amazingly complex and beautiful system. I believe it is my professional and ethical responsibility to treat natural teeth with very high regard when we are discussing elective procedures to enhance the esthetics of a patient's smile. I therefore tend to always err on the side of caution with regard to cosmetic dentistry, and I insist that my patients are fully informed on any treatment we provide.

Dentists used to rank right behind clergy in opinion polls about the most trusted professions. We have fallen somewhat, and I think the perception that there are those in the profession "selling" elective procedures has a lot to do with this disturbing trend. I want dentists back at the top of that list, and it starts with education of my own patients right here in my office.

There are many indications for enhancing a smile with beautiful dentistry, and I am more than happy to highlight cases completed in my office. An increased focus on cosmetics is a good thing for dentistry and patients, as a beautiful smile can have a tremendous effect on a person's quality of life. It is a pleasure for me to be able to help people in this way. It is also a pleasure for me to approach my patients in a conservative manner that coincides with my practice philosophy that my patients deserve the type of care I would request for my own family.