How do celebrities always seem to possess perfect teeth and a brilliant smile? Because of cosmetic dentistry! Cosmetic dentistry
is a field involved with improving or enhancing the appearance of the gums and teeth. Aesthetic dentistry procedures can also help to enhance bite and overall health of your teeth. Individuals with chipped, discolored, misaligned, or missing teeth can benefit from cosmetic dentistry procedures.
A person trained and qualified to practice cosmetic dentistry is a cosmetic dentist. You can also obtain a perfect and beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments. But how long does it take to become a cosmetic dentist, and what does one have to do? Read on to learn the answers to these and other cosmetic dentistry questions.
Cosmetic dentistry is also called esthetic dentistry. In order to achieve an attractive smile, a cosmetic dentist concentrates on enhancing the look of teeth and gums. While aesthetics may be the major objective, a dental professional also makes sure that the patient's oral and general health is supported by the treatment.
Since a cosmetic dentist is technically a general dentist, the training to become one is identical to that of a general dentist. They go to dental school for four years and graduate with a degree in either dental surgery or dental medicine.
How long does it take to be a cosmetic dentist, becoming a cosmetic dentist
takes plenty of time. Dentists must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of dental school, and different years of postgraduate education to specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
Becoming a cosmetic dentist is a career choice that involves multiple steps. Cosmetic dentists are medical professionals; therefore, to become a cosmetic dentist, extensive education and training are required. Discussed below are the various steps to becoming a cosmetic dentist in Minneapolis.
1. Graduate from high school:
Completing high school is a vital step in becoming a cosmetic dentist. Understanding science-based courses like anatomy, chemistry, and biology can better prepare you for the work ahead. This stage in your education also allows you to develop efficient study habits ahead of dental school.
2. Complete a bachelor’s degree program:
After completing high school, arrange to enroll in a four-year bachelor's program where you will study a course relevant to dentistry, like anatomy, biology, and biochemistry. Telling your academic advisor your goal to become a dentist might also prove useful. You might be able to alter your course schedule to make sure you meet all the prerequisites for dental college.
You should also aim at maintaining a good G.P.A. because many dental schools demand exceptional academic records from applicants.
3. Apply to a dental school:
It's essential to enroll in an approved dental program if you want to operate as a cosmetic dentist. Taking the Dental Admission Test (D.A.T.) is a prerequisite for admission into a dental school. Also, prepare your undergraduate transcript, D.A.T. results, personal essay, documentation proving your 100 hours of job shadowing in the dental field, and recommendation letters from qualified contacts before applying to a dental school.
4. Consider additional education:
Many professionals undertake additional training to hone their skills after receiving their D.D.S. or D.D.M. You could enroll in a two-year postdoctoral program to learn more sophisticated dentistry techniques. Alternatively, you could also consider enrolling for a fellowship in cosmetic dentistry
to get first-hand exposure to cosmetic dentists' treatments and tools regularly employed.
5. Get licensed and accredited:
Dentists must possess a license to practice professionally in every state. Learn how to get and maintain a license by researching your local laws. To further bolster their credentials, aspiring cosmetic dentists can work to become accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). You should plan to attend several necessary workshops, succeed on both an oral and written exam, and provide documentation of clinical cases to obtain this certificate.
6. Submit applications for jobs:
You can start looking for work once you obtain your certifications. There are lots of dental offices that prioritize aesthetics. It may be beneficial to highlight your skills with cosmetic dental equipment and technology in your cover letter and resume.
Not all of the following procedures will work for everyone. Your dentist can help you determine which method will work the best for enhancing your smile. Major cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
1. Teeth whitening:
Professional teeth whitening
performed by your Minneapolis dentist
produces rapid and long-lasting results, ensuring that the wait time before you get a bright smile is reduced.
2. Invisalign:
This cosmetic dentistry treatment discreetly corrects misaligned teeth. Invisalign
aligners can also be taken off when eating or drinking, which makes them more comfortable than conventional metal braces.
3. Veneers:
Dental veneersare usually made from porcelain. Veneers are bonded to the front of the tooth to correct minor imperfections, such as a cracked or chipped tooth.
4. Dental Implants:
A dental implantis a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. The device is usually made out of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing.
3 A dental implant is designed to act as the tooth root and can anchor artificial teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
5. Dental Crowns:
Dental crown fits over the entire damaged or decayed tooth above the gum line. They can be made from metal, ceramic, ceramic-on-metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or resin. Dental crownscan be used to cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth or to hold a cracked tooth together.
