Word Of Mouth – A Dental Blog

Recently a popular New York weekly magazine featured several articles on the popularity of cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic dentistry. One of the authors interviewed several “cosmetic” dentists to discover what treatment would be most appropriate for him. I found the article surprising and disappointing.

The author consulted five Manhattan dentists, reporting on their “styles of care”, their bedside manner and their treatment proposals. What I found most surprising and disappointing was that in none of the offices being evaluated, did the author (patient) receive a comprehensive evaluation of his dental health. No mention of an oral cancer exam, no mention of a check for gum problems, no mention of an examination to determine if the muscles and the tempromandibular joint were working harmoniously -only an emphasis on what to do to improve the “the look”.

Now I must apologize if I am missing the boat, but as one who provides cosmetic services I have always thought, and still believe that patients can and should have it all. Good dental care should be based on health, function and beauty. A desire to achieve improved dental aesthetics does not have to neglect either oral health or masticatory function! After all, an outstanding cosmetic result can only be created on a well functioning and healthy foundation.

While it is certainly true that more and more patients are seeking cosmetic dental care to help them look and feel better about themselves, aesthetic care must also consider the health of the underlying structures and how these structures work as an integrated unit. Anything less and the patient is simply not getting the best.