Cosmetic Dentistry 411

American Idol is a show that pits aspiring musicians against one another in order to identify the next breakout star based on their vocal talents and showmanship. But anyone who watches the show religiously knows that the real hunt is for the rising star who most embodies the American ideals of authenticity, work ethic, and in many cases, overcoming of adversity. And these qualities are precisely what got Crystal Bowersox into the final rounds.

Although her musical chops were significant, her small town roots, her years struggling as a busker in Chicago and her relatable spirituality, and relationship woes (she broke up with her longtime boyfriend just hours before the final performance) made her a fan favorite during the ninth season of American Idol.

But just before embarking on her nationwide American Idols Live! Tour, she made a controversial reveal. Bowersox, who previously commanded a certain unpretentious, au natural appeal with her earthy dreadlocks and conspicuously gap-toothed smile, had apparently visited a cosmetic dentist. San Diego’s CBS 8 ran the TV Guide story that showed a picture featuring the 24-year old singer/songwriter with a pearly white row of gorgeous, perfectly aligned teeth.

Bowersox’s decision to invest in cosmetic work initially touched off some knee jerk backlash from her fan base. Some fans lamented the loss of her distinctive gap while others accused her of succumbing to vanity in the face of blinding stardom. But there’s more to the story than appearances.

Just prior to the final round of voting, Bowersox disclosed that she had been a longtime sufferer of diabetes. According to a USA Today interview, Bowersox had been reduced to begging outside of pharmacies in order to afford her insulin. “No one should ever have to do that,” she said, while pledging to use her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness and support for childhood diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are highly susceptible to dental health problems, which likely explains Bowersox’s own issues, which were not mentioned in the story circulated by CBS 8 San Diego.

Dental bonding, dental implants, and other cosmetic dental procedures have helped Bowersox rectify a symptom of her diabetes in a way that is symbolic of her crusade to help undo the damage that too little awareness of childhood diabetes has wrought upon the public at large.

Like medical surgery, dentistry is a practice which has a distinct cosmetic offshoot. To protect the safety of the public, government agencies oversee the licensing of all practicing dentists and medical doctors. But because artistry and mastery over cosmetic procedures fall into more subjective realms, certification of cosmetic dentists isn’t typically subject to oversight from federal licensing boards.

In other words, while a licensed doctor may be guaranteed to have met the minimum standards and qualifications to perform routine dentistry, their licensure does not speak to their proficiency or academic background in cosmetic work.

In the world of cosmetic surgery, under-qualification is a persistent issue. Doctors from other specialties—such as internal medicine or podiatry—often switch over to cosmetic surgery seeking higher profits. This issue extends into the field of cosmetic dentistry. The responsibility then falls upon the consumer to determine which cosmetic dentists are true specialists.

One sign of a highly qualified cosmetic dentist is training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). This highly acclaimed post-doctoral educational institute exposes dentists to specialized training in cosmetic procedures, such as dental implants and tooth whitening. The beauty of LVI dentist training is that it is an internationally recognized credential that can be easily verified by consumers who are researching a cosmetic dentist. San Diego patients can run a search online to see which courses have been completed by any given cosmetic dentist. La Jolla patients, New York patients, Chicago patients and patients from any city in the world can use the same system in order to verify that their cosmetic dentist has specific training in the procedures they offer.

In summary, it’s important to remember that cosmetic dentists are not required by law to have any post-doctoral training or education in new aesthetic procedures. Cosmetic dentists who wish to provide superior results, the utmost in safety, and more confidence in their services can voluntarily pursue additional training in the procedures and technologies they wish to utilize. By seeking an LVI-trained cosmetic dentist, you can be assured that your doctor has the knowledge and experience required to perform excellent work.

Individuals who are missing one or more teeth no longer have to struggle with removable dentures and/or bridges. With the continued advances in dental implants, permanent tooth replacement is more accessible than ever. In the past, only surgical specialists were able to perform this treatment; however, general practitioners who undergo the appropriate training can now offer this dental procedure to their patients. This has allowed several dentists to help many patients achieve a more attractive smile with the use of dental implants.

Those who have used removal dental fixtures in the past are now able to do away with the daily hassles. A dental implant is a sterile, titanium cylinder that permanently replaces the natural tooth root and holds a substitute tooth in place. Patients who receive dental implants and porcelain crowns may brush, floss, eat, and smile with greater confidence. While temporary dentures and bridges provided some functionality, they oftentimes cause further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. Now, with the implants holding the replacement tooth/teeth in place, there is no additional irritation to the rest of the dental structure.

If you are currently using removable dentures and/or bridges, you may wish to visit a qualified dentist. Those in the Morristown area of New Jersey interested in dental implants often turn to Dr. Robert Rosenthal. You can visit his website for further information regarding this restorative procedure.

Athletes are no strangers to heavy injury, especially when it comes to hockey players – losing their teeth is one of the most common problems that they experience.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith can attest to this type of injury. Recently, in a game against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center, the puck hit his mouth and he lost a total of seven teeth. “I felt a chunk of some tooth,” Keith said, as reported by ESPN. “Teeth were falling out as I skated off. I coughed one up.” Needless to say, this hockey player would benefit from some, or a lot of, dental work.

Chicago cosmetic dentist Dr. Benjamin Fiss is one such professional who is skilled in improving a person’s smile with dental implants. No longer are dentures the only route to replacing missing teeth; dental implants resemble real teeth and are placed in the gums, typically with a titanium screw as the permanent root. Whether an individual needs to replace just one tooth, or a full set, dental implants provide security and will contribute to natural-looking results. Dental implants can restore both function and cosmetics. Crowns may be necessary when the tooth still exists, but is largely ruined. As for Keith’s situation, crowns would not be conducive to his condition.

As for brightening one’s smile, porcelain veneers or teeth whitening can do the trick, depending on the individual’s problem. Dr. Fiss will select the appropriate treatment plan for each patient should he or she qualify for a cosmetic dental procedure. To learn more about Dr. Fiss and his specialties, visit his website for additional information.