Cosmetic dentistry covers a broad range of services that restore or enhance the appearance of teeth, a smile, and even general facial aesthetics. Cosmetic improvement can result from simple lightening of natural teeth, to creating a pleasant natural look, to a dramatically light, bright, and bold look. Often, cosmetic improvement is the natural result of doing “normal and necessary“ dentistry, such as when old, poor looking restorations are replaced with something that looks beautifully real. Let’s review what some of the more common treatments are, some cautions, and how to find a great cosmetic dentist.

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Kirk Donaldson practices cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan as a partner of Donaldson & Guenther: Dentistry as a Fine Art (www.DGDent.com). He got his degrees from the University of Michigan.His  Masters is in Fixed Prosthodontics (Crown & Bridge Restorative). He taught in the graduate prosthodontics program before entering full time private practice.

Kirk belongs to recognized national/international organizations including: The American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation

Kirk is also a serious photographer (KirkDonaldsonPhotography.com).

Examples of case studies can be viewed on the blog and transformations pages of DGDent.com.

Cosmetic services are highly personal. Cosmetic dentistry can not only improve smiles, but also improve personal confidence and even careers. It can make a smile beautiful, healthy, and strong. It can also be a disaster. Bonding and cosmetic techniques are very creative and technically demanding. Done well, they are fabulous. Poor technique and quality can lead to premature failure of the restoration and disease to the surrounding supportive gums and bone. There is an old saying. You can usually get cheap, fast or good; but one at a time. Fast and cheap often have briefly hidden long term costs.

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