Your smile is one of the very first things that people notice. It is a valuable asset that allows you to communicate and connect with others.
Smiling is such an important gesture. Something so simple can help forge bonds, break barriers, and make social situations much easier. Unfortunately, more than half of Americans are not-so-confident of their smiles.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
A lot of people are still unaware that dentistry is so much more than tooth extractions, fillings, and root canals. Thanks to innovations in the field of dentistry, dentists now have access to a wide range of tools and technologies that allow them to enhance the appearance of people’s smiles.
In a nutshell, cosmetic dentistry comprises a wide range of dental procedures focused on improving dental aesthetics such as teeth color, alignment, position, size, and shape.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile
Cosmetic dentistry can help you correct imperfections in your smile. Cosmetic dentistry procedures are typically used to fix chips, cracks, discolored teeth, and other types of tooth damage that can negatively impact a person’s smile and, as a result, their overall self-esteem.
Every treatment plan takes into account the individual cosmetic concerns and oral health needs of the patient. However, what all these treatments and procedures have in common is that they are geared towards helping people achieve a more beautiful smile and building their self-confidence in the process.
The Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
The demand for cosmetic dental services increased exponentially in recent years. If you’re considering a cosmetic dentistry for better dental aesthetics, here are the most popular procedures to consider:
1. Teeth Whitening
The most common among cosmetic dental procedures, dentists usually recommend teeth whitening when your teeth is stained or has darkened due to age, smoking, lifestyle choices, or some other factors that can cause tooth discoloration. While there are plenty of over-the-counter products that claim to lighten discolored teeth, seeing a dentist will give you the best results over a shorter period of time.
2. Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells used to restore damaged, cracked, rotting, broken, or widely-spaced teeth. Veneers are extremely long lasting and can handle a high level of wear and tear. However, you must take good care of them and avoid habits/choices that can jeopardize their integrity if you want them to last as long as possible. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
3. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns cover weak or broken teeth to restore their strength, as well as to improve their appearance and functions. Dentists also often use crowns for restoration after a dental implant procedure.
Creating and installing dental crowns used to be a lengthy process, but many dental offices now offer same-day CEREC crowns. This is the best choice for those who wish to have a high-quality dental crown but with lesser hassles and minimal waiting time.
4. Bridges
For patients who are missing more than one tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. The bridge can be supported by an implant or your natural teeth.
Apart from giving you a better smile, a dental bridge can restore the normal functions of your teeth, especially in terms of chewing, and tackle speech impediments that may have resulted from missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Oral Health
Cosmetic dentistry is about much more than just making your smile better. It is also a fantastic restorative dental solution for a wide range of oral health issues.
Many cosmetic dental procedures are performed to strengthen teeth that have been damaged by cracks and fractures, saving the natural tooth from further harm. These treatments also lead to a better bite and tooth function; thus, enhancing overall oral health.
Another great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it motivates people to improve their dental care routine. People who underwent a cosmetic dental procedure reportedly flossed more, brushed their teeth more, and changed their diet to avoid damaging their teeth.
Dr. Gary Salwin leads the Glendale Dental Group, Arizona. He and his team treat dental emergencies and perform a whole range of dental services. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 36 years.
