Cosmetic Dentistry: It’s More Than Just A Pretty Smile
People are turning to cosmetic dentistry more and more because they see the value in an aesthetic smile. We certainly support that goal and are happy to help in any way we can. Cosmetic dental treatments have benefits beyond simply enhancing beauty. In fact, cosmetic dentistry often plays an important role in improving oral health.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Historically, cosmetics is the branch of dentistry concerned mainly with improving the appearance of teeth. However, as dentistry has evolved to be more holistic, dentists and patients alike have come to understand that, in the process of making smiles more aesthetic, cosmetic treatments can also eliminate a variety of dental problems, therefore improving function and long-term oral health. Here are some examples of cosmetic treatments and the oral health issues they can fix:
Orthodontics – The main purpose of traditional braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign®, is usually to straighten teeth so that when a person smiles, all their teeth are perfectly aligned and there are no gaps or unevenness. When a patient has an easier time taking care of their oral hygiene, they will be more likely to stick to a routine, which in turn allows them to maintain better oral health at home. Of course, a straight smile is more conventionally beautiful, and more often than not, it is also easier to take care of since any gaps or crowding have been eliminated. A straight smile is less prone to premature wear because straightening the teeth also brings the bite into proper alignment, which eliminates undue stress on the jaw and undue pressure on certain teeth. Having an aligned bit will often also alleviate the pain and tension associated with TMJ disorders.
Veneers & Dental Bonding – With a procedure like veneers or dental bonding, the primary goal is to reshape teeth and improve their appearance in various ways, including making them whiter, more uniform, and covering chips. On the surface, these treatments seem purely cosmetic, but they actually promote better oral hygiene and, therefore, better long-term oral health. First of all, veneers and bonding help to eliminate gaps and irregularities that may make proper oral hygiene difficult. Additionally, veneers and bonding are typically part of a larger treatment plan to make over the patient’s smile, and preparing for them often involves cleaning, polishing, and whitening the teeth that are not going to be treated so that the result is seamless. The preparation process itself improves the patient’s oral health, and getting the treatment, more often than not, increases the patient’s desire to take care of their smile.
Dental Crowns – Crowns do double duty. They can be thought of as a restorative treatment but are often a key component in a cosmetic smile makeover. Crowns restore strength and structure to a damaged tooth, and they also make for an aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option atop a dental implant. Incorporating crowns into a patient’s treatment plan is an excellent way to strengthen their smile while also improving aesthetics. Technology allows us to make crowns look extremely natural and last for many years without any issues, promoting long-term stability as well as beauty. Choosing a dental crown to fix a damaged tooth or complete an implant lowers the patient’s risk of jawbone deterioration, gum disease, oral infection, and further tooth loss.
Cosmetic dentistry helps our patients enjoy long-term oral health and gives them beautiful smiles. In our book, that is a winning combination. If you or someone you know has been thinking about making some smile improvements, please contact our office located in Coppell, TX to schedule your one-on-one consultation with our expert cosmetic dentist.
