For many of us, improving the way we look helps us go through life with more confidence. Cosmetic dental care is usually associated with superficial or unnecessary treatments that only have an aesthetic value. The truth is, these services do much more than that. Some procedures do double duty as both restorative and cosmetic. When you are proud of your smile, you are more motivated to take care of your teeth, which promotes overall oral health.
One of the most common cosmetic services is to whiten discolored teeth. Teeth are stained by particles of food, darkly pigmented beverages, and smoking. Staining can also be caused by genetic factors or as a result of taking certain medications. Professional whitening treatments can lift external stains from the enamel and drastically brighten the color of your smile. When you love your smile, you share it more often, and you are more diligent about brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist for check-ups. Although there are many whitening products available in your local grocery or drugstore, a professional dental care provider can provide stronger and more effective treatments.
In some cases, stains originate from inside a tooth resulting in a discoloration that cannot be lifted with traditional whiting treatments. Veneers are thin shells that can conceal internal stains and modify a tooth’s shape and spacing, creating a natural-looking, uniform smile. Teeth that have small chips or minor alignment issues can be quickly and easily corrected with veneers to resolve multiple problems in one treatment.
Excess gum tissue creates the appearance of short teeth and a “gummy smile.” Gum contouring is typically performed using advanced laser technology. The extra tissue is removed to reveal more of your natural dentition and give you a full, balanced smile. This selective removal of excess gum tissue gives your teeth an appearance that matches their actual health.
Gum contouring can also reduce your risk of gum disease by decreasing places where bacteria like to hide. The procedure is safe and permanent, and with the extra gum tissue out of the way, your brushing and flossing will be more effective.
Cosmetic dentistry is not only about looking your best but also making sure your teeth are healthy enough to remain beautiful and functional. Porcelain crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and bridges are durable and can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Porcelain restorations do double duty by protecting and strengthening your teeth as well as enhancing your smile.
Crooked or crowded teeth create more tight spaces where bacteria can hide and contribute to swollen, red, or bleeding gums. Properly aligned teeth can be brushed and flossed without difficulty, lowering your risk of periodontal disease, cavities, and infection. Teeth that are misaligned are more likely to be chipped, cracked, or broken during an accident or sports-related injury. Straight teeth will improve your bite and prevent excessive wear on your teeth, as well as help you avoid jaw problems and even breathing issues. Mild to moderated orthodontic problems respond well to clear aligner systems like Invisalign® or ClearCorrect® while more severe cases can be treated more effectively with traditional metal braces.
Your smile is a reflection of you, and a beautiful, healthy smile can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Achieving and maintaining optimal oral health is good for your body and good for your self-esteem and worth the investment of both time and money.
