Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
There might be a number of things about the way that you look that you dislike, but for a number of people, the appearance of their smile is the aspect of their appearance that they would most like to change. One of the main reasons for this is that our teeth are very difficult to hide. For those individuals who have a real dislike of their teeth, smiling with a closed mouth in photographs, avoiding eating in public and covering their mouth with their hand when they talk are ways to hide their most hated feature.
Fortunately, it is now more possible to improve the appearance of your smile than ever before, and this is thanks to the continuing evolution of an area of dentistry known as cosmetic dentistry.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the term given to dental procedures and treatments that are carried out with the primary intention of improving the esthetic appearance of the teeth. However, in doing so, many treatments also provide a degree of benefit to the patient’s oral health too. For example, the visible part of dental implants is entirely artificial, meaning that it can no longer be affected by tooth decay.
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a wide variety of different procedures and treatments, including:
Teeth whitening
The most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure in the world, teeth whitening is simple, painless and can transform the appearance of your smile in just a few short sessions.
Dental veneers
These thin, shell-like covers are often used as an alternative to whitening, particularly where a patient’s staining is so severe that professional grade whitening is still unable to produce an acceptable result. They can also improve the appearance of your teeth by making them more uniform in height and closing small gaps between them.
Dental implants
Dental implants are the latest innovation in tooth replacement and work by filling the gap with a prosthetic tooth attached to a titanium post. This post has been inserted into the jaw bone where it fuses to it, creating a secure bond and giving the implants the durability for which they are known.
Orthodontic solutions
If your teeth are badly aligned, or you have an over, under or crossbite, your dentist may recommend that you consider orthodontic solutions to address their placement. These include traditional orthodontic braces and Invisalign, a revolutionary new treatment that shifts teeth into a new position using a sequence of clear, plastic aligners. Invisalign are significantly more discreet than regular braces.
Benefits of cosmetic dentistry
Most of us feel under pressure to conform to what society deems is an acceptable standard of appearance, and many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to address the aspects of their smile that they don’t feel contribute towards this appearance. Whether it is changing the color of your teeth or adjusting their position, there are an array of benefits to choosing cosmetic dentistry. Here are just some of the most commonly cited advantages of cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Look and feel more attractive
Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look more attractive to those around them? If you have cosmetic flaws with your teeth, chances are you hadn’t been feeling overly pleased with how you look, and this can have a negative effect on your self-esteem and your confidence when it comes to meeting new people. However, by transforming the areas of your smile that you dislike, you can look and feel more attractive.
Look younger
As if looking more attractive wasn’t enough, brighter, cosmetically enhanced teeth can also help you to take years off of your appearance. This is because teeth naturally darken and erode with age. Teeth whitening and dental veneers are two very popular cosmetic dentistry treatments for helping your smile to look more youthful.
Strengthens your natural teeth
Our natural teeth go through a lot of hardship during our lifetime. Fortunately, many cosmetic treatments such as dental bonding and veneers can help to cover up fractures and worn edges, preventing future wear on areas of your smile that are already vulnerable and strengthening your existing teeth.
Enhance your career
If your work is largely dependent on your appearance, then it is easy to see why cosmetic dentistry could boost your career. However, it can still be beneficial even if the look of your smile has absolutely no bearing on your job. This is because people who dislike an aspect of their appearance are often held back by their lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Once your smile has been transformed, you will look happier and exude confidence, making you more likely to put yourself forward for greater responsibilities and even leadership.
To discover more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, or to arrange your consultation, please contact our experienced team at your convenience.
