For many people, the notion of having any kind of “cosmetic” corrections comes with connotations of being superficial or shallow. However, cosmetic dentistry actually brings tangible benefits for both your general and oral health. There are plenty of incentives to undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, such as Invisalign treatments and teeth whitening.
As you’ll see once you familiarize yourself with cosmetic dentistry treatments – most of them are popular for a reason, and none of them are purely cosmetic. Having a beautiful smile can bring sizable positive changes to your everyday life, most of which you probably haven’t considered until now.
Don’t worry, though – we’re here to get you up to speed on all of cosmetic dentistry’s amazing advantages. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll have a whole new perspective on this type of dental treatment!
A Gorgeous Smile
Most of us aren’t born with the perfect teeth – but there’s no reason why you should be ashamed of your smile for the rest of your life. Why let a couple of imperfections ruin what would otherwise be an infinitely happier face?
That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. Contrary to popular opinion, this isn’t just a single treatment – it’s a whole branch of dentistry that encompasses various treatments. A professional cosmetic dentist can quickly address any specific qualms you have regarding your smile – by the time they’re done, you’ll be feeling and looking your best.
Better Oral Health
Unlike most other cosmetic treatments, cosmetic dentistry isn’t solely about your appearance. It’s also about your oral health – and in a big way. When your teeth are properly and uniformly shaped, they allow for much easier dental hygiene in the long run.
Trust us – straighter teeth are the stepping stones to no-hassle flossing and brushing; they simply don’t have as many awkward or tight spaces that would otherwise become a refuge for plaque buildups.
With this in mind, know that cosmetic dentistry can reduce the risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and a bunch of other common problems that crop up in the realm of oral health.
Higher Self-Confidence
Think about it – why do we work out? Sure, we want to be healthier; but deep down, most of us also want to be less self-conscious about our looks.
And the same thing is true for your smile – it’s not easy to show confidence if you’re noticeably self-conscious about details like your smile. That’s why many people always hide and suppress their smiles – or even attempt to stifle laughter just to prevent others from seeing their teeth.
Why go through all that trouble when you can eliminate the perceived flaws that lower your self-confidence? In this case, correcting the stuff that’s worrying you daily can help you embrace life to the fullest and be your best self.
You can live, laugh, and smile on the terms you set – and you deserve nothing less.
Long-Term Results
While the results of cosmetic dentistry treatments will usually be visible right away – they’re also there for you in the long run. Plenty of these treatments elevate your smile for a decade or even more before you need to come in for retreatment. And while some of them may require a bit of maintenance from time to time, you’ll find that it’s all quite hassle-free.
A Youthful Appearance
One of the things people logically associate with beauty is youth – and that’s exactly what cosmetic dentistry can provide you with. Veneers and teeth whitening give you a brighter, lighter smile that’s bound to make you seem younger than your age.
Plus, if necessary, you can use crowns and bonding to lengthen some of your teeth and repair their worn-out looks. All of this can help you shave off more than a couple of years from your natural age.
Improved Bite
On top of giving you a more attractive smile, some treatments like Invisalign can also help you solve any issues with your bite and straighten it. This is far from a purely cosmetic issue as well; a subpar bite can lead to all kinds of quality-of-life problems, such as jaw joint stiffness, aches, and even chronic headaches.
Treating a poor bite can help you avoid negative oral health outcomes while improving your dental comfort and extending your teeth’s lifespan.
Solution For Stained Teeth
While most people would like gorgeous white teeth, many don’t understand that brushing and flossing simply aren’t enough. Over time, even the best dental hygiene at home will leave room for the buildup of surface stains that results in discolored teeth.
Fortunately, plenty of cosmetic dental treatments can restore your teeth’s whiteness to their original, untouched shade. In-office whitening sessions and veneers can be extremely helpful for more intrinsic stains.
No More Chipped Teeth
Once you chip a tooth, its shape is not just visually unappealing; the tooth will also be more vulnerable to decay and damage in the future. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry can carefully fill in the missing parts of your teeth and restore the chipped-off shape to its natural look.
Soon enough, it’ll seem like the damage never happened at all. And that’s true even if we’re talking about larger chips; your cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain crown that can cover the whole tooth and restore its undamaged appearance.
Plus, it’s not all about your appearance either – this treatment can protect your tooth’s vulnerable interior from the myriad bacteria circulating around your mouth. In the long run, you’ll be doing a favor both to yourself and your smile.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Far from a mere cosmetic concern, a missing tooth can escalate into a serious dental issue. Depending on the tooth, it may impact your ability to smile confidently; but it could also result in an inability to properly chew or speak. However, a dentist can use a prosthetic version of the missing tooth as a replacement. With today’s technology, these mirror the look and feel of the original tooth down to a T. Soon enough, you won’t even remember that one of your teeth was missing, to begin with!