Many people are not aware of the many benefits of modern cosmetic dentistry. Some patients mistakenly think that cosmetic dentistry is generally made up of unnecessary procedures. In truth, cosmetic dentistry affects more than just your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can help you feel more confident, improve your self-image, and help you to enjoy life more by taking advantage of more opportunities.
Almost all of us have had a reason to think about cosmetic dentistry at one point or another in our lives. Common reasons include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Unattractive amalgam fillings
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen or misaligned teeth
There are a lot of cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available to address these problems:
Dental Veneers are a great way to fix chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. Thin, porcelain shells are applied over the existing tooth. These hide imperfections that were visible before the veneer was placed. Veneers are custom fit to fit each individual patient’s mouth shape.
Professional Tooth Whitening provides get immediate, impressive results that remove stains and counteract tooth discoloration. There are several over the counter tooth whitening products, but in-office professional tooth whitening continues to be the most effective way to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will use a high-powered bleaching solution, complemented by an LED light to speed up the process. Patients also receive custom whitening trays and a whitening gel to take home to maintain the best possible result.
Dental Implants are a way to replace missing teeth permanently by surgically implanting a titanium post into the jaw to act as an artificial root. A replacement tooth is attached to this post, allowing the implant to act exactly like a natural tooth. This is a great, effective method to replace teeth, produces an attractive, low maintenance way to address the unsightly and often uncomfortable gaps caused by missing teeth.
Bridges can also be used to replace missing teeth. A “bridge” is attached via crowns to the teeth on either side of the gap where the tooth is missing and a false tooth is placed in between. The crowns anchor the new false tooth in place to provide a seamless replacement for a missing tooth.
Reshaping & Bonding can help patients with misshapen or chipped teeth. Misshapen teeth can be reshaped, followed by dental bonding – the application of tooth-colored resin that will be painted onto the tooth. Bonding allows your dentist to modify unattractive teeth, providing a non-invasive, effective way to address unattractively shaped teeth.
Many of these cosmetic procedures actually address serious health concerns. Straight teeth are easier to clean than broken or misaligned teeth. Crooked teeth are difficult to floss and brush effectively, increasing the likelihood that dental problems will occur. Missing teeth encourage teeth to shift and create gaps that may collect food and make it uncomfortable to eat your favorite foods. Missing teeth also contribute to bone loss, which makes your face look older and can create long term issues.
In addition to health concerns, your smile has an effect on your life and your happiness. More than half of all people claim that your smile is the most important thing they notice about you. Business owners often say that a confident smile helps them to decide who they should hire for a position. Unsightly teeth may create difficulty laughing, eating, and talking, making you feel less confident. Feeling self-conscious about your mouth can also limit your opportunities, keeping you from finding the right job or even meeting the right life partner.
Cosmetic dentistry addresses these issues. There are so many ways your dentist can help address your concerns and give you a pain free mouth and the confidence to smile! Discuss anything that causes you discomfort or a lack of confidence with your dentist and get ready to enjoy a happier, healthier smile.
Downtown Dental is proud to offer Cosmetic Dentistry at our Charlottesville dental clinic. Contact Us to discuss your options and find out more about the cosmetic dentistry we offer.