From boosting your confidence to improving your smile, there are many benefits to cosmetic dentistry. While those seeking cosmetic dental procedures think they might just be enhancing their physical appearance, these efforts also support better oral health, as many services go beyond aesthetic value.
From teeth-whitening to gum contouring, many cosmetic procedures do double duty as both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. This means that teeth look good and function at their very best!
Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry
According to The Cleveland Clinic, “Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your smile.” While a general dentist offers preventative care like teeth cleanings and restorative dentistry services such as fillings and crowns, a cosmetic dentist provides
treatments aimed at improving the appearance of a patient’s teeth and gums.
Cosmetic dentistry is a great option for those with chipped or cracked teeth, tooth discoloration and staining, gaps or spaces between teeth, and misshapen or misaligned teeth.
Examples of common cosmetic dental procedures include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Dental bonding
- Invisalign and orthodontics
- Gum contouring
The Connection To Better Oral Health
Here’s how some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures can help you achieve a better smile while also promoting good oral health.
Teeth whitening
Whitening is a popular option for those looking to brighten teeth due to discoloration from food, beverages, genetic factors, and sometimes as the result of certain medications.
Professional teeth whitening can help to improve your oral health by removing stains and discoloration from your teeth. Additionally, brighter and healthier teeth can also help to reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health problems.
While this cosmetic procedure offers patients a more dazzling smile, whitening also serves as motivation to stick to good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice per day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
Veneers
To disguise discoloration, modify tooth shape, fill in minor gaps, and resolve chips and cracks, many people opt for veneers, which are thin porcelain overlays.
Veneers help fill in awkward spaces between your teeth and give a more uniform shape, which means less vulnerability to decay in hard-to-reach areas and gum issues.
Implants
Oral health may be impacted by missing teeth, which can leave gaps in your smile, potentially affecting speech and chewing, while also causing teeth to shift into the empty area or jaw bones to atrophy.
Dental implants can prevent the bone loss that can occur when a tooth is missing, while helping maintain the health and strength of your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Gum contouring
Some patients opt for gum contouring for gum recession, when some of their tooth root is exposed.
The process of gum contouring gently removes excess gum tissue for a natural-looking smile. Removal of this excess tissue gives bacteria less room to settle between your teeth and gum line, reducing your risk of gum disease, and promoting healthier gum tissue.
Gum contouring also makes brushing and flossing easier and more effective.
Invisalign/Other Orthodontic Systems
Straight teeth are healthier teeth because there is less crowding in tight spaces where bacteria can grow and contribute to gum issues, and are thus easier to clean. Similarly, misaligned teeth can cause issues such as headaches and jaw pain.
A clear aligner system like Invisalign or traditional braces will better align teeth, which can be brushed and flossed without difficulty, lowering the risk of periodontal disease, cavities, and infection.
Additionally, straighter teeth are less likely to be chipped, cracked, or broken, and can improve one’s bite, prevent excessive wear on the teeth, and avoid jaw problems and even breathing issues.
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry Options at Wilton Smiles
From making oral care easier to promoting healthier gum tissue, cosmetic dentistry procedures will not only help you achieve the smile of your dreams, but boost your overall oral well-being.
Cosmetic dentistry also offers long-lasting results, which means a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come!
Get in touch with Wilton Smiles today and let’s discuss your cosmetic dentistry options! We are a leading provider of cosmetic dentistry in Fairfield County and are proud to offer a wide range of personalized services tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
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