Everyone deserves a bright, beautiful smile that they’re proud of. Unfortunately, sometimes diet, whether a person smokes, accidental damage, or simply damage resulting from poor oral health practices can stand in the way. The good news is that thanks to cosmetic dentistry, a healthy and radiant smile is never beyond your reach!
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of the dental sciences comprised of several procedures and treatments that aim to improve the appearance of teeth and gums and strengthen the bite. Some cosmetic dentistry procedures are, in fact, purely cosmetic. Others, meanwhile, both improve smile aesthetics and overall dental health.
What Issues and Conditions Does Cosmetic Dentistry Address?
The issues that cosmetic dentistry is most commonly called upon to fix include:
- Chips, cracks, and fractures of the teeth
- Irregular spacing and large gaps between teeth
- Staining or discoloration on the surfaces of the teeth
- Misaligned, misshapen, or overcrowded teeth
- Uneven or misshapen gum tissue
- Missing teeth
What Treatments and Procedures Fall Under Cosmetic Dentistry?
Here are some of the most popular treatments and procedures that make up cosmetic dentistry:
- Dental Bonding – a quick procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is used to repair minor chips and cracks on the surfaces of teeth
- Dental Implants – a long-term tooth replacement solution in which an artificial root is surgically implanted into the jawbone and often covered with a porcelain crown. Dental implants are durable and look and feel exactly like natural teeth.
- Dental Veneers – thin porcelain or composite resin shells that are laid over discolored or misshapen natural teeth and bonded in place to improve the appearance of a person’s smile
- Gum Contouring – the removal of excess gum tissue is removed to create an even gum line and a brighter smile. Gum contouring can also improve oral health by making teeth and gums easier to clean.
- Invisalign – an alternative to traditional dental braces in which an individual wears sets of clear, mouthpiece-like aligners that gradually move teeth into the desired alignment
- Teeth Whitening – a common, non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure, which can be performed at home or professionally at a dentist’s office, in which chemically activated gels, strips, or toothpaste are used to remove stains and discolorations from the surfaces of teeth
Cosmetic Dentistry's Impact on Confidence
By now we’re all familiar with the all-important tangible benefits that cosmetic dentistry offers. From helping to ensure the health and strength of the jawbone after tooth loss to restoring the integrity of a person’s bite to properly shaping the gums, there are numerous ways in which cosmetic dentistry can help anyone achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
This itself is a pretty big, tangible benefit – that brings with it a major intangible perk! This is because the effect of having a radiant, perfectly aligned smile free of chips, stains, and gaps helps to make a person feel younger, more attractive, and self-assured. This internal boost goes a long way in shaping the way that others see us!
It’s simple but it’s true: others not only take notice but are drawn to those who look and genuinely feel like a million bucks. On the flip side, discolored, misaligned, or missing teeth can cause a person to act self-conscious and withdraw socially and professionally. This, too, has an impact on others’ impressions of a person. It's not great.
Cosmetic Dentist in Pikesville, MD
If you’re in the Pikesville area and want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and which treatments are most appropriate for you, contact dentist Dr. Mohit Virmani and the team at Naylors Court Dental Partners to schedule a consultation!