Cosmetic Dentistry

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In addition to the aesthetic and expressive purpose of a smile, a natural smile has been shown to have many health benefits. Researchers have found that a natural smile helps to release endorphins, which can help lower your risk of developing cardiovascular problems. A good smile can also help lower stress and boost your immunity, which helps promote overall health.

Sometimes, however, mustering the courage to smile can be difficult. This is usually true if there are physical problems with your teeth, gums, or any other part of the mouth that accompanies a natural smile. For people with many of these problems, cosmetic dentistry is one of the branches of medicine that is normally effective at dealing with these problems.

Check out some of the issues that may require the intervention of a cosmetic dentist for a natural smile.

  1. Stained and Discolored Teeth

Teeth discoloration is among the leading problems for people who are unhappy with their natural smiles. For instance, in Britain, the Oral Health Foundation estimates that over 64% of people who are not pleased with their teeth can attribute their unhappiness to discolored teeth. Stained or discolored teeth can be caused by anything from smoking and medication to drinking cola and coffee.

Whitening is a procedure that is normally done to remove stains and discoloration on teeth. It’s often done by a cosmetic dentist with two visits of up to two hours each. It can also be done at home, though it usually takes weeks before any visible changes can be seen.

  1. Missing Teeth

People will often notice your missing tooth or teeth before they notice any other problems with your smile. There are a ton of reasons for missing teeth – from a bad fall to a blow to the mouth that dislodged one or more of your teeth.

Missing teeth can often be fixed by either getting a bridge or seeking a more permanent solution with an implant to replace the tooth. Dr. Jas Sagoo, a cosmetic dentist with the Perfect Smile Spa, advises patients to go for implants if they are looking for the best long term results, provided they meet all the criteria to be suitable for the treatment. Because they’re normally implanted into the jawbone, Dr. Sagoo says, they’re more durable and comfortable than other replacement options.

  1. Misalignment

Crooked or misaligned teeth will also do no good for your natural smile. Misaligned teeth, which is properly referred to as malocclusion, occurs due to a number of reasons, including thumb sucking, impacted teeth, poor dental care, and injuries to the jaw. In addition to working against the perfect smile, misaligned teeth can make chewing uncomfortable and even alter your facial structure.

Cosmetic dentistry can help fix misaligned teeth where braces haven’t worked. The dentist can remove and replace the misaligned teeth, perform reshaping, or surgically reshape or stabilize the jaw.

  1. Overlapping Teeth

Overlapping teeth are another common reason for people to hide their smiles and lose self-esteem. Like malocclusion, overlapping teeth can be caused by a number of reasons and may be rectified using braces. Sometimes, however, a visit to the cosmetic dentist may become necessary for people who don’t mind spending extra for a permanent and usually more comfortable fix for the long term.

  1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common problem for dentists and a serious one for patients that can become extremely painful when not tended to. Decayed teeth can also have a negative impact on a natural smile, especially when the affected tooth is closer to the mouth’s opening.

Cosmetic dentists often fix decayed teeth using a filling or a crown, though advanced procedures such as a root canal may be needed in advanced stages of tooth decay.

  1. Enamel Degradation/Erosion

Enamel degradation or tooth erosion is a common problem that occurs over the duration of a lifetime, sometimes shorter. It usually occurs when the surface of the teeth or enamel are continuously exposed to corrosive fluids such as sugary drinks or using hard-bristled toothbrushes for a long time.

Once enamel has been eroded, there is only much that a dentist can do, so prevention is always recommended. In some cases, a cosmetic dentist can help fix the tooth by using bonding support to fix the enamel.

  1. Broken Teeth

Like a missing tooth, a broken or chipped tooth can be the source of low self-esteem and fewer smiles for the individual. People with chipped or missing teeth will often be seen smiling or laughing with their hands over their mouths, which can become a habit as one grows older.

There are several ways a cosmetic dentist can fix chipped or broken teeth. The options range from bonding for chipped teeth to applying veneers and crowns, depending on the severity of the situation.

Bottom Line

The fact that a cosmetic dentist can help fix most of the problems with your teeth doesn’t mean letting going easy on checkups and preventative measures. Most dental problems can be prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene and dietary habits, which are often far much cheaper than making that visit to the dentist.

About The Author:

Bethany McIlrath has several years of experience writing about and practicing healthy living techniques. An avid reader and researcher at heart, Bethany knows how work can force a sedentary lifestyle.

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