Cosmetic dentistry specializes in improving the aesthetic aspects of one’s smile. Whether you have stained teeth, gaps, misalignment, or missing teeth, it offers a range of solutions to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Its procedures usually involve teeth whitening, dental veneers, tooth and gum contouring, orthodontic treatments, and dental implants. The best part is that results can be seen almost immediately.
Besides giving an instant smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry also provides solutions that can help improve one’s dental and optimal health. Check them out here:
Prevent the Consequences of Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth doesn’t just impact one’s smile. Since teeth play a role in supporting our cheeks, it can also affect the overall facial appearance. For example, losing a tooth at the side or back of the mouth can lead to a sunken look in that area.
Another concern is the strain on the adjacent teeth that take on the role of a lost tooth. For example, our rear teeth are primarily responsible for grinding and chewing food. When they’re extracted, we tend to rely on our front teeth. While they may seem effective initially, they aren’t built for chewing and grinding. If left unfixed, this can lead to front teeth’s premature wear and even breakage.
In these cases, cosmetic dentists often recommend dental implants and removable implant-supported bridges. They fill gaps and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting unnaturally. They can also restore or enhance one’s smile by reestablishing proper dental functions and maintaining teeth alignment.
Also Read: Should You Use a Dental Mouthguard for your Jaw Pain?
Improve Teeth Condition
Another issue cosmetic dentistry addresses is dental concerns. These include replacing missing teeth and improving the appearance of chipped, pointed, or irregularly shaped teeth. They’re often among the causes of one’s self-consciousness and insecurity, so resolving them doesn’t only improve dental condition but also emotional well-being.
Enjoy a Healthier Diet
Cosmetic dentistry also plays a role in ensuring we have a well-rounded and nutritious diet. Let’s use rear teeth like back molars as an example again. As mentioned, they’re crucial for grinding and chewing tough food like meat.
Without back molars, a person may be less likely to eat meat, which is among the main protein sources. Note that this macronutrient is essential in promoting cellular growth, producing energy, and boosting the immune system.
In other words, having no back molars may contribute to protein deficiency, which makes people have brittle hair and nails and weak muscles, feel weak or hungry, and get sick. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can replace missing back molars, allowing a person to have healthy and balanced meals.
Achieve Better Oral Health
Cosmetic dentistry helps maintain clean and healthy teeth as well. By achieving better oral health, the likelihood of cavities and decay is significantly reduced, if not eliminated entirely. For example, fewer tight spaces or awkward gaps mean less chance of plaque buildup.
Brushing and flossing also become more straightforward and efficient when your teeth are properly aligned and evenly shaped. Maintaining these practices can lower the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and other prevalent oral health issues.
Are Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Expensive?
Cosmetic dentistry treatments have different prices, ranging from $3 to $300. The more affordable options are non-invasive procedures. They can help fix minor tooth issues, such as stains, gaps, and damaged teeth. They’re relatively cheaper, mainly because they’re not permanent.
On the other hand, longer and more complicated treatments are usually more expensive, depending on one’s teeth and gums’ conditions. In general, the worse your teeth and gums are, the more it’ll cost. For example, root canals are pricey because they involve sensitive teeth and require many dental visits.
Fortunately, there are ways to cut cosmetic dentistry treatment costs. The first and most important thing is to look after your teeth. Always brush your teeth for at least two minutes and twice a day. Additionally, floss every single day, at least once a day.
Getting dental insurance is also a good idea. Alternatively, get low-cost dental care at the following:
- Dental schools
- Dental hygiene schools
- County or state health department-supported dental clinics
- Local community health center offering low-cost/reduced dental care
Second, look for affordable dental health providers. However, it is crucial to know the risks associated with this option. While they may offer lower rates, it’s possible that they may not have the same level of expertise and credentials as other dental clinics.
Before making any decisions, be sure to run thorough research and comparisons of other providers first. Don’t forget to take into account their standard of care and patient satisfaction ratings.
Traveling to another country can be a good option, but it’s only viable if you have sufficient funds since some countries have high-cost dental care. For example, Singapore and the United States have the highest costs for dental implants worldwide. Moreover, keep in mind that your insurance might not include services received abroad.
Also Read: Dental Veneers: Cost, Procedure, and Results
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic dentistry is definitely worth the try. Although its goal is to create a more appealing and confident smile, it goes beyond aesthetics. It helps restore tooth functionality, optimize physical oral health, and improve one’s self-esteem, helping you become healthier and more confident.
