Your smile is an important asset for your appearance and for your health! Many people associate cosmetic dental treatments only with looks, but plenty of “cosmetic” dental procedures come with unexpected health benefits.
If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in cosmetic dentistry is worth it, you might find out you have more to gain than you ever thought!
Beneficial Cosmetic Dental Treatments
When we talk about cosmetic dental treatments, we typically are referring to procedures primarily designed to improve the appearance of your smile. They can address a variety of issues, from minor discoloration to major tooth misalignment.
Invisalign
Like braces, Invisalign gently shifts teeth into better alignment. But unlike braces, Invisalign uses clear, nearly invisible, custom-made trays to do so. Aligners are an effective, highly sought out treatment method to obtain a straight, beautiful smile. And a straighter smile can improve the way you look as well as your confidence. But it can also mean:
Health Benefits of Invisalign
Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Misaligned teeth can create tight or overlapping spaces that trap food, leading to plaque and, eventually, cavities and gum issues like gingivitis. Straightened teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing your risk.
Improves Bite and Function
Proper alignment reduces wear and tear on teeth, lessens the strain on your jaw, and can help alleviate issues like TMJ disorder and tooth grinding. Aligned teeth can also aid in digestive health, as chewing is key to digestion. Invisalign helps ensure your bite works as nature intended.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth are an obvious cosmetic concern. But one or more missing teeth can also impact function. Bridges and dentures are one option to improve the appearance of missing teeth but can come with certain downsides. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a long-lasting solution that gives you a smile that looks and feels natural, with additional health benefits to boot.
Health Benefits of Dental Implants
Improving Oral Function
Too many missing teeth, or ill-fitting dentures for that matter, can have a negative impact on your ability to chew, making some healthy foods difficult to consume. Missing teeth can even affect your ability to speak. Implants restore the ability to chew and speak effectively, improving your diet, nutrition, and more.
Preventing Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone where it once was begins to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the bone, similar to natural tooth roots, preventing this loss and maintaining your facial structure.
Protecting Nearby Teeth
Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as bridges, implants don’t rely on adjoining teeth for support. This helps preserve the integrity of your surrounding teeth. Additionally, the implant structure beneath the surface prevents the remaining teeth from shifting and becoming out of alignment.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns cap or cover a damaged tooth, restoring its function, shape, and appearance. They’re often recommended for teeth that are cracked, weakened, or misshapen. Crowns can be made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Health Benefits of Dental Crown
Tooth Protection
A crown protects damaged teeth from further wear, cracks, or decay, effectively prolonging the life of the tooth. They also act as a barrier against bacteria that may invade a tooth with a compromised structure.
Restored Function
Restoring the tooth’s shape helps distribute chewing forces evenly, reducing strain on other teeth and the jaw.
Preventing Further Decay
By providing complete coverage for previously damaged or decayed teeth, crowns prevent the onset of additional decay and protect them from future damage.
Relieves Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is often caused by thinning or worn tooth enamel. Crowns can act as a barrier, just like natural enamel, to shield the nerve and reduce or even eliminate sensitivity.
Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that attach to the front of your teeth, offering a complete smile transformation. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers usually don’t require extensive enamel removal, making them a minimally invasive option. This smile-beautifying also has some surprising additional benefits.
Health Benefits of Lumineers
Strengthens Teeth
Lumineers reinforce weakened enamel, offering an extra layer of protection while also improving the appearance of visible teeth.
Improving Dental Alignment: While they won’t move your teeth like braces, Lumineers improve spacing issues, reducing areas where plaque can accumulate and making oral hygiene easier to maintain.
Boosting Self-Confidence
A confident smile can reduce stress levels and improve mental health, contributing to positive interactions and opportunities in your personal and professional life. And this goes for all of these cosmetic treatments!
Are You Ready to Improve the Look and Health of Your Smile?
Cosmetic dental treatments don’t just make your smile more attractive. They can improve your health and quality of life, too! Call today to find out more about which treatment is best for you.