Restorative Dentistry

A smile communicates without using words. It is a feature that is often cited as memorable or desirable on a person. Knowing that your teeth can immediately attract the attention of a person is a confidence boost and adds pep in your step. This leads to a person thinking about fixing the imperfections that occur in every single mouth. Some small imperfections, and some big ones, make you contemplate corrective procedures that will not only be visually pleasing but beneficial to your health. There are many procedures to choose from and while they may be cosmetic, and run the risk of not being covered by your insurance, the benefits of the procedures go a long way.

Cosmetic Dentistry Facts

• Cosmetic and restorative dentistry are very similar in that they both utilize crowns and implants for teeth restoration. The main difference between the two is their focus and the level of expertise of the dentist.
• A cosmetic dentist is one who goes beyond restoration procedures. Where a restorative dentist would stop at helping an individual achieve a set of fully functioning teeth, a cosmetic dentist not only correct the ability of the teeth to function, he will also seek to attain results that fall within the individual’s idea of a perfect smile. This requires expertise and a very accurate level of finesse as the cosmetic dentist needs to pay attention to even the smallest detail such as how many teeth should be visible while a person smiles.
• A mouth free of plaque, an aligned jaw and healthy gums are clear indications of good oral health and are very important to your overall health. While the thought of correcting broken, chipped or crooked teeth may seem like a cosmetic procedure, and one of little importance overall, they’ll have ramifications for your oral health going forward. This includes cavities, jaw pain and accelerated tooth decay. Minor issues are often fixed with orthodontic work. In some instances, porcelain bridges (which are often regarded as partial denture work) replace a small row of missing teeth and provide much needed help. This ultimately helps to balance out the weight in your bite and prevent further damage to possibly decayed teeth. This has greater implications on overall health with gum disease being linked to heart disease. It is not an exaggeration to say that oral hygiene can save your life.
• One of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. Not only is it a very affordable option, teeth whitening isn’t invasive and it gives a much needed boost to your smile. Tooth discoloration may also be brought about by natural stains. One cause of this type of stain is exposure to high levels of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics while the teeth are still developing. Trauma may also cause darkening of the tooth. Whatever the cause is, natural stains are not vulnerable to teeth whitening. There are even do-it-yourself whitening kits available to avoid having to go see a dentist. However, if there are stubborn stains that appear, it would help to see a professional dentist. It is suggested that before you have teeth whitening, other issues like decaying teeth and receding gums must be tended to by the dentist.
• Dental crowns are often used to cover a tooth to enhance its appearance while also restoring its shape and improving its strength. There are a few different crowns to choose from – some temporary and some permanent – to treat patients. Resins are less expensive but they have more wear and tear and can fracture easily. They are made of a material similar to that used for color fillings in the mouth and look very natural. Ceramic crowns are ideal for patients who don’t have much space in their mouth for a crown. They are made from a thin material so they are lighter than other crowns. Stainless steel crowns are made ahead of time. They’re used as a temporary measure to protect the tooth while the dentist and patient wait for the permanent crown to be ready to be placed. Metals used in making crowns can include gold alloy, nickel and chromium. They are also less likely to chip or break. The choice of crowns depends on the patient. Patients interested in learning more about crowns to correct their dental issues should consult with an experienced and board-certified dentist.

Your smile should not stand in the way of making a great first impression. The first impression that you make is often the main ingredient in how people respond to you or even perceive you. With a nice bright smile, it makes them feel a little more comfortable around you. In fact, with a simple smile, people can gauge how clever, trustworthy or attractive you are. Cosmetic dentistry is more than having a bright smile. It will immediately change your life and how people perceive you, increase your good mood and boost your confidence when interacting with strangers while also improving your oral hygiene.

– JM