While other areas of dentistry typically aim to treat diseases of the teeth, mouth, and gums or maintain oral health as their primary goal, cosmetic dentistry is more focused on aesthetics. This doesn’t mean that cosmetic treatments are any less important, however, as for many people the results can be life-changing.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Work
As the name implies, the primary benefits of cosmetic dental work are improvements in your appearance, particularly of your smile. The benefits don’t end there, however, as your improved appearance can result in increased confidence and self-esteem, fewer insecurities, and general improvements in your sense of well-being. These factors can combine to have a truly incredible impact on your life, as you can pursue your dreams without being held back by anxieties about your appearance.
Cosmetic work can also have benefits when it comes to your oral health. Painful and dangerous issues such as gum disease can often be spotted preceding cosmetic dental work and, in many cases, it’s often easier to maintain proper hygiene after certain types of cosmetic treatments.
Common Procedures
There is a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures that aim to address specific issues and are appropriate for various levels of oral health. The following are some of the most common.
Teeth Whitening
This is a very common procedure and one of the least invasive, not requiring any surgery or physical modification of your teeth. This cosmetic procedure leaves your teeth looking whiter, combatting the effects of discoloration and staining that can build up over time and can make a significant impact on your appearance.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments correct bad bites and misaligned teeth through the use of orthodontic devices such as clear aligners or traditional braces. They can make an incredible difference to your smile while in some cases reducing the risk of dental health issues developing in the longer term. You won’t experience quick results with treatments like this, however, as it will take months or even years for your teeth to move into their ideal locations. But the investment of time is worth the results!
Dental Veneers
Veneers also improve the appearance of the individual teeth but do so in a very different way from teeth whitening procedures. Rather than whitening your existing teeth, a thin, porcelain shell is attached to each of your teeth, covering them and giving the appearance of healthy teeth, free from staining, chips, and other damage.
Dental Crowns
Like veneers, crowns cover your existing teeth to improve their appearance. However, unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and can provide your teeth with much-needed strength and resiliency while making them look better too.
Dental Implants
Implants are a replacement for missing teeth. This procedure can be longer and more complex than other cosmetic dental procedures and typically requires multiple appointments. However, it may well be worth it as you will have a permanently attached, functional, and natural-looking tooth where a gap once was by the end of the procedure.
Other Procedures
There are many other cosmetic dental procedures available, including bridges, gum and dental contouring, and dental bridges. In extreme cases, you may benefit from a full mouth reconstruction that often combines multiple cosmetic procedures.
What To Do After Your Cosmetic Procedure
The exact details of what you need to do following your cosmetic dental procedure will depend on the nature of the procedure and, in some cases, your oral health and any preexisting conditions. Your dentist will explain to you what you need to do and what you’ll need to avoid. It’s important that you follow their advice in order to ensure you get the full benefit of the procedure and avoid any complications.
It’s also essential that you maintain good oral hygiene practices, including flossing and brushing as well as having regular checkups with your dentist. Failing to do so may lead to further issues over time which can impact the appearance of your teeth and smile as well as your overall oral health.
Finding Out More and Taking The Next Steps
If you think that cosmetic dentistry in Maple Ridge could make a difference in your life, take the next step! Contact Coast Dental Centre to arrange an appointment and we will help you understand your options and how we can make cosmetic dentistry work for you.