Most people believe cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh, NC is just superficial. What they don’t know is that many of these treatments can also benefit your oral health. If you’re interested in learning more about the most common cosmetic dental procedures and how they improve your oral health, we have the answer for you!
The Link Between Cosmetic Dental Treatments and Oral Health
Many of the concerns we try to correct with cosmetic dentistry can impact the function of your teeth and mouth. For example, having gapped or missing teeth can increase your chances of getting an oral infection, as food particles are more likely to get trapped between the spaces. This encourages the growth and spread of bacteria and causes sensitivity, cavities, and halitosis (bad breath).
Cosmetic Treatments that Boost Your Oral Health
Cosmetic dental treatments may be more elective than essential, but that doesn’t mean they don’t provide some restorative benefits. You’d be surprised to learn how some of these procedures can boost your oral and overall health.
These cosmetic treatments can make your smile look better while simultaneously improving your oral health!
Teeth Whitening
There’s a good reason why teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry! During the treatment, we remove external stains due to food, beverages, smoking, or aging. The result will leave you with a smile up to eight shades whiter.
Whitening treatments are not meant to clean your teeth, so it’s up to you to keep practicing good oral hygiene and limit staining foods and drinks to keep your teeth whiter longer.
Gum Contouring
Some people have excess gum tissue, and others may not have enough. Gum contouring corrects these concerns by removing or adding the extra tissue to help you achieve a balanced smile. Not only that, but it can also reduce your risk of developing gum disease if you have extra gum tissue. Removing the excess gives bacteria fewer places to hide while allowing you to brush and floss more effectively.
Teeth Straightening
Crooked teeth do more than lower your confidence. If you have crowded or misaligned teeth, they become more difficult to clean. As a result, bacteria can build up in those tight spaces and increase your risk of dental concerns down the road.
Not only that, but your misaligned bite can cause premature wear on your teeth and are more prone to breaking or chipping. If your crooked teeth are severe, it can also lead to other issues like jaw pain and headaches.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace damaged or missing teeth by replacing what used to be the root with a small titanium screw. Waiting too long to replace missing teeth can cause the other ones in your mouth to shift, resulting in misalignment problems. You also risk bone loss the longer you leave a missing tooth untreated.
Dental Crowns
Most people think dental crowns are purely for cosmetic purposes, but what they don’t know is that they can repair a damaged or weakened tooth. During this treatment, we place a cap over the troubled tooth to provide support. Dental crowns strengthen your tooth while restoring its shape and preventing further decay or deterioration.
If you have a concern that doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays are also options.
Dental Bonding
During a dental bonding procedure, we use a composite resin to repair decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth. If you have tooth decay present, we will need to remove it before placing the bonding material over your teeth. You’re then left with a healthy and beautiful-looking smile. Dental bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments available.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin casings used to cover up crooked or chipped teeth. They’re commonly used to straighten your teeth, making them much easier to clean. Veneers reduce how much food can get stuck between your teeth and require regular cleaning to prevent plaque from developing.
Caring for Your Cosmetic Dental Treatment
To ensure your cosmetic dental treatment lasts a while, you have to start improving your daily habits. The majority of the above treatments require good oral hygiene to ensure your treatment lasts longer. Of course, improving your oral hygiene has its benefits when it comes to your oral and overall health!
Some of the things you should do to keep your teeth and mouth healthy after a cosmetic treatment are:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Brush and floss daily
- Use mouthwash
- Drink plenty of water
Learn More About the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Raleigh, NC!
As you can see, there’s much more to cosmetic dentistry than you may think! Our goal at Tryon Family Dentistry is always to provide our patients with a beautiful and healthy smile. If you’re interested in learning more about the cosmetic dental services we offer at our practice, please give us a call today!
