5 Important Goals for Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures that improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dentists focus on oral health to provide patients with a proud smile. Some cosmetic procedures may include veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, teeth shaping, and crowns. Cosmetic dentistry may change the shade, shape, or alignment of a patient's natural teeth.

5 goals of cosmetic dentistry to remember

Many people believe cosmetic dentistry only includes superficial procedures. However, the goals of cosmetic procedures can completely alter a person's life for the better. There are various benefits people may take advantage of when looking into cosmetic dental procedures. Many procedures focus on the following outcomes.

A brighter smile

When you think of cosmetic dentistry, do you think of teeth whitening? Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures performed by cosmetic dentists. Most patients do not have bright white teeth without a little help from whitening treatments. A lot of habits can change the color of a person's teeth. Over time, most people have stains from drinks like coffee, wine, and soda, and stains from food, medications, or smoking. Dentists can remove tartar, plaque, and other debris to whiten a smile to create a clean smile.

Dental practitioners have different options available for teeth whitening. Some patients choose tray whitening, where a dentist takes an impression of the individual's mouth and receives custom trays. The patient takes the trays home, applies a ribbon of whitening gel to the trays, and wears them for a short amount of time during the day or throughout the night. Another whitening option uses a hydrogen peroxide paste. The professionals apply the paste to the teeth for several minutes before rinsing them clean.

Confidence boost

Many people feel self-conscious about the state of their teeth. When patients do not like their teeth, they tend to smile less in photos and in person and may cover their mouths to avoid people noticing any imperfections. They may feel uncomfortable in public or in situations where they have to speak to others.

People with low self-confidence may care less about themselves. They may not care about bettering themselves or improving their lives. Instead, they may become victims to people who want to take advantage of them or treat them disrespectfully. Additionally, people with low self-esteem may have difficulty taking risks. For example, if a person does not like his or her teeth, he or she may spend more time worrying about teeth than on a new job interview for an exciting opportunity. Cosmetic dentists can repair people's teeth and restore confidence in their lives.

Less discomfort and pain

Living with oral discomfort and pain is unbearable. Cosmetic dentistry not only can change the appearance of teeth, but it can help improve the mouth's comfort. For example, if a patient has weak or sensitive teeth, they may live a lot of their life avoiding certain foods or drinks. A dentist can use dental crowns, not only to restore the patient's smile, but to strengthen the teeth and protect them. Patients may choose between porcelain or composite-resin dental crowns. They can have crowns that match the color and style of their natural teeth. Likewise, the dental crown restores strength and functions the same as natural teeth.

A better bite

If someone has missing, decayed, or broken teeth, they may have difficulty eating properly. A patient's diet has an impact on his or her entire life. Diet can affect mental and physical health. If an individual cannot receive good nutrition because of his or her teeth, it can lead to physical and mental health declines. Inlays, overlays, veneers, and implants can help strengthen a person's bite and allow them to consume foods they love. Also, straightening a patient's teeth can result in less jaw pain and a straighter, more effective bite.

Fewer future problems

Dental problems like cavities and fractures can worsen over time. If a patient has poor oral health, the conditions can deteriorate quickly without any intervention. Cosmetic dentists accomplish several different things. For instance, cosmetic dentistry whitens, cleans, straightens, and strengthens the patient's teeth. When individuals focus on the appearance of their smile, they have a lower likelihood of experiencing problems later. When a patient receives crowns, he or she no longer has to worry about cavities or the weakened tooth structure leading to an infection in the tooth.

Conclusion

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the improvement of a person's smile. However, in addition to making a patient feel better, cosmetic dentistry can also improve an individual's confidence, fix bite issues, and prevent future problems from forming.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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