Michigan Cosmetic Dentistry: 4 Things I Wish I’d Known Earlier
The cosmetic dentistry industry has seen a rather large “boom” over the last several years, and there are plenty of reasons why. According to the ADA, 42% of Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they would like. As a result, many people suffer from things like decay, damaged teeth, and smiles they’re embarrassed about.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry, or that it’s strictly done for “vanity” reasons. While it’s true that this type of dentistry can give you a beautiful smile, there are other things you should know if you’re considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure in the future.
1. It Can Help With Pain
Chances are, you didn’t think cosmetic dentistry could actually fix your tooth pain. But, in some cases it can. For example, using veneers to cover the affected area of the tooth can reduce sensitivity. If you have trouble eating hot or cold foods, veneers can cover the exposed dentin to help reduce that feeling of sensitivity.
As a bonus, they also help to whiten your teeth, so you can manage the pain caused by sensitivity while getting a beaming new smile, all at once.
2. It Can Change the Structure of Your Smile
One of the biggest aspects of cosmetic dentistry is bonding. This is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are attached to the surface of your teeth. As a result, it can completely change the look and even the ‘structure’ of your smile. Many times, people with large gaps between their teeth benefit from bonding, as the bonding material can help to fill in those gaps and make your teeth look straight and closer together. It’s a great way to achieve that look without having to go through something more long-term and invasive, like braces. Dental bonding is also great for people who have extremely discolored teeth, or chipped teeth.
As a dentist, the ultimate goal is always to “save” as many of your real teeth as possible, rather than replacing them. So, if your teeth are damaged but healthy, they don’t need to be removed. Bonding can help you to keep your actual teeth while improving your smile.
3. It Can Fix a “Gummy” Smile
Have you ever held back your smile, or do you choose not to smile fully in front of people, or in pictures? Some people are embarrassed by their smile because it seems too “gummy”. This occurs when your teeth appear to be much smaller than the surface area of your gums. It can make them seem lower, which isn’t always appealing.
One way to fix that is through crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is a process that removes excess gum tissue. This gives the appearance of longer, fuller teeth with just minor surgery, so you no longer have to be embarrassed by your smile.
4. Yes, You Can Have a Whiter Smile
One of the most common procedures people look for in cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. There are a few different ways to achieve a whiter smile, but going through a licensed dentist in order to whiten your teeth is a much safer and more effective way to do it.
Over 40 million people in the U.S. use at-home whitening strips to get a brighter smile, and while those products may give you the appearance of whiter teeth, they could actually be doing more harm than good. At-home teeth whitening products can eat away at the dentin layer of your teeth, which is just underneath the enamel. Additionally, if they aren’t applied the right way, they could cause white spots on your gums.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?
If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry in the past but you’ve never made an appointment, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re worried about the health of your teeth or you simply want a beautiful, bright smile, there’s a good chance there is a cosmetic procedure that can fit your needs.
At Patient Empowered Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority, but we also want to make sure you’re happy with your smile. So, we combine our expertise with our skills in cosmetic dentistry to ensure your teeth are healthy and happy. Feel free to call for an appointment today!
