Teeth, and overall oral health, are often misunderstood. The impact that good oral hygiene has on a lifetime of use isn't spelled out in a single vent, but moment-to-moment across a lifetime.
If you have a small rock in your shoe, you remove it ASAP. Similarly, if you have a damaged tooth or damaged enamel due to tooth decay, the right approach is not to ignore it. Seeking the expertise of a cosmetic dentist at a dentist's office can address such dental issues.
It is understandable when looking at immediate costs. Dentistry
costs $685 a person annually on average for basic costs. However, when you consider visits to cosmetic dentists or engaging in
cosmetic procedures , the number jumps to $1,755.
For such a larger cost, you would hope to see a definite value out the procedures. Also, what even is cosmetic dentistry? This article will walk you through answers to these crucial questions.
First, that expanded number for specialized dentistry procedures, including cosmetic dentistry , is hit, on average, only a few times in a lifetime.
Meanwhile, those with quality aesthetic smiles are shown to
earn an average of 4% more than others in a lifetime.
Cosmetic procedures don't just enhance the look of a mouth; they also address misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, and damaged teeth, reinforcing natural teeth and replacing them when necessary. This curbs tooth decay, promoting oral health, and subsequently means fewer visits across a lifetime.
That larger number for specialist costs? That number is hit far more often by people that need emergency procedures over those with solid oral hygiene habits.
Moreover, dental cosmetics boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Many people find their self-confidence affected by discolored or crooked teeth. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening or dental veneers can address severely discolored teeth, giving individuals the confidence to smile brightly.
The term
cosmetic dentist might sound like it's all about aesthetics, but it's deeply rooted in improving oral health. From dental bonding to porcelain veneers, these procedures offer both aesthetic and health benefits.
The look of a mouth has a lot more to do with the health than you may think. Braces, for example, are seen as a vital health concern, and not cosmetic. That is because it is understood that straight teeth offer more support than crooked ones.
The same applies across many of the other cosmetic procedures. This list will itemize what each is and why you would invest in them.
Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure and can be done at the dentist's office. The ubiquity of whitening teeth has gone so far that non-medical versions can be seen cropping up in mall kiosks.
Over the counter toothpaste, kits, and supplements all exist to provide a whiter appearance.
This is a low-cost way to increase your mouths curb appeal. From a health standpoint, it is easier to see some types of damage and decay when teeth are whiter.
Crowns
Crowns, often made of tooth-colored materials, protect damaged teeth, restoring the tooth surface and function.
This protects the underlying tooth from further damage and restores the shape of your mouth.
In the case of severely discolored teeth, they offer a twofer of production and cosmetics for one quick procedure.
Crowns may be a temporary or permanent solution. In temporary circumstances, they are applied to shore up a tooth while other teeth are worked on. If getting a bridge applied, a crown may be used to build a better anchor on one or more sides.
Bonding
Dental bonding can repair damaged teeth using a tooth-colored resin. This cosmetic procedure enhances the strength and appearance of the tooth.
This resin gets hardened with lasers or ultraviolet lights. The exterior is carefully polished and shaped to achieve a finished result.
The resulting tooth is more durable than before but looks the same as before.
Bonding also makes an alternative to amalgam fillings, leaving you with a stronger tooth that also looks natural.
Veneers
Veneers are the second most common dental cosmetic after whitening. They differ from crowns in that they are not meant to add support and structure to a tooth, often only covering a portion of the tooth.
Typically made from porcelain, dental veneers address several dental issues, such as discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. These items cover the front part of a tooth in a thin shell. These last for up to 15 years.
Veneers provide both whitening and shaping benefits. They can also be larger than the underlying tooth, allowing small gaps to be filled in. Veneers provide a real movie star look that allows people with badly chipped or striated teeth to feel confident.
Implants
For those who have lost a tooth, implants offer a robust replacement tooth solution, anchoring to the jawbone for stability.
Titanium rods get affixed to your jawbone and anchor a replacement tooth. Much like veneers, the quality of the implant differs and affects longevity. Better implants last 15 - 20 years while others need addressing after 10.
The process of implanting the rods into the jawbone is intensive. The jawbone then grows around the rod and provides a strength that alternatives such as bridges just don't have.
Implants can be shaped for specific appearances, allowing you to change up your look or resemble the original tooth.
No discounts for spies looking to escape into new identities.
Onlays and Inlays
The ultimate in 'cosmetic' attachments, these provide an aesthetic that goes outside of traditional tooth appearance. These also don't provide the same structural and health benefits of many other cosmetic procedures.
Here, gold, silver, and porcelain materials are used to fill teeth.
Inlays are placed in the center of the tooth and act the same as a filling except they cost more and provide a sense of pomp.
Onlays cover external or biting surfaces but fulfill the same purpose.
