But as a couple recent news articles remind us, a cosmetic dentist can do more for you than just improve your appearance. Many treatments can improve bite function and oral health, and help people feel a renewed sense of self-confidence.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Bite Performance
A New York fisherman was all smiles earlier this month after receiving dental implants to replace teeth lost nearly two years ago in an accident. The man tried partial dentures, but he found them uncomfortable and ill-fitting; like many people with missing teeth, he decided to try to live without them, which enhances the risk for further dental problems.
However, a cosmetic dentist and fellow fishing enthusiast came across the man’s story and offered to provide dental implants. Dental implants are the most durable solution for missing teeth, and they are individually crafted to look, feel and perform just like natural teeth.
Other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, and smile makeovers, are also customizable treatments designed with your bite function and oral health in mind. These services not only restore the appearance of your smile, they can also protect vulnerable teeth from additional damage and help maintain bite performance.
But if you are looking to improve the performance of your bite, we recommend that you select a cosmetic dentist that is also trained in neuromuscular dentistry, an approach to understanding and balancing your bite that takes into account your muscles, nerves, joints, and bones as well as your teeth. A cosmetic dentist with this training has the ability to ensure your bite is healthy and balanced.
A Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You the Confidence to Smile
Dental problems can diminish a person’s self-esteem. The wife of the fisherman in the story above noted that without all of his teeth, her husband essentially stopped smiling.
Although we may hate to admit it, appearances matter. And our smiles are one of the first things others notice about us in social and professional settings. A recent article in the San Antonio Business Journal discussed a consumer study in which images of people with and without cosmetic dental treatment were shown to participants.
Survey respondents indicated that vibrant, well-aligned smiles made people appear more intelligent and successful. The article noted that people who have discolored or poorly aligned teeth smile less than those with straight, white teeth. In repairing your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can literally give you your smile back in two ways. First, your teeth are repaired and your smile restored. But you are also given the confidence to smile again.
Contact a Cosmetic Dentist
If you’re unhappy with the state of your smile, the first step is to consult with a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist who can help you understand your options and determine the right treatment for your unique needs.
An experienced cosmetic dentist will prioritize your oral health over a particular cosmetic procedure. For example, porcelain veneers are a popular and effective choice for those with slightly crooked or gapped teeth; the veneers are bonded to the surfaces of the natural teeth, and custom shaped to give the appearance of a seamless smile. However, patients with more significant teeth alignment or spacing problems may benefit from another treatment, such as Invisalign®, designed to solve a bite condition by shifting the teeth into proper alignment.
Dr. Adam Hahn at Smile Columbia Dentistry understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile, and we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate dental care tailored to your individual needs and desires. If you live in Columbia, SC, and would like to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, please call us today at (803) 781-9090.
