In this age of social media, we do a lot of smiling. We’re sharing pictures at a rapid rate, pictures that showcase our lives and activities. Yet, so many of us are ashamed of our teeth and our smiles. We may prefer to not show our teeth in smiles, because we’re embarrassed. However, if you’re not happy with your teeth, you don’t have to stay unhappy with them! Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for crooked or stained teeth and regular dental care and cleanings can go a long way towards preserving the work that’s already been done. Cosmetic dentistry can also assist with fillings, veneers, and tooth implants. Regardless of the issue (or issues) you may be experiencing, your dentist with the help of a cosmetic dentist, will be able to get to the bottom of it and help you achieve the smile you want.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
Cosmetic dentistry concerns itself with making your mouth, teeth, and smile look better. In the majority of cases, people opt for cosmetic dentistry procedures, instead of having it be a necessity, though many procedures that a cosmetic dentist helps with also are practical and overall beneficial.
What’s the Difference Between a Cosmetic Dentist and a Regular Dentist?
A general dentist is likely the kind of dentist you’ve visited most often — they’re in charge of the routine cleanings and check-ups for cavities, gum health, and so forth. If patients need dental work done, they usually head to their general dentist first. They focus on basic and preventive care.
Cosmetic dentists are a bit more specialized, focused on how your mouth, teeth, and smile look apart from just being medically sound. Both can perform basic dental procedures and carry out an array of dental work that ranges from simple to quite complex.
How Can a Cosmetic Dentist Help Me?
Your first brush with a cosmetic dentist might be if you need your teeth straightened. Many of us visited an orthodontist when we were younger, but for adults, there are newer options that keep you from having to have regular braces.
For example, Invisalign® is a pretty subtle way to straighten teeth, and one that many cosmetic dentists suggest these days. It uses 3-D imaging technology to map out the entire treatment plan — from where teeth are located now to where they should eventually be after treatment.
If you have a missing tooth — whether from an accident or from one being pulled — a cosmetic dentist can help replace it. They can also assist with teeth whitening, if you’ve got stained teeth, and set you up with veneers, implants, and caps, to strengthen your teeth, keep them from further decaying, or solving cracks or gaps.
In short, they can take almost any kind of teeth and provide a solution that will leave you feeling much more confident about your smile and the overall shape and health of your teeth.
How Else Can I Keep My Teeth in Good Shape?
Though a cosmetic dentist will be able to help get you to a good place, you also need to put in some work to maintain your dental health. This means that yes, you should be seeing your general dentist twice a year (every six months) for a cleaning and check-up. You should also be brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
If you’ve had your teeth straightened, it’s also advised to wear your retainer overnight, to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original locations. And a retainer can also be helpful if you grind your teeth when you sleep as well, to prevent them from wearing down.
Be aware of foods and beverages that stain — like wine and coffee — and either limit your intake or be sure to brush (if you can) after consuming.
Good teeth are important social and physically — if you keep them healthy and looking good, you could also be minimizing your risk of other illnesses or disease down the line!
