Dental aesthetics is more popular than ever. This field encompasses both the cosmetic appearance and functionality of the mouth, including the teeth and gums. Popular dental aesthetics procedures involve bonding, braces, bridges, crowns, enamel shaping and contouring, implants, teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Though any smile makeover will focus primarily on improving aesthetics, many procedures may also improve the overall functionality and health of the mouth – especially when the procedures are restorative in nature. Furthermore, cosmetic dental procedures can positively affect patients’ self-esteem. This may increase their overall quality of life.
Traditional dentistry focuses primarily on treating conditions instead of patients. In other words, conventional dentists often fail to consider any indicators of overall health – or how systemic conditions may affect oral health. Complete health dentistry, on the other hand, puts the patient first. While a traditional dentist may be able to complete cosmetic procedures, they may fail to consider how these procedures will affect the patient’s overall health (and vice versa).
Research has indicated that periodontal disease is often a reflection of systemic conditions. As the mouth is one of the first points of entrance into the digestive and respiratory tracts, it also acts as a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Poor oral hygiene practices can allow such bacteria to flourish at dangerously high levels, potentially leading to various oral infections. A complete health dentist knows how to recognize the warning signs of poor health in addition to perfecting a patient’s smile.
Several factors can go into yellowing teeth, making tooth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures on the market. Consuming certain foods, beverages, and medications can all discolor or stain the teeth, as can taking certain medications. While at-home tooth whitening kits may seem like an economical alternative, in-office whitening or whitening kits recommended by a dentist are the main ways to ensure safe, optimal results.
Dental aesthetics can also account for replacing missing teeth and other procedures. Bridges and implants are two common tooth replacement options. Bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures and are only anchored onto surrounding teeth once prepared for crowns. Implants, on the other hand, are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace one or more teeth. These are known as restorative procedures because they restore both the appearance and functionality of the mouth.
Dental aesthetics can also help with problems like gum recession. Several options are available, including:
People looking for a natural-looking, tooth-colored option may want to opt for composite restorations, which cover the surface of the tooth root and may fill any gaps between the teeth. Furthermore, dentin bonding agents, desensitizing agents, and varnishes may reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root. This can assist the patient in brushing sensitive teeth and, thus, promote their overall oral hygiene.
Those in need of more long-term treatment may want to consider orthodontics, or braces, to slowly correct teeth and the margin of the gum. More severe cases of gum recession may necessitate surgery, usually in the form of a gum graft.
Orthodontics refers to the usage of braces and retainers to correct irregularities of the teeth, such as crooked teeth and misaligned bites (also known as malocclusions). In more severe cases, orthodontics may prepare a patient for surgery. There are three distinct classes of malocclusions: Class 1 is when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, Class 2 is when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, and Class 3 is when the lower teeth significantly overlap the upper teeth.
Symptoms of malocclusion can range from minor to severe. Not only does it affect the patient’s appearance, but it may also result in discomfort when chewing or biting. It may cause the patient to bite the inner cheeks or tongue frequently, develop a lisp, or even breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. A complete health dentist can correct any irregularities for optimal oral and systemic health.
