Why Dental Aesthetics
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.
Why Complete Health Dentistry
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.
Popular Dental Aesthetics Procedures
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 and Gum-Related Issues
Dental aesthetics can also help with problems like gum recession. Several options are available, including:
- Composite restoration
- Dentin bonding agents
- Desensitizing agents
- Orthodontics
- Pink porcelain or composite
- Removable gum veneers
- Surgery
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risk factors for receding gums?
Age is a leading risk factor for receding gums, as is tobacco use. Thin or weak gums can also be genetic, eventually leading to gum recession. Additionally, diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums.
Do I really need to replace my missing tooth?
Yes. Missing teeth are not just a matter of aesthetics. Even missing one molar can affect the way you chew. Teeth surrounding the missing tooth will also be subjected to undue pressure and shift around, eventually leading to bone loss. This will further negatively affect both appearance and function in the long run.
What systemic conditions is oral health linked to?
There are several different system conditions linked to oral health. However, some of the most common involve diabetes, heart conditions, and osteoporosis. Pregnancy and oral health may also affect each other. Lush Dental Co. can work together with your other healthcare providers to determine your unique risk factors.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No. Teeth will stain again over time as they face exposure to the factors that made them stain in the first place. Those who are vigilant in avoiding such factors may be able to wait up to a year or longer before needing a touch-up. Others, however, may see diminished effects in as soon as a month.
How can I maintain my smile?
Smile maintenance begins with good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, taking care to floss away plaque every night. Drink fluoridated water as needed and eat a balanced diet. Avoid food and beverages that may stain your teeth.
Dental Terminology
Contouring
A cosmetic procedure that involves reshaping the outer layer of the teeth, or enamel, to fix minor imperfections such as shape or size.
Dental Implants
An artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to serve as an abutment for an artificial tooth replacement, such as a crown or bridge.
Enamel Shaping
A non-surgical procedure that involves physically shaping the outer enamel of natural teeth to correct uneven or overlapped teeth.
Oral Infection
A group of infections that occur in the oral cavity, including cavities, gingivitis, periodontal and gum disease, thrush, herpangina, and oral herpes.
Smile Makeover
An aesthetic dental procedure that involves two or more cosmetic treatments to improve the overall appearance of the mouth.
Dental Aesthetics
Dental treatments that improve or restore the appearance of teeth, gums, and/or bite.
Discoloration
An accumulation of stains on the tooth surfaces that causes a change in the color, hue, or transparency of the teeth.
Gum Recession
Exposure to the roots of teeth caused by gum or tissue loss and retraction of the gingiva from the crown of teeth.
Restoration
A prosthetic device or appliance used to replace missing or damaged teeth such as a crown, bridge, inlay, or denture.
Tooth Replacement
An artificial tooth that takes the place or a missing or damaged tooth.