Teeth have an important practical function, as they are essential for breaking down food. Without teeth, it is much harder to chew food so that it becomes small enough to swallow. However, the importance of teeth goes beyond their practical use, as in a world where appearances matter a great deal, you can find yourself being judged by the state of your teeth. It can make you feel self-conscious, knowing that when you smile you have crooked, stained or missing teeth. It is hard to relax in certain situations when you feel that people are staring at your less-than-perfect mouth, and it is this problem that cosmetic dentistry aims to address.
Cosmetic Dentistry is about preserving and promoting a certain aesthetic when it comes to teeth. There are two branches of dentistry that are concerned with the appearance of teeth – prosthodontics and orthodontics, with the former focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth and the latter on correcting the misalignment of teeth. You, too, can get a Hollywood smile as long as you are prepared to pay for it. It is possible to have crooked teeth straightened; to have stained teeth whitened and to have missing teeth replaced. If you are less than satisfied with your teeth, there are plenty of options to change the situation.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures, as it can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of your teeth without causing any pain. It is possible to purchase over-the-counter whitening products, although dentist-supervised treatments are still recognized as the most effective. Teeth can be reshaped, stripped or contoured in order to remove a chip or change their length or position. Bonding is a process that can also be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Teeth can be replaced through the use of dental bridges, while veneers can be bonded directly to existing teeth, helping to close gaps and cover any imperfections. Crowns can also be used to cover a tooth if it is weak, worn or broken.
The use of braces to straighten teeth is another popular cosmetic procedure that can also improve an irregular bite and correct an individual’s jaw positioning. They have to be worn over a number of years and to be adjusted over time. Cosmetic dentistry has been growing in popularity, as the number of procedures available has increased and the techniques and technology that are used have improved. If you have some money spare, why not treat yourself and have your teeth fixed if it is going to make you feel better about yourself?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions, please feel free to reach out to us.