We all know we should visit the dentist for a regular check-up, but it might be time to consider something more. Research shows that around seven in ten Americans admit to feeling self-conscious about their teeth, whether that's due to a lack of whiteness, receding gums, crookedness, or tooth gaps.
This is where another option comes in: cosmetic dentistry. Though you may see this offering as supplemental or even unnecessary, the truth is that a cosmetic dentist can do a lot for your smile.
Wondering why you should bother reaching out for a cosmetic procedure? Here are seven reasons to consider one.
Though most people don't associate cosmetic dental treatments with their oral health, the truth is that the right procedure is about more than aesthetics.
A clean and bright smile can often make your teeth easier to clean than they were before a cosmetic dental appointment. This is because your dentist will address any imperfections that make it harder to maintain your oral hygiene.
For many patients, this will include crooked or crowded teeth, both of which can be difficult to brush and floss. Plaque and tartar that build up in these areas can cause gum disease and cavities, which can wreak havoc on your oral health.
In addition, chipped or cracked teeth are more than a visual nuisance. They can also expose the vulnerable center of your tooth to bacterial invasion. This can lead to infection, inflammation, and even tooth loss if left unchecked.
Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving dental health, which means they'll have strategies to help you keep your mouth cleaner on your own at home.
Your teeth help you do much more than smile! Things like the positions of your teeth and the symmetry of your bite can also help you with the other major functions of your mouth: chewing and speaking.
When you have a misaligned bite, for example, you may find it more difficult to chew your food. This can make it harder to stick to a healthy diet, and it can even reduce your desire to eat.
Another example is missing teeth, which can make it difficult or even impossible to produce certain sounds. This means that proper pronunciation may escape you, making it harder to speak with clarity.
A cosmetic dentist can help you with everything from crooked teeth solutions to bite realignment, leading to better oral function overall.
Because cosmetic dentistry is always an optional cost, you might not see how it can help you save money in the long run.
However, if your teeth are damaged, misaligned, or otherwise dysfunctional, you might end up having to pay much more in the long run to fix the health issues that they cause. As we've noted above, the placement and health of your teeth shape your overall dental health.
Addressing damage now can save you from toothaches, infections, and other dental problems down the line. In some cases, you can even avoid costly tooth replacements like implants by fixing problems sooner rather than later!
Using cosmetic dentistry as a preventative solution when needed is always a great investment.
Do you often smile with your mouth closed? Do you cover your teeth with your hand when you laugh? If these situations sound familiar, cosmetic dentistry may be your best bet for gaining a more confident smile.
When we're self-conscious about our appearance, we're often less likely to engage in certain activities or to be present in the moment. But life's too short not to smile! Fortunately, that's where cosmetic dentistry can help.
Whether you need teeth whitening, straightening, or other solutions, consider reaching out to a dentist to learn how a cosmetic treatment could boost your self-esteem.
Did you know that it takes us just seven seconds to make a first impression of someone? Some experiments even suggest that we can make accurate judgments in 1/10 of a second!
In other words, we form opinions about each other in the blink of an eye, and we often use a lot of surface data to do it. This includes a person's appearance, clothing, body language, speech, and (you guessed it) smile.
Whether you're trying to get ahead in business or you're heading out on a first date, first impressions matter. Isn't it worthwhile to invest in a glowing smile you're happy to share?
When it comes to weddings, presentations, and other major events, a photogenic smile can make a world of difference.
Even if you aren't expecting to jump into a huge social event, it's safe to say you'll be photographed. In today's digital age, the number of photos shared online has tripled since 2013, with users sharing billions of images on social media every day.
Whether you want a professional headshot, a beautiful family photo, or an Instagram-worthy selfie, it's important to feel like your smile mirrors the joy you're sharing.
We all know the drill: certain foods, drinks, and habits can increase our risk of teeth staining. From red wine and coffee to berries and tomato-based sauces, some of the things we indulge in every day can affect the look of our smile.
With teeth whitening, it's easy to fight these bad habits and get whiter teeth fast. Even better, many patients are so happy with the results that they're less likely to resume the habits that can damage their teeth! This includes things like consuming sugary foods and drinks as well as using tobacco products.
From a bite realignment to teeth whitening to Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry can help with a lot of oral issues. However, some of the most important things this form of dentistry can do will involve improving your health, self-esteem, and smile.
If you're ready to work with a cosmetic dentist in Methuen, we'd love to help! We know you have many options for cosmetic dentists, but our team always aims to build relationships with our patients based on compassionate care. To learn what we can do for you, make an appointment today.
