Cosmetic Dentistry includes a number of dentistry procedures that are intended to improve the appearance of people’s smiles. However, unlike a number of cosmetic medical procedures that have no health benefits (and in fact could have negative side effects), cosmetic dental procedures are often beneficial for the patients dental health in addition to appearance. Below are some benefits that patients experience after cosmetic dental procedures.
Reduced Headaches from Misaligned Teeth
If you have misaligned teeth, you may be most concerned about the appearance of your teeth, especially is the alignment has caused crooked teeth or other imperfections. However, you may not know that misaligned teeth can also cause headaches. If your teeth don’t line up correctly, this can cause muscle tension, as you will naturally correct the alignment as you eat by changing your jaw movement. Overtime, this can cause jaw pain that will radiate and cause headaches.
Dr. Bowyer offer’s Invisalign and Porcelain Veneers, both which will align your teeth and have the potential to reduce headaches cause by jaw pain.
Prevent Potential Side Effects from Missing Teeth
If you are seeking out cosmetic dentistry in response to losing a tooth, you are at risk of several complications if you do not pursue correction. Living without a tooth or multiple teeth, can cause complications for patients, ranging from teeth movement to bone loss. Dental implants can be used in cases where one or more teeth are missing and the patient has sufficient bone density in their jaw. Dental implants are the best solution in these cases, as they can actually stimulate bone growth, fuse to the bone as a permanent solution, and prevent bone loss.
Improved Nutrition
If you have cracked or chipped teeth, it is also likely that you are avoiding foods that can be hard to chew. This can lead to changes in your diet that might cause you to miss out on important nutrients. Fruits and vegetables have the more nutritional value when consumed raw, but unfortunately, most of these foods are hard to eat when you have to stick to soft foods. Inlays & Onlays or Crowns can help repair chipped or fractured teeth without removing the entire tooth. This procedure will leave you with a full tooth, and allow you to go back to the healthy eating habits that you had establish prior to the break and/or crack.
Increased Confidence
When you are worried about how your teeth look, it is constantly on your mind. Whether your teeth have been stained by smoking, you’ve lost a tooth in a snowboarding accident, or simply have misaligned teeth from your childhood, you are likely self-conscious and feel judged whenever you are told to “Smile!” In fact, in a 2012 study it was found that tooth loss can cause impact an individual’s quality of life, especially in cases where the tooth loss effects physical appearance. Addressing dental issues, even those that are not impactful on dental health, can have positive effects on a patient’s quality of life and happiness.
More Opportunities
While we hate to admit it, one’s appearance can have a large effect on how others view you. Having a confident, brilliant smile that you are happy to show off can open up doors. Smiling has been shown again and again to help you appear more attractive and confident to other people; whether that be a potential romantic partner or the hiring manager during a job interview. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to smile your widest if you are not feeling happy and confident with the teeth you’ll be showing off. Simply pursing teeth whitening can help patients who are not 100% happy with the smile they have.
Here at Dr. Bowyer’s office, we want to help each and every patient achieve a healthy smile. For some, that may mean pursuing the wide array of cosmetic dentistry options that we have available. If you’d like more information on how we can help your smile look it’s best, give us a call at (360) 253-2640 or Request an Consultation.