Why do we put so much time and energy into taking care of our teeth? Most of us would say that our primary reason for brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist is oral health — we want our teeth and gums to stay healthy and strong for as long as possible.
But while oral health is an intrinsic good, it is also an extrinsic good: a healthy smile is also aesthetically pleasing, and contributes to our sense of confidence and self-worth. We take care of our teeth because we want them to look good, and because discolouration and wear can impact our self-image and mental health.
“Cosmetic dentistry” is the part of dental care that deals with the aesthetic aspects of oral health, and it can be just as important as the surgical or orthodontic procedures that are essential for protecting and maintaining teeth and gums.
In this post, we will explore some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, and debunk some common myths about cosmetic dentistry that keep people from taking advantage of these services.
Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions Everyone Can Take Advantage Of
Cosmetic dentistry covers a range of different dental solutions that can be of value for people of all ages. At Dentistry on 7th, we offer a range of services covering everything from whitening to surgical implants. Here are some of the most common.
1. Whitening
Over time, it is normal for teeth to become stained and discoloured. While this is a natural process, it is also accelerated by dietary factors — if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine, or you are a smoker, then this will happen earlier than it otherwise might.
Teeth whitening is one of our most popular Hamilton dental services and our chemical teeth whitening procedures are a safe, effective way to banish these stains and restore your teeth to their original brightness.
2. Veneers
In some cases, individual teeth become damaged, decayed, or discoloured, and require a more substantial intervention if they are to look their best again. Veneers are one of the most popular and discrete solutions.
Veneers are thin and highly modifiable pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth, replacing an aged exterior with a fresh surface that will restore your smile.
3. Composite Fillings
Most of us are familiar with traditional silver-mercury amalgam fillings that were a common part of dentistry in the twentieth century. While these fillings play an important role in keeping your teeth strong and your mouth healthy, they can also be somewhat unsightly.
Modern composite fillings do the same work of replacing a decayed section of tooth with a strong substance that will maintain its structural integrity, but are designed to match the colour of the tooth. With composite fillings, no one but a dentist can tell the tooth has suffered any damage at all.
4. Implants
Losing teeth as an adult is not only painful, but also embarrassing. Gaps in your mouth can change how you speak, and make you self-conscious about your smile.
The good news is, that with modern implant technology it is possible to fill these gaps with implants that are identical to the teeth around them —it is even possible to replace a full set of teeth within 24 hours using our All-on-4 Implant System.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Myths
All of the procedures outlined above technically fall under the umbrella of “cosmetic dentistry.” But as you will have noticed, many of these procedures are also essential for good oral health.
Fillings are absolutely necessary if you are experiencing tooth decay, so why not choose composite fillings that will leave your mouth looking just as good as it used to? If you’re missing a tooth, an implant will restore your confidence — but it will also play an important role in helping to prevent shifting teeth from causing further oral health problems.
The line between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is often blurred, and the notion that cosmetic dentistry is purely superficial is just one of the common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. Here are some others:
1. Cosmetic Dentistry is for Celebrities
When most people see a movie star with a dazzling white smile these days, they understand that what they are looking at is as much a product of science as of nature. Movie stars are paid to look a certain way, so naturally, they invest in things like cosmetic dentistry that will help enhance their appearance.
What you may not know is that plenty of ordinary people take advantage of cosmetic dentistry as well. These procedures are available to everyone, so if there is an aspect of your smile you feel self-conscious about, why not take advantage of the solutions available?
2. Cosmetic Dentistry is Temporary
One of the most common questions we get asked about cosmetic dentistry in Hamilton is whether these procedures will need to be undertaken routinely if they are to be truly effective. The truth is that cosmetic dentistry provides long-lasting solutions that will have your teeth looking their best for years to come.
3. Cosmetic Dentistry is Only for the Old and the Young
If you’re an adult in your thirties or forties, you’ve probably started to notice that your teeth aren’t quite as bright as they used to be. Perhaps the colour is fading, or one of your incisors is starting to look a little brown compared to the teeth around it.
There is a misconception that cosmetic dentistry is only for young people trying to fix major problems or older people whose teeth have weathered a lifetime of use. In fact, cosmetic dentistry is available to anyone over the age of fourteen, and can be most effective for people in early middle age who are just starting to notice stains.
Cosmetic dentistry can have a life-changing impact. Whether you’ve become reluctant to smile due to discolouration, or you wince every time you notice your silver crowns in the mirror, restoring your teeth — and restoring your confidence — is easier than you might think.
Get in touch with Dentistry on 7th today to find out how our cosmetic dentistry procedures can transform the way you look, and the way you look at yourself.