As a trusted provider of family dentistry in Carleton Place and surrounding communities, one of our service offerings which is in significant demand is cosmetic dentistry.
The term “cosmetic dentistry” itself is a bit of a misnomer, as “cosmetic” has a certain connotation that implies surface only, something superficial or perhaps even a service of vanity. Maybe that’s because cosmetic dentistry, to some at least, might sound like “cosmetic surgery” – the kind of thing only celebrities and social media super-influencers get done.
But the truth is that cosmetic dentistry is all about the health and healthy appearance of your teeth – as well as the strength and structural integrity of your teeth.
Read on to find out why cosmetic dentistry is important and how it can benefit you or your loved one.
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Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
The services within cosmetic dentistry are, it turns out quite varied. Cosmetic dentistry includes:
- Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Porcelain Veneers
- Full-Mouth Restoration
While these procedures involve the surface of the teeth – thus the term “cosmetic” – they still address the health and integrity of the teeth.
Dental Crowns – a Cap for a Damaged Tooth
If you have chipped or otherwise damaged a tooth, a crown is a very effective way to cap the tooth.
Crowns have positive effects on both the appearance of the tooth as well as the tooth’s integrity.
Adding a crown to a damaged, chipped or broken tooth makes it look much nicer, smooth and natural. Even better, the crown makes the tooth more durable, protecting against the rest of tooth as you chew, bite down, grind your teeth, etc.
Dental Bridges – Replacing Missing Teeth
If you have a missing tooth, for example caused by damage, injury or other health factors, a dental bridge is a great way to replace that missing tooth.
Bridges are said to be “cosmetic” because they get rid of that unsightly gap that exists when a tooth goes missing.
But dental bridges are also a very effective means of restoring better chewing habits, putting less pressure on other areas of the mouth.
This ultimately is good for the gums, jaw and other teeth.
Porcelain Veneers – A Brighter, Shapelier Smile
If we had to pick one service within the cosmetic dentistry that most closely supports the term, it would probably be porcelain veneers.
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is permanently bonded to the surface of a tooth.
This procedure is done with the intention of improving the appearance of the tooth’s natural colour, shape and/or positioning.
While it does address only the surface of the tooth, a veneer has intangible benefits that go beyond structure and chewing.
A Healthy Smile = A Beautiful Smile = Self-Confidence
There’s no way around it – people love a great smile.
And, conversely, people can be turned off by a smile that… doesn’t quite impress.
Does that make human beings superficial? We’re a Carleton Place family dentistry practice, not a psychological practice, so we won’t get into that here.
But as the saying goes, you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression.
That applies to a lot of things in life, when you think about it, right?
- Job interviews
- Career Trajectory
- First dates
- Social interactions
… and much more.
There’s nothing wrong with investing in the appearance of your teeth and smile. In fact, you’re doing yourself (and your family!) a favour by getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure done, when called for.
And remember, it’s not just the appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry is also important to maintain and improve the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and whole mouth.
For more about cosmetic dentistry in Carleton Place, contact Costello Family Dentistry today.
