Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry has come so far over the past few decades, and it’s now more modern (and more affordable) than ever. It’s never been easier to get the smile you’ve always wanted, but it helps to know what your options are, what the procedures entail, and how they’ll result in a brighter and whiter grin.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
The term ‘cosmetic,’ when applied in the dental field, is something of a misuse of the word. Because while these procedures are designed to fix imperfections, they’re more than just a surface-level correction for most people. Teeth whitening, veneers, and implants don’t just make you look better, they can also have a positive impact on your overall oral health.
For instance, even a single veneer on your front teeth may be able to correct a misaligned bite, which can lead to better chewing patterns that don’t put as much wear and tear on your other teeth. At Lexington Smiles, our staff can tell you more about where beauty and health meet, and why your physical appearance can have a lot to do with your hygiene routine.
Even a simple whitening treatment can encourage patients to take an interest in how they brush and floss. Cosmetic dentistry can also be synonymous with restorative dentistry, a branch of the dental field that will fill in any gaps in your smile and simultaneously protect your mouth at the same time.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry is a catch-all term that can be used to refer to a variety of services from the dentist’s office. What’s right for you will depend on your concerns. For instance, maybe you’re happy with how white your smile is, but you would prefer it if your front top tooth wasn’t visibly chipped. Or maybe your smile is straight, but you’re missing a single tooth on the bottom. Here’s what you should know about different types of cosmetic dentistry in Lexington, VA.
- Teeth whitening: Stains on your teeth aren’t technically bad for your health, nor will they impact your ability to speak or chew. However, after years of foods and beverages that stain, you may be ready for a change. Professional whitening can get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. The drugstore whitening kits can’t get anywhere close to that.
- Veneers: A veneer is a thin covering for a tooth, but don’t let its thinness fool you. Veneers are made of strong stuff, and can be used to strengthen teeth, correct malformations, and hide chips. They’re perfect for minor to moderate flaws.
- Implants/bridges: Gaps in your teeth don’t just affect your smile, they’re a threat to your oral health. Any space allows the other teeth to slide and shift as they see fit, which can make it difficult to brush, floss, chew, or speak. Bridges and gaps fill in your smile, so you look and feel better.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Lexington, VA
Taking care of your mouth is always the right decision. No matter what reason gets you to the dentist, Lexington Smiles is here to help. Our team can help you find solutions, so you don’t have to smother your laughter or put a hand over your mouth every time you have something you want to say. Contact us today!
