How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Dental Health

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Dental Health

Many of us subconsciously think of shiny, straight smiles as being healthier. When compared to someone with discoloured or chipped teeth, we may assume that a person with a bright and well-aligned smile is generally in better health. There may be a reason behind why we think this…

Teeth can be a sensitive topic, as many people are uncomfortable with the appearance of their smiles. Some common concerns we have about our teeth seem to focus on how they look, rather than how healthy they are. For example, teeth whitening treatments brighten up our smiles and improve our appearance. But from a wellbeing perspective, having our teeth whitened can also significantly improve day-to-day confidence and reduce anxiety.

It’s easy to overlook how many cosmetic issues with our teeth can also have a negative impact on our dental health. Even if improving the way your smile looks is a top priority, cosmetic dentists are experts at also maintaining the long-term health of your teeth.

If you are thinking about going ahead with a procedure, it’s worth finding one that will have a positive impact on your health, too. Here’s our guide on how cosmetic dentistry procedures can improve your dental health.

Straighter Teeth

A number of patients seeking cosmetic dental procedures are looking to improve their teeth by having them straightened. The aesthetic results from these treatments can be life changing! As an added bonus, having straighter teeth also has benefits when it comes to our dental health.

Crooked, missing, or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to maintain good oral care, which can have a damaging effect on our teeth and gums over time. These issues can also lead to more physiological impacts that can reduce our overall health. Here are just a few of the dental problems that can arise from crooked teeth:

• Plaque
• Gum Disease
• Enamel Erosion
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth
• Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
• Headaches
• Further Misalignment

If you have problems with the alignment of your teeth, you might already be experiencing some of these issues. Before a cosmetic procedure, your dentist will work to address any outstanding dental health concerns, while also considering how your treatment can be tailored to reduce symptoms. There are a couple of cosmetic treatments that can be used to help patients achieve straighter teeth:

Orthodontic treatments work by physically straightening the teeth over time. This is done with the use of braces. The most popular types now are more subtle options, instead of traditional metal braces. Invisalign, ceramic braces, and hidden braces are some of the more modern orthodontic treatments that can straighten teeth. Each of these can reduce the chance of further dental health issues caused by crooked or misaligned smiles.

Dental implants and dentures are another option. These are used to fix missing teeth, or to replace teeth that need extracting due to dental health concerns. This may involve having a single tooth dental implant, or multiple implant procedures. Dental bridges can also be used to restore missing teeth with a non-invasive treatment.

Stronger Teeth

Many patients will opt for these treatments because they’d like to improve the way their smile looks. After treatment, they’re often more impressed than they thought they’d be! This is because they also end up experiencing the additional benefits of healthier, stronger teeth.

Can Cosmetic Bonding Improve Dental Health?

Cosmetic bonding procedures and veneers help repair fragile, misaligned, or cracked teeth. If you have a chipped tooth, the inner layers of dentin may be exposed to cold air, foods and drinks. Bonding can repair teeth, restoring their appearance and strength so they can function at their best.

Can Veneers Improve Dental Health?

Veneers are another way to keep your teeth in good shape, from both a visual and a physical perspective. Veneer treatments are designed to cover the teeth, masking any imperfections and perfecting your smile. They’re made from strong materials that form a thin layer over the teeth, acting almost like a protective shield. In terms of dental health, veneers are a great restorative option if you have weakened teeth or worn down enamel.

• Composite veneers use the same resin-based material as composite bonding techniques – and they can offer similar results. They’re a great choice if you’d like to correct discolouring, minor misalignment problems, and uneven or chipped teeth.

• Porcelain veneers are another option to keep your teeth looking healthy. Porcelain is a natural material, with similar qualities to our teeth. This can offer more realistic-looking results than composite veneers. Porcelain is also stronger than the composite material, so they might be a better option for those looking to strengthen and protect weaker teeth.

Examining Dental & Health Issues

Before you have any composite bonding or veneer treatments done, your dentist will closely examine your teeth. In doing this, they may be able to identify whether your cosmetic concerns might actually be caused by dental or health issues.

Discoloured teeth are a common problem, and one of the main reasons people seek cosmetic dental treatments. It’s normal for teeth to become slightly discoloured as we age. It can also be attributed to certain lifestyle choices, such as diet and smoking; or poor dental hygiene. To improve your dental health, you might want to switch up some habits or spend more time focusing on your oral hygiene.

Some issues with the way our teeth look can be caused by factors beyond our control. Our dental and overall health are closely linked – so health conditions (and even treatments) can have an impact on our enamel.

• Health Conditions
  Problems with our oral health can also contribute to the development of physical health issues. Oral inflammation and bacterial infections have been linked to cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, and pneumonia.

• Medications & Treatments
  Some antibiotics, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications can cause teeth to yellow or stain. Radiation or chemotherapy treatments around the head or face can also lead to discolouration.
  
• Pregnancy
  Pregnancy can have an unexpected impact on dental health and enamel erosion. Certain dental conditions like periodontitis might also cause complications during pregnancy, like premature birth.

Whichever cosmetic treatment you choose, your dentist will come up with a bespoke treatment plan that also aligns with your dental health. Considering this is equally as important as working towards your cosmetic expectations.

Maintaining Regular Dental Check-Ups

If you do go for a cosmetic dental procedure, your dentist will examine your dental health closely before making any recommendations. Remember – most cosmetic dentists aren’t solely there for aesthetic treatments. Many go through rigorous training to become an accredited dentist in the first place, and then branch out to specialise in cosmetic treatments too.

After your treatment, it’s likely your cosmetic dentist will want to schedule further check-ups to monitor how the procedure went. Maintaining these appointments and going back to your dentist on a regular basis allows them to examine your teeth properly. It also means any dental problems that may pop up are noticed quickly.

Having minor problems fixed as they’re noticed can save you money in the long run, as good maintenance helps stop dental health issues deteriorating over time. Without regular check-ups, dental problems can go unnoticed for years before it gets to the point where you experience tooth pain.

Enjoy Healthier Smiles with Ringway Dental

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Manchester, it’s a good idea to read up about the treatment options available. Discovering the ideal cosmetic dental treatment for you can take time. We understand many people have questions and concerns before selecting the perfect procedure.

At Ringway Dental, our Cheadle-based surgery is one of the top-rated cosmetic dentistry surgeries in Manchester. Our cosmetic dentistry Manchester expert, Dr. Stephen Dodd, has even been named the North West’s Best Young Dentist twice. We offer both general and cosmetic dentistry treatments, so our patients have access to the best of both worlds!

To find out more about improving your dental health with our cosmetic dental treatments, get in touch with the Ringway Dental team today. You can call us on 0161 437 2029 now, or fill our online contact form and we will get back to you.

Related Posts