Of course, it’s important to see your dentist every six months for a good cleaning and checkup; remember, oral health is an important part of general health. But if you have concerns about your smile, then you may also want to see a cosmetic dentist and investigate your options. Here are three of the most popular dental procedures people visit cosmetic dentists for:
- Professional Whitening Teeth coloration isn’t necessarily connected to oral health, but having gleaming white teeth can make you more confident and happier with your smile. Even having perfectly straight teeth doesn’t make people less likely to want whiter teeth; across the country, 88.8% of orthodontists say they’ve had patients who also requested tooth whitening. While there are an increasing number of at-home whitening kits becoming available, you should know that professional whitening provides much more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time. A dentist will also be able to discuss your options with you so you’ll end up with a solution that does no long-term damage to your teeth.
- Invisalign Straightening Although traditional braces can be highly effective in straightening teeth, they’re not ideal for adults who want to project a professional appearance. In those cases, Invisalign may be a better fit. These clear trays are specially fitted by your dentist to progressively move your teeth into better alignment. You’ll want to wear the trays as often as you possibly can, but they can be removed for eating and for important events (this straightening method relies heavily on your self-discipline and willingness to wear the trays, which is why they’re often recommended for adults, but not for children).
- Dental Implants Dental implants are both cosmetic and functional. As many as 178 million people in the U.S. are missing one or more teeth, and dental implants provide a solution for replacing anywhere between one tooth or a full set of teeth. Dental implants are actually inserted into the bones of the jaw, providing an anchor for a false tooth or set of teeth. They provide much more stability than traditional dentures, and prevent the bones around the mouth from shrinking around the holes left by absent tooth roots, which is the phenomenon that contributes to the “shriveled” look many people experience along with tooth loss. Currently, up to 3 million Americans have had dental implant procedures, and that number is growing by half a million each year.
What are you hoping a cosmetic dentist will be able to do for you? Join the discussion in the comments.