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Fitchburg Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry
For many of us, dental treatment is a must for health. We worry about pain, infection, and structural damage more than anything else. In truth, though, dentistry should be as much about appearance as it is about dental hygiene.
Being able to smile loud and proud is, after all, a human right. No one should have to stand in the corner with their lips tight because they’re worried about how their teeth look. Yet, studies suggest that around 33% of us do just that.
The mental toll that can take is just as bad as the physical health implications of poor dental hygiene. As well as thinking about the treatments you need, then, it’s past time you considered cosmetic dentistry you could benefit from.
As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry focuses on both appearance and aesthetics, as well as promoting overall dental health. Many patients find that this approach can transform their smile and outlook. And, that’s a goal you could have within your grasp by reaching out to Dr. Mansi Shah, our resident cosmetic dentist, on 978-308-5555 today.
THE BENEFITS OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY AT FITCHBURG SMILES
Affordable treatments
A smile you can love
Correction of existing flaws
Prevention of potential problems
Stronger teeth
Confidence boosts
As you can see, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry aren’t solely aesthetic, though a better smile should undoubtedly be on your cards. By addressing issues such as weak or decaying teeth, appearance-based treatments can also work wonders for dental health, preventing tooth loss, deteriorating facial structure, and even infection.
Cosmetic treatments that involve straightening can also make cleaning easier to tackle. In turn, that ensures you’re able to improve dental care now and into the future to keep yourself smiling for a long time to come.
WHAT DOES COSMETIC DENTISTRY ENTAIL?
Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for a range of treatments, each of which serves different purposes. To understand whether this is the right option for you, it’s vital to understand the kinds of treatments you can expect when pursuing this path. The most common options we refer to when we talk about cosmetic dentistry include:
Porcelain veneers
Braces
Porcelain veneers
Routinely used to cover chipping, discoloration, and misalignment, porcelain veneers are wafer-thin coatings that cover the surface of a tooth. This can help to improve appearance, as well as strengthening teeth for ongoing health. Teeth are usually reshaped during this three-step process before the veneer itself is bonded using cement.
Once veneers are in place, patients can enjoy a range of benefits, including –
- Natural appearance
- Stain resist
- Whiter teeth
Dental implants
A popular alternative to dentures, dental implants involve the implantation of titanium into the gum for a natural and resilient replacement in cases of missing teeth. By bonding to the jawbone, implants can help to both maintain jaw structure and naturally cover gaps where missing teeth would be.
Multiple surgical procedures are necessary to make this treatment possible, and the process can take around a year in cases of severe bone deterioration. Still, implants can both work to improve your smile and increase overall dental health. You certainly won’t need to worry about losing the natural contours of your face with these in place.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, entirely cover damaged teeth. Like veneers, these implants are cemented to your existing teeth but are much more substantial. In fact, these are much like caps for your whole tooth, hence the name.
Instances when this treatment may be necessary include –
- Replacing a large filling
- Restoring a fractured tooth
- Strengthening a tooth to prevent fracture
- Covering a dental implant
- Reshaping a misshapen tooth
- Hiding discoloration
As well as improving appearance, dental crowns can strengthen vulnerable teeth, and even prevent infections in cases of fracturing.
Bridges
Not dissimilar to crowns, bridges are used in cases where damaged teeth have already fallen out. These false teeth are held in place by abutments, and literally bridge gaps where two or more teeth are missing. Bridge treatments are available in four main types, which are –
- Traditional
- Cantilever
- Maryland
- Implant-supported
Traditional options are most popular by far and can be used when patients have real teeth on either side of a gap. Alternatives such as a Cantilever bridge are possible with just one natural tooth in place. During an appointment, your dentist will let you know which is the best option for you.
Braces
Braces are perhaps the most widely used form of cosmetic dentistry on offer and employ the use of metal devices attached to teeth that can help with straightening and alignment. A gentle tightening process over time gradually shifts teeth to improve appearance, make cleaning easier, and help avoid pain in later life.
While typically seen in teens, adult braces are fast growing in popularity, and bring all of the same benefits. Orthodontic treatments should be used in conjunction with routine dental appointments to ensure the efficiency of this treatment choice.
Invisalign
For patients who are reluctant to opt for braces, Invisalign offers a fantastic alternative that no one else can see. These custom-made, clear brace alternatives provide many of the alignment benefits found from braces, but with near-invisible application. For those who want straight teeth without having to deal with metal braces, then this is a treatment well worth exploring.
Teeth whitening
Of course, you can’t perfect the appearance of your teeth without also considering whitening. Tooth discoloration is an embarrassing issue that many of us experience at some stage. During the whitening process, agents are used to react with discolored molecules and break the bonds that hold them together.
Given that much discoloration is also a sign of bacteria build-up, whitening can also help you to maintain cleaner teeth moving forward. Not only will you have the best smile at the party, then, but you’ll also be able to improve your dental hygiene accordingly to prevent discoloration from happening again.
If you’re keen to enjoy these benefits and more, start your cosmetic journey by booking your first appointment today!
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