Cosmetic Dentistry: Beyond Aesthetics

Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving a person’s teeth and smile to enhance their appearance. However, many cosmetic procedures also provide significant functional and health benefits.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. While they are a popular choice to transform smiles and whiten teeth, veneers also offer several functional benefits:

  • Protection of Tooth Surface: Veneers can protect the surface of damaged teeth, especially from further wear and tear or decay.
  • Improvement in Bite: By aligning the shape and placement of teeth, veneers can improve minor bite issues, leading to better chewing ability and reduced strain on the jaw.
  • Durability and Wear Resistance: Porcelain veneers are highly durable and resistant to stains, which keeps teeth looking better and protects them from further discolouration and decay.

a caucasian male smiling while a female hand holds up a sample of dental veneers

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-coloured composite resin to fix chips, cracks, and gaps in the teeth. Beyond aesthetics, bonding offers several functional advantages:

  • Restoration of Tooth Structure: Bonding can restore the integrity of a decayed, chipped, or fractured tooth, thereby enhancing its function and preventing further deterioration.
  • Reduction of Sensitivity: By covering exposed roots or damaged areas of a tooth, bonding can significantly reduce dental sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Improvement in Bite and Chewing: Bonding material can be built up to correct uneven teeth, helping to achieve a better and more comfortable bite.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are fitted over the entire tooth and are used to restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically recommended for teeth that are severely damaged. They offer numerous functional benefits:

  • Restoration of Damaged Teeth: Crowns provide a new outer shell, which helps to restore a tooth that might otherwise be lost to decay or injury.
  • Enhancement of Bite Alignment: Crowns help to evenly distribute biting force, which can correct malocclusion (improper bite) and alleviate excessive pressure on certain teeth.
  • Protection Against Wear and Tear: Crowns shield the tooth from further wear and decay. They are especially beneficial for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) as they are robust and wear-resistant.
  • Support for Dental Bridges: Crowns can serve as strong support structures for dental bridges, which replace missing teeth and thus improve chewing and speaking functions.

Teeth Whitening

Primarily cosmetic, teeth whitening can have psychological benefits, boosting patient confidence and encouraging better oral hygiene.

UV lamp shines on the patiens teeth during teeth whitening at dentist clinic

Dental Implants

Used to replace missing teeth, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown. While it clearly enhances one’s smile by filling gaps, dental implants also preserve bone structure, prevent bone loss, and maintain the integrity of facial structures. They restore full chewing power, allowing patients to eat with as much force as their natural teeth.

Clear Aligners like Invisalign

While traditionally not considered purely ‘cosmetic,’ modern approaches often emphasise aesthetic aspects (e.g., clear braces or aligners). Treatments like Invisalign correct misalignments in teeth and malocclusions (bad bites), thereby not only straightening teeth but also improving jaw alignment and bite function, which can alleviate issues like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech impediments.

Hands holding transparent aligners. Invisalign orthodontics concept

While the aesthetic enhancements of cosmetic dental procedures are often the most visible benefits, the functional improvements are just as important to note. For any of these cosmetic dental services, get in touch with First Impressions Dental, a consultation with one of our dentists can help determine which procedure can offer the best outcomes for your appearance and oral health.