A beautiful and healthy smile plays an important role in a person's self-confidence. Esthetic dentistry can help to improve smiles by correcting many dental problems that cause issues with the appearance of a patient's teeth.
What is esthetic dentistry?
Esthetic and cosmetic dentistry are similar, as both involve procedures that improve the appearance of a patient's teeth. However, cosmetic dentistry focuses on correcting issues with the appearance of teeth, while esthetic dentistry focuses more on improving the health and functionality of the teeth, which as a benefit enhances the appearance of the smile. The procedures are often more complete and can result in significant dental changes to help teeth feel and look their best, while giving patients the ability to eat and talk properly.
What are common esthetic dentistry procedures?
The following are a few of the most common procedures that are used in esthetic dentistry.
Dental implants
Dental implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth. This treatment involves artificial tooth roots made of hypoallergenic metals that are surgically implanted in the jaw, which provide a base for replacement teeth to be attached to. Implants are beneficial to a patient's overall oral health because the artificial tooth roots help to stabilize the jawbone and prevent bone loss, shifting teeth, and facial sagging that can occur when teeth are missing. Implants can also improve speech and make chewing easier. Dental implants restore smiles and can help patients feel more confident.
Veneers
Dental veneers are a procedure used to correct imperfections of the teeth such as gaps, chips, breaks, malocclusions, and discolorations. These tooth-colored shells, often comprised of porcelain or resin, are bonded to the surface of the teeth. While this treatment can correct cosmetic issues, veneers may also be used to fix broken and slightly misaligned teeth to prevent any complications that arise from either issue. This helps patients with their overall oral health as well as making for a more even smile.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to treat gaps caused by missing teeth. Traditional bridges involve a false tooth that is attached to a dental crown on each side. The bridge is then cemented to the teeth surrounding the missing tooth to fill the gap. This option can prevent teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Bridges may also help to prevent facial sagging that comes along with missing teeth.
Conclusion
Many people struggle with dental issues such as missing teeth, tooth decay, broken teeth, and teeth misalignments that can cause lowered self-esteem. Esthetic dentistry focuses on repairing teeth so patients can have a functional, healthy, and beautiful smile. Regardless of which procedures are needed, it is important for dental patients to practice proper oral care, including brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing, eating a proper diet, and going for regular dental cleanings. Patients can then be able to enjoy their new smiles for many years to come.
Request an appointment or call Short Hills Smiles at 973-761-3303 for an appointment in our Millburn office.
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