Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, dazzlingly beautiful smiles are no longer just for the rich and famous. Whether you have chipped teeth or are missing a tooth entirely, you can partner with a cosmetic dentist in Norwalk to achieve a gorgeous smile fit for a Hollywood runway. However, cosmetic dentistry is not just about looks. Indeed, many cosmetic procedures can also have a positive, lasting impact on your oral health! Here are three popular cosmetic dentistry solutions that can give you a beautiful and healthy smile.
A Straight Smile is a Healthy Smile
Unlike conventional braces, ClearCorrect invisible braces help patients achieve a straighter smile without any unsightly metal in their mouth. Instead, the treatment uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually and discreetly shift teeth into the desired position.
A straighter smile not only looks better but can lead to a healthier mouth. Crowded and crooked teeth are more difficult to clean thoroughly. When harmful bacteria build up in the small crevices between crooked teeth, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases.
Moreover, straightening your teeth can also correct serious bite issues. An unbalanced bite can contribute to jaw and joint pain, gum disease, tooth wear and even speech impairments.
The Risks of a Missing Tooth
Missing a tooth can be a major source of embarrassment in social situations. However, the gap in your smile also poses serious oral health risks, such as:
- Shifting Teeth – Your remaining natural teeth may drift into the gap left by a missing tooth, making it harder to properly clean your teeth and impacting your bite.
- Bite Irregularities – Bite problems can negatively affect the health of your gums, remaining natural teeth, head, neck and jaw.
- Bone Loss – Without a full set of teeth to stimulate the jawbone, it can slowly shrink away.
Filling the gap in your smile with a dental implant can prevent these issues. A dental implant is a small titanium rod that is inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums and fuses with the bone to provide a stable base for a new artificial tooth. By mimicking the natural tooth root structure, dental implants provide maximum support and allow patients can eat, speak and smile normally again.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve the appearance of a person’s smile. Custom-designed veneers are a proven long-term solution for a variety of common dental imperfections, including:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Gapped teeth
While veneers are primarily a cosmetic treatment, they can also help correct some minor cases of overbite. Moreover, the gum tissue tolerates porcelain better than many other materials, meaning that your body should be able to adapt to your new dental appliance without any major complications.
A healthy smile and beautiful smile can go hand in hand! If you are unhappy with your teeth and want to boost your oral health, talk to a dentist in Norwalk today about what cosmetic dentistry solution is right for you.
About the Practice
At Sommers Family Dentistry, helping patients achieve beautiful and healthy smiles is a family tradition. Second-generation dentists Norman and Adam Sommers both have considerable experience in providing a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Patients interested in improving their appearance and their oral health can visit the Sommers Family Dentistry website or call 419-668-3606 to learn more.