There is a law of nature that “function follows form.” It’s a saying that means that how something looks actually determines how it works.
For example, you may own many screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes (form) to loosen all different kinds of screws (function). Think of a watering can with a long spout that’s perfect for pouring water right where you want it, versus one with a broad spout to cover large areas more quickly.
This principle can also apply to your smile! A mouth missing teeth is not nearly as functional as a mouth with a full set of chompers. Enter: cosmetic dentistry. The word cosmetic makes these treatments sound optional, but many times they are truly needed to improve physical function or mental and emotional wellbeing.
Read more from Dr. Saydyk to learn about cosmetic dentistry and the impact it can have on your life.
Kinds of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Whitening—an absolute favorite in the area of confidence-boosting cosmetic dentistry. Whitening is safe, simple, has a huge impact on your smile, and a dentist can give you the best results.
- Alignment—braces and orthodontics can truly transform your smile. Crooked teeth or a poorly aligned jaw increase your risk of headaches, tartar and cavities, bad breath, and many more undesirable qualities. Straighter teeth and a different mouth shape are as beautiful as they are healthy.
- Bonding—filling in spaces between your teeth or repairing a chipped tooth improves both your appearance and your oral health and function.
- Veneers—thin but incredibly strong covers on individual teeth that look completely natural. Veneers fix the same problems as bonding but last longer.
- Crowns—a replacement for just the top part of your tooth. A crown completely covers the tooth to improve the look and function.
- Enamel Shaping—slightly changing the shape or amount of enamel (the hard surface) on your natural tooth can give you healthier and better-functioning teeth.
- Bridges—a set of semi-permanent false teeth. If you’ve been missing a row of teeth, bridges give you the ability to eat and smile again with confidence.
- Implants—permanent false teeth that fill in holes where you’re missing a tooth while also stabilizing your jaw and surrounding teeth.
- Gum Contouring—a little reshaping of the tissue around your teeth can greatly improve the look of your smile and help your gums accommodate another dental procedure that you may need.
Who Needs Cosmetic Dentistry?
It can be easy to think cosmetic dentistry is purely optional. But, if your teeth are in any way hindering your overall quality of life and wellbeing, it’s absolutely time to make a change. From eating and speaking, to smiling, laughing and kissing! A beautiful, functional smile is essential to a happy life.
If you recently kicked a smoking habit, getting your teeth whitened is an excellent way to celebrate the milestone and restore your pearly whites.
If you are in school and preparing to face the world after graduation, braces or bonding could be the perfect way to be confident in your smile and put your best self forward.
If you have mouth or jaw pain that is preventing you from getting out and enjoying your loved ones, many cosmetic procedures can improve alignment in your mouth and get you back into the world feeling more comfortable.
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist
Most dentists should be able to perform cosmetic procedures, but some will have more experience than others. As you can see, there are a variety of treatments to address any issue you might have. Do your research to find the dentist that best matches your needs.
If you are in Gilbert, Stoneridge Dental would love to see you for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Call us today and let’s get started!
