Many patients view cosmetic dentistry as a luxury because they believe it only benefits their appearance. They may feel reluctant to invest in cosmetic dental work and often live with missing or damaged teeth. Cosmetic dentists would like their patients to know that these procedures offer value beyond appearances. This blog explains how cosmetic dentistry can improve not only your smile, but also your oral health and quality of life.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Oral Health
Many cosmetic dental procedures can also positively impact your oral health. Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant lowers your risk of orthodontic problems, maintains a healthy bite, and may reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and future loss of additional teeth. Crowns and other appliances simultaneously restore function and improve the appearance of your smile.
Your Smile Affects Your Mood
If you have a missing or damaged tooth, you already know how this issue can dampen your mood. You may feel reluctant to smile because you don't want others to see your teeth. You may avoid social situations or give others a mistaken impression of your true character.
When you work to upgrade your smile, you may notice a difference in your attitude toward life. You'll be more open to social activities and feel better about yourself.
Brilliant Smiles Create Opportunities
People who hide their smiles may also miss personal and professional opportunities. In many professions, a ready smile is essential to success. If your job involves frequent meetings or public visibility, you will notice that more people want to interact with you.
Our Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Teeth naturally turn yellow or gray. With professional teeth whitening, you can turn back the clock and regain the bright, vibrant smile you remember. If you enjoy dark-colored foods and beverages like chocolate, red wine, and berries, we can remove these stains.
Professional tooth whitening is far more effective than over-the-counter products. Since we guide you in every step, your treatment will be safer than over-the-counter solutions and less likely to cause excess sensitivity.
Invisalign®
This system makes straightening your teeth discreet and straightforward. As you progress through a series of graduated plastic aligners, your teeth will shift back to their ideal positions. Invisalign can correct minor to moderate bite issues and help prevent future gum issues and cavities. Straight teeth are healthy teeth!
Discretion, convenience, and comfort are the three top advantages to consider.
Dental Veneers
Veneers offer an effective solution to aesthetic issues. In just two appointments, we can place ceramic or composite veneers that correct the appearance of chips, gaps, stains, and slight irregularities in shape.
Ceramic veneers, when done conservatively and adequately, can have a long-lasting, useful life. They may be more costly than other options, but if refining your smile is important to you, they may be your preferred option.
Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding can fix chipped and gapped teeth as well as other aesthetic and functional issues. Bonding is highly customizable and also easily repaired when it begins to wear out. We specialize in transitional bonding for adolescents.
Cosmetic Gum Reshaping
If you feel you have a “gummy” smile, we can reshape it using advanced techniques. Addressing your gumline can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
Crowns, Bridges, and Implants
These offer great solutions for those with missing teeth. Replacing lost teeth is a great way to reverse the damage of age and make one's smile feel more harmonious and complete.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Using a combination of the techniques described above, we can provide a comprehensive smile refresh. Our doctor chooses procedures tailored to your needs.
Our Doctor’s Unique Qualifications and Expertise
When you visit us at either of our Southern New England locations, you can connect with our highly qualified doctors. Dr. Cariappa spends an average of 100 hours per year in continuing education to learn new techniques and hone her skills. She introduces novel procedures and innovative treatment protocols to enhance smiles.
Dr. Cariappa focuses on restoring function while perfecting your smile’s appearance. Her treatment approach is comprehensive yet conservative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Why should I seek cosmetic dental treatments?
Cosmetic dentistry represents an investment in your quality of life and, in many cases, can improve your oral health. Cosmetic dentistry is more than an indulgence: it can change the way you see yourself, and the way you function. Missing, damaged, or aesthetically flawed teeth can lower self-esteem and interfere with daily health.
How many appointments does it take to whiten my teeth?
In the office, whitening your teeth may only take a few hours. Some patients with deeper staining may need more than one appointment. If you want a more gradual effect, try our at-home whitening options.
At Stonington Dental Associates and Frenchtown Dental Associates, we provide advanced, compassionate care for your family. We welcome you to our convenient locations in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment or book a consultation today.