The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that Americans, on a nearly unanimous scale, believe in the importance of a smile. Flashing a set of pearly whites can help us land job interviews, score dates and generally get in good with our associates. It’s important to make the distinction, though, that there is no such thing as a perfect smile, mainly because no two sets of teeth are identical (just like fingerprints).
But having said that, there are plenty of cosmetic dental procedures you can undergo if you feel like your smile could use an upgrade. It’ll cost you, but cosmetic dental work can often be thought of as an investment, something you can expect to pay off in dividends in the future. What kind of procedures are we talking about here? For starters, it might be a good idea to consider these options:
Dental implants
Consider a dental implant a very permanent replacement option for a missing tooth. It’s permanent because the implant itself is a titanium screw that gets embedded directly into the jawbone, effectively becoming the new root altogether. On top of the screw, a prosthetic tooth is connected via an abutment that holds it in place.
The procedure itself involves surgery and can actually require multiple trips to the dentist in order to ensure all the parts are put in place as they should be. You’ll likely experience conscious sedation dentistry to help dull the pain of the procedure, too. In the end, dental implants have a 98% success rate and, with the right care and maintenance, should be good for a lifetime.
Professional whitening
A dental implant clinic is a good place to seek out when you need a replacement tooth, but if you’re simply looking to get your smile a few shades whiter, there’s a procedure for that, too. Cosmetic whitening doesn’t require conscious sedation dentistry because it’s a relatively painless procedure that involves simply applying the whitener — usually a peroxide-based chemical — directly to your teeth. These types of treatments are also highly successful, usually noticeable before you even step out of the office to head home.
Preventative care
Of course, a big step you can take to prevent these kinds of cosmetic dentistry procedures is too simply keep your mouth taken care of. Brush and flush multiple times per day. Don’t drink too many sugary sodas or sports drinks. Avoid excessive tobacco use and coffee and tea, which can all stain your teeth in the long run. In the end, it’s all about good dental hygiene from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. That way, you can avoid costly treatments and any conscious sedation dentistry trips in the future. Great references here.