Cosmetic Dentistry – Leesburg, VA

What Exactly Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetic of your teeth and smile. This helps to build confidence and gives people an extra boost to pursue their goals. Cosmetic dentistry could be an option if you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, misshapen, misaligned, or gapped, yet your smile is in good overall health. Cosmetic procedures are able to improve one’s appearance, self-esteem, and oral health!

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

If you are under the care of a trained professional, most cosmetic dental treatments are perfectly safe for most patients. Of course, each treatment isn’t suited for every patient. That’s why we will examine your smile beforehand and give you an honest assessment of which procedures may and may not be right for you. Some cosmetic services could pose a risk if a dental issue isn’t treated first, like if a veneer is placed over a decayed tooth, but we will always plan to address problems before moving forward with cosmetic treatments.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Many patients are hesitant to commit to dental treatments because they are worried that their procedure will be painful. Fortunately, we will always do everything we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. Most cosmetic procedures are noninvasive and don’t even require a local anesthetic, like teeth whitening and bonding. However, if you are getting veneers or a dental crown, the area will be numbed ahead of time. You may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but this should be mild and temporary.

Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?

For the majority of dental history, the focus was preventing and treating dental issues. However, in the last few decades, modern techniques and technology, as well as better general knowledge of proper oral hygiene, have led to the average person having better dental health. With more healthy smiles, more people have the option of pursuing cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their teeth. These services have also become more affordable over the years, so they are no longer limited to just the wealthy and famous.

What Causes Tooth Stains/Discoloration?

Teeth can develop stains (or become discolored) for various reasons. That said, some of the most common causes are:

• Your Age – As you grow older, your teeth will become thinner and more brittle. This change can indirectly result in tooth discoloration and stains.

• Foods & Beverages – Often enough, certain foods and drinks contain tannins that can stain your enamel. Well-known examples include red sauces, red wine, tea, coffee, and chocolate.

• Tobacco – Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco is a major cause of stained teeth. The nicotine and tar it contains can discolor your enamel over time.
• Antibiotics – As it turns out, a link exists between taking tetracycline antibiotics as a child and permanently stained teeth.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just make your smile look better. Given the right procedure, it can also improve your long-term oral health.

This effect partly stems from how treatment impacts behavior. Once cosmetic dental work enhances your grin, you’ll likely feel driven to take good care of it. (You don’t want your good looks to fade, after all.) This drive will lead to better (or more consistent) brushing and flossing, which removes excess plaque and tartar from your mouth. The result is then a reduced risk of cavities, gum disease, etc.

Of course, some cosmetic dental options directly improve your smile’s strength. A good example would be metal-free crowns made of ceramic or porcelain. When these caps are placed, they both protect your grin from harm and hide its damage from view.

Will Cosmetic Dentistry Help My Career?

In many cases, cosmetic dentistry could greatly help your career. You’d just need to get a procedure that’s well-suited for your smile.

A beautiful grin is crucial to making a good impression on others. When you often show one off, people see you as friendlier, more confident, and more trustworthy than they would otherwise. This approachable image helps in the workplace, so cosmetic dental work can improve your job prospects.

All that said, you should consult your dentist about potential procedures. The right treatment will hide (or remove) your smile flaws, equipping you with a great grin to reveal at work.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change My Life?

In many cases, cosmetic dentistry can improve your quality of life. Its effects on your smile make your day-to-day experiences richer and more enjoyable.

It mainly comes down to treatment-related behavior changes. As you feel more confident in your enhanced-grin, you’ll probably show it off to the people around you. This frequent smiling will then lower your stress levels as it produces endorphins in your brain. Indeed, these “feel-good” chemicals should even leave you with a mild sense of euphoria and contentment.