What does your smile say about you? A beautiful smile allows you to greet the world with confidence, and healthy teeth are an important aspect of social communication.
According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is a crucial social asset that can communicate the intelligence and success of others. Crooked, damaged, or discolored teeth can hurt your self-esteem, your social perception, and your oral health.
Cosmetic dentistry can restore the look and function of an unhealthy smile. Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard is a respected cosmetic dentist with many years of experience in creating beautiful smiles.
To help you learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, here are 4 frequently asked questions.
1. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry focused on fixing and maintaining the appearance of your smile. While cosmetics may not seem like a priority, the way your smile looks is actually crucial to your overall oral health.
For example, straight teeth aren’t just an aesthetic concern. A crooked smile is harder to clean, which can lead to a buildup of plaque and decay-causing bacteria. As a result, you may be at risk for serious health problems like cavities, tooth loss, and even heart disease.
Cosmetic dentistry consists of two main specialites: prosthodontics and orthodontics. Prosthodontics focuses on the health and appearance of your teeth and includes procedures likes veneers, implants, teeth whitening, or crowns. Orthodontics is more concerned with the alignment fo your jaw, your bite, and crowding or shifting teeth. Braces, retainers, and Invisalign are all possible treatments that fall under the umbrella of orthodontics.
2. What procedures are involved?
There are many different treatment options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. At Dental Care of Lombard, we offer procedures like:
- Teeth Whitening. Over the counter whitening options may be somewhat cheaper, but thet are far less effective than professional care. To make sure that you achieve the exact results you’re looking for, Dr. Glud will sit down withy ou for a pre-treatment consultation to determine what method will work best for your smile.
- Invisalign® braces. A common misconception is that orthodontic work is only for kids or teens. In fact, you can effectively straighten your teeth at any age. Crooked teeth put your overall oral health at risk, but Invisalign makes straightening your smile quick and easy. Removable trays allow you to eat and drink normally so you can go about your everyday life while still taking steps to improve your smile.
- Porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin, enamel-colored shells that permanently bond to the front of your teeth. This procedure is a long-lasting solution to several cosmetic dental problems like crooked or gapped smiles, severe discoloration, and chipped or broken teeth.
- Dental implants. Losing an adult tooth can be a source of anxiety and discomfort. Dental implants are a safe and reliable method for replacing the roots of missing teeth. These titanium posts serve as the anchors for restorative dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implant-supported prosthetics stimulate your jaw bone, eliminating the risk of bone deterioration that occurs after tooth loss.
The best way to determine which procedures are right for you is to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We will examine your smile and carefully review your options with you so we can get started on your personalized treatment plan.
3. Am I a candidate?
Cosmetic dentistry is designed to address any and all aesthetic flaws in your smile. To determine whether or not you’re a candidate, simply ask yourself if you are happy with the way your smile looks. If the answer is no, cosmetic dentistry is the route for you.
We recommend cosmetic dental procedures to address problems like:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Discoloration and staining
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Tooth loss
If you are not sure if a cosmetic dental procedure is what’s best for your dental health, call our office to learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Glud.
4. Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?
A common concern for many dental patients is cost. The expenses involved with cosmetic dentistry vary depending on your insurance, the necessary procedures, and the materials used. Luckily, spending money on your smile is a long-term investment that will benefit your self-esteem and your overall health for a lifetime.
At Dental Care of Lombard, our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality dental care to all of our patients. Our DCL Smile Advantage Membership offers a variety of plans so you can find a payment schedule that works with your needs and budget.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Lombard
Are you ready to start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile? To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options or to book an appointment, contact us online or call 630-629-5700 today!
