Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of your teeth and smile. At times, it can help with function and overall oral health. However, most people look to these treatments to improve the look of their pearly whites.
As with anything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to any circumstance. Below is an overview of the pros and cons of cosmetic dentistry.
The Pros of Cosmetic Dentistry
Some don’t understand the benefits of improving the look of your smile. Ensuring your teeth are healthy enough to function for eating and speaking is important. However, the appearance of your smile plays a key role in both your personal and work life.
Below are some pros of cosmetic dental treatments.
Increases Self-Esteem
Do you smile with your mouth closed? Perhaps you shy away from friend or family photos. You might also avoid social situations that have your self-conscience of, because of eating and speaking in front of others.
This lack of confidence in your smile can affect your personal relationships. It can also spill over into your career. If there are issues with your smile, it’s time to write a new chapter in your life, using cosmetic dentistry. A cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas will be able to help advise you on the best possible treatment(s) to enhance your smile.
Look Younger
A smile makeover has you feeling better, and looking younger, too! In fact, healthy-looking teeth can take about 10-15 years off your appearance.
Smile More
After your cosmetic dental procedure, you’ll smile more. After all, you’ll want to show off those new and improved pearly whites! In general, smiling is a nice way to greet people. However, research also shows that it makes people overall happier, too.
The Best Pro Of All: Your Health
Yes, cosmetic dental procedures focus on enhancing your smile. But (as mentioned above) it can also overlap with oral health and tooth function. Another point to consider is, most patients focus on better oral hygiene after their treatment. After all, if you invest in cosmetic dentistry, you want to ensure you take care of that investment. This will help decrease risks around tooth decay, gum diseases, and oral cancer.
Secondly, some major conditions are linked to improper oral health care. Examples include kidney issues, diabetes, some oral cancers, and heart disease. So, you’ll be doing your overall health a favor, too.
The Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry
Without sounding like a “Debbie Downer”, there are some things to consider about cosmetic dentistry. Below are some disadvantages to these procedures.
The Cost
Firstly, some of these treatments are pricey. Fortunately, our dental office offers different payment options to help you afford the treatments you want while sticking to your budget. We can also present alternative treatment options that may cost less.
The Commitment
There’s sort of a commitment to some cosmetic dental treatments. For instance, porcelain veneers and dental implants can last decades. Meanwhile, the orthodontic appliance Invisalign requires a time commitment from about six months to two years. You want to be sure the procedure you move forward with is right for you before giving the green light.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
The good news is that there is a cosmetic dental treatment for every smile issue out there! Below is an overview of some procedures at your local Las Vegas dentist’s office.
Dental Implants
For a missing or severely damaged tooth or teeth. They function and look like natural teeth.
Teeth Whitening
A simple and inexpensive treatment for stained and discolored teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
This procedure is for chipped, gapped, crooked, short, or misshaped teeth. It is also a permanent solution for stained or discolored teeth.
Dental Bonding
You can turn to this treatment for repairs on chipped, decayed, or cracked teeth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are multi-functional. They protect weakened teeth. They also restore broken or worn-down teeth. Finally, crowns also cover dental implants or some larger filling. For these, and many more reasons, your dentist in Las Vegas might recommend this treatment.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
This procedure comes into play for aesthetic reasons when filling cavities.
Dentures
A treatment for missing teeth.
Invisalign
This is a clear orthodontic appliance for straightening teeth. Hardly noticeable at all when patients use them.
Looking For Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments In Las Vegas
At James B. Polley, D.D.S. Five-Star Dental Care, we believe each patient has different smile needs. Everyone also has different smile goals! Dr. Polley will initially meet you to distinguish what cosmetic dental treatments you can benefit the most from. During your consultation, you will weigh out the pros and cons together. Therefore, he creates an individualized cosmetic dentistry plan for each patient.
If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please call (702) 873-0324, or fill out our contact form online. We look forward to helping you enhance your smile. Time to reap the benefits that cosmetic dentistry offers!
