Cosmetic dentistry is growing in popularity. This is not purely down to an increase in demand. Advances in materials and technology have made these treatments more affordable and therefore more accessible. And with more patients seeking out private dental care to supplement NHS care, focus has shifted from purely preventive care to cosmetic and restorative treatment.
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any treatment that helps to alter the appearance of your smile, and this could include things like orthodontics to straighten the teeth or teeth whitening to remove stains.
While these benefits might help to improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence, it’s not the only reason to consider treatment. While the focus might be on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, there are unexpected benefits to cosmetic dentistry that you might not be aware of.
Let’s explore some of the wider benefits of cosmetic dentistry for your oral health, so you can see how these treatments deliver more than just a pretty smile.
The impact of investing in your smile
The first and most obvious benefit for your oral health comes from the ways in which your behaviour tends to change following cosmetic treatment. Patients who have invested in their smile with cosmetic treatment are typically more likely to take good care of their teeth at home. There are a few reasons for this:
- Patients want to prolong the results of their treatment in order to “get their money’s worth”. We see this with treatments like teeth whitening, as patients will want to keep their teeth looking beautiful for as long as possible. This could mean being more vigilant with the way they brush and floss their teeth, or it could mean dietary changes that are beneficial to their oral health.
- When patients are invested in their smiles, they are more likely to visit the dentist regularly. This could be because their cosmetic treatments require regular checkups, or it could simply be that they take their oral health more seriously once they have committed to cosmetic transformations.
- Patients are more likely to give up bad habits such as smoking or vaping if they are worried about the impact on their cosmetic treatments. We see this in patients who have chosen to have teeth whitening treatments and also those with more extensive restorations such as dental implants.
Straight teeth are easier to care for
With treatments like orthodontics or teeth straightening, the benefits can be seen in improved brushing technique. Straight teeth are much easier to care for, as there are fewer concealed areas.
Brushing and flossing your teeth will be much easier following orthodontic treatment, which can result in improved oral health. This could dramatically reduce the risk of developing gum disease later in life.
Protection for your enamel
Enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, but it is also very vulnerable to acid erosion. Once it is gone, it cannot be replenished, and this can leave your teeth weakened and exposed.
Cosmetic treatments like veneers, crowns and composite bonding can help to protect teeth that have suffered from enamel erosion. These treatments can cover the teeth to provide protection against further damage. While you cannot get a second chance with enamel, cosmetic treatments can deliver some protection.
When choosing cosmetic treatments for enamel erosion, it’s important to consider the impact of preparing the teeth for treatment. Some treatments require extensive preparation and complete removal of the enamel to make space. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of this treatment to make sure it is the right plan for your needs.
Improved wider health outcomes
Issues with your oral health are commonly linked to wider health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. By caring for your teeth with cosmetic treatments, you are making a commitment to caring for your wider health.
Before starting cosmetic treatment, dentists will often recommend tackling issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. This is simply because there is little sense in making teeth look aesthetically better if they are damaged or at risk of damage.
Through regular dental checkups, you can also catch small dental problems before they become much more serious.
Ready to explore cosmetic treatments with us?
If you’re curious about how cosmetic treatments can boost your confidence, transform your smile and improve your oral health, book an appointment with our team. During your initial consultation, we will listen to your concerns and guide you through the treatment options available.