If you love something you’re more likely to show it, right? That certainly applies to your smile.
But what does it mean to “love” your smile?
The answers can vary although two things will be somewhere in the mix: preventive dental care and cosmetic dentistry.
And speaking of cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) reveals some smile-loving statistics.
- 99.7% of adults believe an attractive smile is an important social asset
- 96% claim that an unattractive smile makes someone less appealing
- 74% believe that an unattractive smile is detrimental to having career success
Are you falling out-of-love with your smile?
Clean, healthy looking teeth are easy to love. On the contrary, their health doesn’t always mean you love how they look.
Health aside, you might have inherited certain smile characteristics that make you self-conscious. Or your otherwise healthy teeth could be damaged by trauma or issues like teeth grinding and staining from age or lifestyle choices.
How to love your smile and keep it healthy
Preventive dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can give you plenty of smile-loving, healthy benefits.
Let’s take a brief look at each.
Preventive dentistry because you “love” to care for your smile
Good oral health habits reveal a lot about how much you “love” your smile. At home care such as daily brushing and flossing combined with a healthy, diet make a difference.
Routine oral examinations, screenings, and teeth cleanings with your San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Fitch and a dental hygienist are essential to keeping your teeth healthy. These appointments two times per year help diagnose threats to your teeth, gums, and mouth, including periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer.
And now for a boost to your confidence…
Cosmetic dentistry because you “love” to keep your smile healthy and attractive
It’s important that your personal health and appearance goals are considered before you begin cosmetic dental treatment. Problem teeth could be the result of poor health. It’s vital to restore their health first.
For example, misaligned teeth could require orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign®. Porcelain veneers can effectively mask alignment issues as well as changing the shape and color of your teeth.
Teeth whitening can brighten your smile. The degree of whitening varies with each patient. Porcelain veneers would be a good solution for those patients whose teeth won’t whiten as much as they would like.
Tooth loss can be treated with dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants. The health of your bone and gum tissue must be top priority. For example, dental implants actually help preserve your bone tissue by forming a new, secure tooth root.
A dental crown secured by an implant, will provide an attractive, natural-looking tooth replacement. You’ll love smiling and equally love the long-lasting results of implant dentistry.
Some dental conditions are more extensive. In that case, a full mouth restoration can be personally designed to restore your health and smile using select cosmetic dental procedures.
Teeth that are missing, damaged, decayed, severely worn, broken, misshapen, fractured , discolored, or crooked can be transformed.
Your full mouth restoration could involve dental crowns, dental bridges, dental bonding, dental veneers, teeth whitening, tooth colored fillings, dentures, or dental implants.
So show your teeth some “love.” You’ll feel more confident. And you’ll smile more often knowing your teeth are healthy and attractive.
- Stay consistent with preventive dentistry.
- Ask about health and appearance results with cosmetic dentistry.
Contact your San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Fitch. He has over 25 years of experience and training in cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your consultation and examination now.