Skip to main content

How Cosmetic Dentistry Is Actually Good for Your Oral Health

A beautiful, pearly white smile isn’t just a self-esteem booster. It may also help prevent common dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. 

Tartar, stains, misalignments, missing teeth, and crowded teeth are all issues that often get ignored. After all, these are all aesthetic concerns, right? However, research indicates that some cosmetic issues are also risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease.

To help you understand the link between an aesthetically pleasing smile and good oral health, our experts at Healthy Smile Dental explain how cosmetic dentistry may help prevent oral disease.

Cosmetic dentistry promotes good oral hygiene

Do you have crowded teeth? You may not think it’s a big deal, but crowding may make it harder for you to floss and remove bacteria while brushing. As a consequence, tooth crowding is closely linked to dental caries and gum inflammation.

Fortunately, you don’t need to sport metal braces to reduce your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign® can solve many types of misalignments, and despite common belief, the clear aligners can be worn at any age. 

After your teeth are properly aligned, brushing becomes more effective at keeping plaque buildup at bay. Regular professional cleanings will also help preserve the integrity of your teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry prevents jawbone loss

Have you ever noticed how people who have lost a lot of teeth have a sunken look? This occurs due to jawbone loss. 

Each time you chew, you apply pressure to your jaw, which causes the roots of your teeth to stimulate bone growth. 

When you lose your teeth, the area where the root used to apply pressure shrinks over time because there’s not enough stimulation for the bone cells to continue growing.

Dental implants can prevent bone loss. A dental implant comes with a titanium root that fuses with the bone, applying the same type of pressure your natural teeth would apply during a meal or a snack.

Cosmetic dentistry reduces your risk of gum disease

Surely, a gummy smile can’t do any harm! Experts disagree, however, as the more gum tissue you have, the more opportunities there are for bacteria to hide and reproduce.

The extra gum tissue can be removed by using lasers or making small incisions. Once removed, the gum tissue doesn’t come back, and with the tissue out of the way, brushing is more effective as well.

Talk to the experts about your long-term dental health

Our team at Healthy Smile Dental focuses both on functionality and aesthetics. If you want to find out if your cosmetic concerns may impact your oral health, contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 630-296-5396, or book an appointment online. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Are Braces My Only Option for a Straighter Smile?

You want or need straighter teeth. Whether that’s due to your dentist’s recommendation to align your bite to save your teeth, gums, and jaw bone, or whether you just want to look better, you may worry that braces are your only option. They're not.
When Is It a True Dental Emergency?

When Is It a True Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies may look different than you think. If you’re struggling with pain, swelling, or other symptoms, read on to learn more about dental emergencies and when you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
The Main Differences Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

The Main Differences Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

When it comes to improving your smile, you have options — but deciding which cosmetic dental procedure will give you the results you’re looking for can be confusing. Veneers and dental bonding are two popular treatments. Here are the differences.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Traditional fillings aren’t the only way to repair cavities. In certain situations, you may be better suited to receive an inlay or onlay as an alternative. These provide a cavity repair option with both strength and cosmetic appeal.
Warning Signs that You Have an Abscess

Warning Signs that You Have an Abscess

An abscess warns you about an infection, but what warns you about an abscess? If you miss these signs of an abscess you may be neglecting a serious oral health problem.