Dental Aesthetics Waldorf, MD
Dental aesthetics, also known as cosmetic dentistry, is both a science and an art. This makes it even more critical for you to pick a dentist you know you can trust. A proficient complete health dentist can correct any irregularities in appearance while also keeping your overall wellness in mind.
Complete health dentistry is available at Open Smiles Dental in Waldorf and the surrounding area. We are proud to offer quality dental aesthetic services from a more integrative point of view. Call us today at (301) 710-0055 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Why Dental Aesthetics
Dental aesthetics is more popular than ever. This field encompasses both the cosmetic appearance and functionality of the mouth, including the teeth and gums. Popular dental aesthetics procedures involve bonding, braces, bridges, crowns, enamel shaping and contouring, implants, teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Though any smile makeover will focus primarily on improving aesthetics, many procedures may also improve the overall functionality and health of the mouth – especially when the procedures are restorative in nature. Furthermore, cosmetic dental procedures can positively affect patients' self-esteem. This may increase their overall quality of life.
“Though any smile makeover will focus primarily on improving the aesthetics of the mouth, many procedures may also improve the overall functionality and health of the mouth.”
Why Complete Health Dentistry
Traditional dentistry focuses primarily on treating conditions instead of patients. In other words, conventional dentists often fail to consider any indicators of overall health – or how systemic conditions may affect oral health. Complete health dentistry, on the other hand, puts the patient first. While a traditional dentist may be able to complete cosmetic procedures, they may fail to consider how these procedures will affect the patient's overall health (and vice versa).
Research has indicated that periodontal disease is often a reflection of systemic conditions. As the mouth is one of the first points of entrance into the digestive and respiratory tracts, it also acts as a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Poor oral hygiene practices can allow such bacteria to flourish at dangerously high levels, potentially leading to various oral infections. A complete health dentist knows how to recognize the warning signs of poor health in addition to perfecting a patient's smile.
“A complete health dentist knows how to recognize the warning signs of poor health in addition to perfecting a patient’s smile.”
Popular Dental Aesthetics Procedures
Several factors can go into yellowing teeth, making tooth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures on the market. Consuming certain foods, beverages, and medications can all discolor or stain the teeth, as can taking certain medications. While at-home tooth whitening kits may seem like an economical alternative, in-office whitening or whitening kits recommended by a dentist are the main ways to ensure safe, optimal results.
Dental aesthetics can also account for replacing missing teeth and other procedures. Bridges and implants are two common tooth replacement options. Bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures and are only anchored onto surrounding teeth once prepared for crowns. Implants, on the other hand, are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace one or more teeth. These are known as restorative procedures because they restore both the appearance and functionality of the mouth.
“While at-home tooth whitening kits may seem like an economical alternative, in-office whitening is the only way to ensure safe, optimal results.”
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Dental Aesthetics and Gum-Related Issues
Dental aesthetics can also help with problems like gum recession. Several options are available, including:
- Composite restoration
- Dentin bonding agents
- Desensitizing agents
- Orthodontics
- Pink porcelain or composite
- Removable gum veneers
- Surgery
People looking for a natural-looking, tooth-colored option may want to opt for composite restorations, which cover the surface of the tooth root and may fill any gaps between the teeth. Furthermore, dentin bonding agents, desensitizing agents, and varnishes may reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root. This can assist the patient in brushing sensitive teeth and, thus, promote their overall oral hygiene.
Those in need of more long-term treatment may want to consider orthodontics, or braces, to slowly correct teeth and the margin of the gum. More severe cases of gum recession may necessitate surgery, usually in the form of a gum graft.
“Those in need of more long-term treatment may want to consider orthodontics, or braces, to slowly correct teeth and the margin of the gum.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are dental aesthetics?
Q. Why should I see a complete health dentist for dental aesthetics?
Q. What are some of the most popular tooth-related dental aesthetics procedures?
People Also Ask
Q. What are composite fillings?
Q. What are required home care routines for cosmetic treatments?
Q. What are the different full mouth reconstruction treatments?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Q. How can I find out if my employer's plan covers dental treatments?
Complete Health Dentistry and Orthodontics
Orthodontics refers to the usage of braces and retainers to correct irregularities of the teeth, such as crooked teeth and misaligned bites (also known as malocclusions). In more severe cases, orthodontics may prepare a patient for surgery. There are three distinct classes of malocclusions: Class 1 is when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, Class 2 is when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, and Class 3 is when the lower teeth significantly overlap the upper teeth.
Symptoms of malocclusion can range from minor to severe. Not only does it affect the patient's appearance, but it may also result in discomfort when chewing or biting. It may cause the patient to bite the inner cheeks or tongue frequently, develop a lisp, or even breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. A complete health dentist can correct any irregularities for optimal oral and systemic health.
“A complete health dentist can correct any irregularities for optimal oral and systemic health.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the risk factors for receding gums?
A. Age is a leading risk factor for receding gums, as is tobacco use. Thin or weak gums can also be genetic, eventually leading to gum recession. Additionally, diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums.
Q. Do I really need to replace my missing tooth?
A. Yes. Missing teeth are not just a matter of aesthetics. Even missing one molar can affect the way you chew. Teeth surrounding the missing tooth will also be subjected to undue pressure and shift around, eventually leading to bone loss. This will further negatively affect both appearance and function in the long run.
Q. What systemic conditions is oral health linked to?
A. There are several different system conditions linked to oral health. However, some of the most common involve diabetes, heart conditions, and osteoporosis. Pregnancy and oral health may also affect each other. Open Smiles Dental can work together with your other healthcare providers to determine your unique risk factors.
Q. Is teeth whitening permanent?
A. No. Teeth will stain again over time as they face exposure to the factors that made them stain in the first place. Those who are vigilant in avoiding such factors may be able to wait up to a year or longer before needing a touch-up. Others, however, may see diminished effects in as soon as a month.
Q. How can I maintain my smile?
A. Smile maintenance begins with good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, taking care to floss away plaque every night. Drink fluoridated water as needed and eat a balanced diet. Avoid food and beverages that may stain your teeth.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
There is no reason to wait to have the smile of your dreams – especially if it means it will improve your overall health. We at Open Smiles Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 301-710-0055 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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- Open Smiles Dental was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Charles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Waldorf, St Charles, Bennsville, Bryantown, and Hughesville
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