Trying to improve your teeth and gum health? Good! Your mouth is one of the most delicate parts of your body, easily susceptible to disease, injury and general disarray if not carefully maintained day after day. Even a lack of flossing for just a few days can put you at risk for gingivitis or a brand new cavity! Thankfully, it turns out many Americans are becoming more and more aware of the ramifications of poor mouth health — from low cost dental implants to improved health and wellness, dentists across the country are providing more assistance than ever before. Need a crash course on cosmetic dentistry and daily good habits? Keep reading!
Did You Know?
There are some interesting facts a lot of people don’t know about teeth. Tooth health is an ancient form of self-care, even if common items like toothpaste and mouthwash didn’t exist a few centuries ago! While techniques differed from culture to culture, a few commonalities stayed the same — brushes have been used since the 1800’s, created with simple bristles to scrub away at stubborn plaque and build-up. What did people use before brushes? Everything from rags to twigs, anything to eliminate food and cultivate a gleaming smile and healthy mouth. The ancient Greeks and Romans even used powders to tackle bacteria and bad breath.
What Are Common Tooth Problems?
Some of the earliest tooth problems we come into contact with are a result of poor maintenance. These include, but are not limited to, cavities, gingivitis, tooth decay, yellowing, chronic bad breath and tonsillitis. Smokers often struggle with yellow and browning teeth, while a lack of flossing can encourage cavities that transform into tooth decay if not assessed by a dentist. Too much sugar in your diet, as well, can contribute to the development of cavities.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Although good health can make your mouth look nice, some problems just can’t seem to go away with regular brushing, flossing and teeth cleaning. The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures include new crowns and veneers, bonding, bleaching, reshaping, contouring and replacement. Studies have shown 75% of people feeling an unattractive smile could potentially harm their chances for career success, high self-esteem and even dating prospects! Even a simple low cost dental implant or new veneer can completely change how you look at yourself.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Work?
Lumineers are one type of veneer, quite unique in their ultra-thin design (around 0.2 mm) and highly translucent. This allows them to replicate the natural appearance of enamel almost flawlessly. The use of veneers has increased by a whopping 250% in just the past five years — compare to general teeth whitening procedures, which have increased by 300% over the last five years. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), over two-thirds of all patients seeking cosmetic dentistry are women.
Where Can I Get Started?
Interested in a low cost dental implant or the best porcelain veneers? You’ll want to drop by your dentist office and ask for their resident dental technologies. Even the most frustrating issues, such as crooked teeth or a missing tooth, can be addressed and reversed in good time. The success rate of dental implants has been reported in recent scientific journals as 98%, with Americans spending around $1.4 billion on tooth whitening products and procedures annually. A beautiful smile isn’t an impossibility — with a little touch-up, you can have the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of.
