Annual dental visits usually include a thorough dental and oral exam and teeth cleaning. However, some patients require additional cosmetic dentistry services to improve the appearance of teeth and gums. The term "cosmetic" leaves some people to believe that these services aren't necessary or beneficial. However, there are several ways you could benefit from cosmetic dentistry, including those below. 

3 Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

1. Enhance Your Smile

One of the primary reasons to seek cosmetic dental services is to enhance your smile. Your smile plays a significant role in your appearance, which affects your confidence and self-esteem. Cosmetic dentists use a wide range of services to improve the way teeth and gums look. For instance, the dentist can brighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit. They can also permanently replace teeth with dental implants and crowns. When visiting a cosmetic dentist, they will listen to your concerns about your smile and examine your mouth. The dentist could provide treatments to transform your smile based on your dental concerns and examination results. 

2. Reduce Oral Pain or Discomfort

If you have crooked or crowded teeth, you could get cosmetic dental treatments to make your teeth straighter and more uniform in appearance. However, leaving your misaligned teeth alone could lead to toothaches or jaw muscle tension due to the teeth pushing against each other. Getting braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or other treatments to straighten your teeth usually results in less oral or facial pain. 

3. Improve Your Oral Health

Cosmetic dentistry isn't only about having a dazzling smile. The treatments will also improve your oral health. Straight, uniformly shaped teeth with minimal stains are easier to brush, floss, and keep clean. Since your teeth won't be misaligned, you'll have fewer awkward pockets or spaces where bacteria and food particles could hide and create plaque that could turn to hard tartar. Healthier, straighter teeth reduce the risk of common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. 

Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? If so, reach out to Patrick T. Hunter, DDS, in Dayton, OH. This skilled dentist and his compassionate staff specialize in general and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Hunter has over 14 years of dental experience and offers many services to patients in the north Dayton and Englewood areas, including dental implants, laser therapy, crowns, and ceramic fillings. If you'd like to request an appointment, call (937) 890-8957 or visit them online.