If you have stained or broken teeth, gaps in your smile, or an alignment in your smile you are not comfortable with, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry. This is a type of dentistry that enhances how your teeth and smile look. However, it is also something that is tied into many aspects of your oral health, so there are reasons to consider it beyond just aesthetics. Here is what you need to know.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad category that encompasses a wide variety of procedures. It includes things like teeth whitening and dental veneers, as well as crowns, implants, and other ways to restore your natural appearance.

Though cosmetic procedures include those intended to restore your smile to what it once was, such as fixing damage, chips, and cracks, they can also involve procedures that improve your oral health. Fillings, for instance, may be considered cosmetic dentistry. Crowns and implants that restore broken or missing teeth are also cosmetic procedures that alter not only how you look, but how you speak and chew.

Reasons to See a Cosmetic Dentist

Despite preconceptions to the contrary, there are many reasons to seek cosmetic dentistry beyond just your appearance. Reasons might include filling in missing teeth or repairing crooked teeth. These are conditions that can impact how you speak and how comfortable it is to chew, making them quality-of-life issues as much as they are cosmetic issues.

Fixing cracked or missing teeth or teeth that have lost their natural white color can also result in improved self-esteem. Low self-esteem has a measurable impact on your quality of life, making it an important but often overlooked aspect of your overall health.

If you're thinking about cosmetic dentistry, reach out to Aesthetic Dentistry of Charlottesville of in central Virginia. This family-friendly dentist’s office provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages. In addition to preventative and restorative care, they also offer a full range of cosmetic procedures to help you have the smile you've always wanted. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (434) 984-3455 to schedule an appointment.