Have you stopped smiling? Are you putting off the dentist because it’s “just not that important?” While you may be ignoring a crooked smile out of shame or nonchalance, restoring oral health is as important for you physically as it is psychologically.
So what are the benefits of getting a better smile?
If you’re sick of hiding your teeth or worried about the impact a less-than-stellar smile has on your physical wellbeing, it’s time for a mouth makeover. We’re breaking down how a new smile can transform your life and all the options at your (dentist’s) fingertips. It’s time to stop brushing off – no pun intended – your broken smile, and time to start living, unafraid to say cheese.
Learn to Love Food Again
Missing teeth? Gaps in your mouth can impact your ability to chew food properly and take away important lip and facial support. Having a full set of teeth helps you actually enjoy your food and the textures and flavors that come along with a great meal. Not to mention, struggling to chew can lead to digestive issues. When you’re constantly swallowing food that isn’t properly broken down, your body stops producing the enzyme that helps break it down.
And while you may shrug off missing molars, just because they’re out of sight, doesn’t mean they should stay out of mind. All teeth are important, but molars are especially essential as they do the bulk of the work when it comes to chewing. And because the front of your smile is more delicate, when you put that excess pressure on your front teeth they’ll quickly deteriorate.
Stay Well
Chipped teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue. When a tooth’s inner structure is exposed, it’s more vulnerable to cavities, infection, and temperature sensitivity. You may even lose the tooth entirely. But it’s not just your oral health that’s at stake when your teeth and gums are suddenly vulnerable. Gum disease or any oral infection can exacerbate or contribute to serious health conditions like endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia.
Your Mental Health
There’s shame in hiding your smile. Maybe you’re worried people will judge your uneven or missing teeth. Or maybe you’ve just never felt confident. While the health benefits of restoring your smile are lengthy, sometimes the psychological impact of hiding your mouth can weigh heavier and feel more serious than a potential heart attack. Not to mention, studies show that smiling more actually leads to increased happiness. So stop letting missing, chipped, or decaying teeth stop you from living the life you’ve always wanted and becoming a happier you.
So, what are my options?
Implants
Dental implants are great for missing teeth. Titanium rods are inserted and fused with the jawbone before implants are inserted and your teeth are restored. Implants are ideal for missing molars and back teeth as you won’t be able to see the metallic rods. While effective and long-lasting, the procedure can take up to ten months to complete and are notably more expensive than veneers.
Veneers
Veneers are fantastic options for missing front teeth as there’s no clear indication that they’re fake. In other words, the finished look tends to be more cosmetic and the process is much simpler than implants, typically taking about three dental visits to complete. The average veneer is certainly cheaper than an implant procedure, but veneers only last about 10 to 15 years and are prone to the same damage your teeth are – stains, chips, and breakage.
Braces
Aside from straightening a teenager’s smile, dental braces can help fix crooked teeth and overcrowding issues in your mouth (think, you have difficulty flossing), overbite, underbite, and gaps in your smile. Generally speaking, it’s better for your own teeth to be straight and solid versus false implants or veneers, but braces can feel like a terrible option for some adults as they’re quite obvious and may take between 2 to 3 years to heal your smile. However, if time isn’t a factor, braces are a great option because they realign your entire smile rather than simply filling in the gaps of one or two missing teeth. Just keep in mind that braces do have the steepest price tag.
Overall
Stop letting your smile falter. It’s time to take back control of your dental hygiene and your mental wellbeing. From implants to braces or veneers, no matter the option you choose, one thing is for certain: restoring your smile can restore your life and Walled Lake Dentistry can help make that happen! Dr. Hechtman has 40+ years’ experience in general and restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry and more. Our Walled Lake Michigan Dental Office meets the dental health needs of the entire family.
More questions on dental reconstruction? Contact us for a Free Consultation! Happy smiling.