When people think of cosmetic dentistry, their first thought tends to jump to the most common forms out there. These may include teeth whitening, direct bonding and porcelain veneers. But did you know that these cosmetic procedures offered more than simply a whiter and more attractive smile?
According to a cosmetic dentist in Norman, teeth whitening treatments or other cosmetic enhancement have added health benefits worth considering. To learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve your oral health, keep reading!
Teeth Whitening and Your Mouth’s pH Balance
Oral bacteria responds to the mouth in different ways when its pH balance is low, or acidic. Once it reaches around the 5.5 and 6.5 mark, it’s heading into the acidic territory of the pH scale. That means your mouth becomes a more accessible breeding ground for bacteria, leading to more frequent occurrences of decay and plaque buildup.
People often assume that teeth whitening only affects the teeth. However, many don’t realize that teeth whitening utilizes peroxide-based solution to remove stains from the inner layers of enamel. Peroxide-based agents also give off a byproduct known as urea. Urea, also known as carbamide, works to raise your mouth’s pH balance, therefore working against plaque and bacteria. The higher your mouth’s pH balance, the less likely you’ll experience decay.
Furthermore, you can also benefit from over-the-counter products containing peroxide-based solutions for additional protection and pH balance management.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: Protecting Your Teeth
If you’ve ever had a filling placed before, especially if it was a silver amalgam filling, you’re probably aware of the grey sheen they give off, even when placed in teeth less visible in your smile. While these are meant to protect your teeth from bacteria, they can be quite unsightly.
Not only do tooth-colored fillings allow you to protect your damaged teeth more effectively than amalgam variations, but the dentist can blend and shade the material to perfectly match your existing teeth. Since composite resin fills the tooth and is then hardened, it creates a more effective seal and helps the dentist save more of the tooth’s overall structure.
Silver fillings typically require the dentist to buff down enamel to make room, so this is an ideal solution for both health and cosmetic reasons.
Direct Bonding and Porcelain Veneers: For Your Bite and Oral Hygiene
Having an uneven bite is never ideal when it comes to oral health. Not only does this cause additional stress on your jaw joints, but it also results in teeth rubbing up against each other. This results in permanent enamel erosion and eventually a cracked tooth.
When your tooth is chipped or crooked, both direct bonding and porcelain veneers can make your smile more even. Additionally, straight and even teeth are easier to clean, therefore lowering your risk of dental disease even further.
Are you ready to boost your smile and gain some oral health benefits on the way? Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Norman to get started!
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen earned his DDS degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Thanks to his additional training at the LSU Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum, he’s able to provide some of the most advanced cosmetic dental techniques available today. To learn more about his practice or expertise, you can contact him through his website.