facebookpixel ...

Cosmetic Dentistry and Oral Health: It’s More Than Just Aesthetics with Dr. Kelley Mingus

When most people think of dental cosmetic procedures, they immediately think of teeth whitening or fixing a chipped or crooked tooth. While these are certainly part of cosmetic dentistry, it’s so much more than that. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a highly qualified dentist in Malibu, CA, supports the idea that the main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make sure patients have healthy mouths in order to prevent serious oral health problems later on. Here’s why cosmetic procedures can be a valuable part of your oral health care.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is different from traditional dentistry in that the overall look, rather than primarily the health of the mouth, is the focus. This means correcting the shape, color, size and alignment of your teeth as well as inserting fillings or doing a bridge or crown in order to keep your smile looking its best. That said, cosmetic procedures are still aimed at promoting oral health, as dental problems can create problems in other areas of the body over time.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Before you decide that cosmetic dentistry is just a luxury, and not really an important part of oral health care, lets talk about some of the many benefits of these procedures.

Better appearance:

The most obvious benefit of cosmetic procedures is a beautiful smile, but it can also improve the overall look of your face as well. When a person is not happy with the look of their teeth, it often makes them feel less confident and more self-conscious. Having a brighter, whiter smile can make a big difference in your mental health and give you a big confidence boost.

Improved dental health:

When the look of your teeth is improved, it makes it easier to practice better oral hygiene. An attractive smile is often more motivation to brush and floss regularly and maintain your dental health. It also means that you’re more likely to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups which can prevent the onset of serious dental problems.

Better career and relationship opportunities:

Studies have shown that people with nice smiles are considered more attractive, more successful and are more likely to have quality relationships. Whether people realize it or not, an attractive smile can have a significant impact on the choices that they make in their lives.

What Are Some Common Cosmetic Procedures?

When people think about cosmetic dentistry, they often think about teeth whitening, but there are many other common procedures that help correct dental problems.

Inlays and onlays:

For large fillings that are not quite large enough to justify a crown, inlays and onlays are a good choice. These are made of gold, porcelain or a composite material and can be custom fit to cover a large portion of a tooth

Dental veneers:

These are thin, customized shells of porcelain or resin that cover the front of a tooth in order to improve the appearance of the tooth in terms of shape, color and size. They are usually used to correct chips, cracks or noticeable discoloration.

Dental bonding:

This simple procedure that takes less than an hour and can be done without anesthesia. A tooth-colored material is applied and then sculpted to fix chips, gaps or cracks and to improve the look of the teeth.

These are just a few examples of common cosmetic procedures, but Dr. Kelley Mingus can help you decide which one is best for you.

Final Thoughts

The fact is that the look of your teeth can have a huge impact on your life, and most people want a smile that they can be proud of. Cosmetic dentistry can give you just that while still promoting and maintaining good oral health. We here at Dr. Kelley Mingus’s office are here to help. So, come see us and learn how we can design a treatment plan to give you the smile you’ve always wanted!