Nowadays, everyone looks for effective ways to enhance their smiles and look more attractive. Thanks to the considerable advancements in dentistry, there are many methods to fix your dental issues and achieve the dreamy smile you have always wished for. Two popular options to upgrade your smile are orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, which provide many different dental treatments. Our professionals at Dentist @ False Creek can help you understand which suits you and can give you a dreamy, gorgeous smile. Both orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry have the same ultimate goal, which is to enhance your smile and give you more reasons to be happy! However, there are significantly different from each other, which is why you must discover your needs. Orthodontists are mainly educated and trained to fix misaligned and crooked teeth. On the other hand, cosmetic dentists are focused on the beauty of your teeth and their function in your mouth. Here we list the benefits of both orthodontic treatments and cosmetic dentistry to make it easy for you to decide.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of the teeth and gums without addressing underlying dental issues. It can improve the shape, color, size, and alignment of teeth, creating a more confident and aesthetically pleasing smile. Cosmetic dentistry procedures are typically performed on adults who have already completed their orthodontic treatment.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of teeth to cover imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or discoloration.
Bleaching: Tooth whitening treatments that use professional bleaching agents or home kits to brighten the color of teeth.
Crowns: Porcelain or metal caps that are cemented over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, function, and appearance.
Bonding: A procedure that uses composite resin to fill in gaps, cracks, or chipped teeth.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cover unsightly teeth:Sometimes, the best decision is to hide the damaged tooth to complete your smile! If your teeth are cracked, chipped or crooked, you can hide these impactions with the help of cosmetic veneers or other restorative options. However, veneers aren’t a good option if your problem is serious.
- Change your tooth color:It’s normal to feel shy when you smile if your teeth are discolored and stained. Cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening treatment can help make your smile white and shiny again!
- Increase your confidence level:When it comes to visual dental issues, even the slightest flaw can seem huge and challenging. As a result, you feel ashamed of yourself and lose your self-confidence. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists provide a variety of services, including tooth-colored fillings, veneers, tooth bridges, crowns, etc.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusion, which is any abnormal alignment or relationship between the upper and lower teeth. It aims to achieve a properly aligned bite and a harmonious smile. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended for children and adolescents, as their teeth and jaws are still developing, making orthodontic correction more effective. However, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment to improve their bite and smile aesthetics.
Common orthodontic procedures include:
Fixed braces: These consist of brackets and wires bonded to the teeth to apply gentle pressure and guide them into proper alignment.
Invisalign: These clear, removable aligners are custom-made for each patient and gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Lingual braces: These are placed on the back of the teeth, making them less visible.
Benefits of Orthodontic Dentistry
- Solve breathing issues:Although it’s far from the mind, orthodontic treatments can correct breathing issues. The leading cause of snoring or swallowing problems can be your problematic jaw or teeth, so it’s recommended to visit an orthodontist.
- Make your life easier:Having crooked and misaligned teeth can affect how you chew or talk. Therefore, orthodontic treatment can help to bring the jaw back into alignment so you can speak, chew and bite smoothly without experiencing any difficulties.
- Protect your face shape:If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, you should wait for their negative effects on your face shape and jawbone. Orthodontic treatments can straighten your teeth and improve the structure of your jawbone. Ignoring your crooked teeth can force you to experience severe dental emergencies and other serious problems in the future.
- Boost your confidence:Just like cosmetic dentistry, the ultimate goal of orthodontic treatments is to make you smile again happily.
Whether you choose tooth implants (one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures) or orthodontic treatment, they can help you restore your beautiful smile, provided you decide based on your needs.
Choosing Between Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry
The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you are primarily concerned with improving your bite and facial appearance, orthodontics may be a good option for you. If you are primarily concerned with improving the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be a better choice.
It is important to consult with an orthodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss your options and determine which treatment is right for you. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired results.
Conclusion
Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry are both important branches of dentistry that can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Orthodontics is focused on straightening and aligning teeth to improve bite function and aesthetics, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of the teeth without necessarily correcting any underlying structural issues.
The best type of treatment for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth or your bite, then orthodontic treatment may be the best option for you. If you are primarily concerned with the appearance of your teeth, then cosmetic dentistry may be a better choice.
It is important to consult with an experienced dentist to discuss your options and determine what type of treatment is right for you.