The Benefits of an Improved Smile
Patients who deliberately work to improve their smile are more likely to smile freely, which can have many benefits. Researchers have shown that the physical act of smiling can make you feel happier through a hypothesis known as facial feedback. According to the facial feedback hypothesis, when the facial muscles form into a smile, it can trigger feelings of actual happiness in the brain.
Beyond the positive inward impact of a smile, smiling can also positively affect others. Research published in the journal Brain Science has also demonstrated that people who smile more often have happier relationships and are rated more favorably by others. The same researchers have also posited that people who smile more live longer.
“According to the facial feedback hypothesis, when the facial muscles form into a smile, it can trigger feelings of actual happiness in the brain.”
Addressing Concerns
Everyone has a unique smile, so patients need to find a dentist who understands their wants and needs. Seeking professional help to improve a smile is a big decision that should involve thorough research and consideration. Communication throughout the treatment process is an important part of ensuring that the patient is comfortable throughout the process and satisfied with their results.
Patients should seek treatment from a dentist who values their input and is open to discussing any questions or concerns. It is important for patients to receive the necessary information and professional input before going into the treatment process. Listening to such concerns allows Vatan Dental Group to create a customized treatment plan to improve each patient's smile.
“Everyone has a unique smile, so it is essential for patients to find a dentist who understands their wants and needs.”
How to Maintain a Healthy Smile
Whether or not a patient decides to pursue a restorative dental treatment to improve their smile, there are many habits that they can adopt immediately to optimize and maintain their current smile.
The American Dental Association notes that the most important thing to maintain adequate teeth and gum health and the quality of a smile is to brush twice daily and floss once daily.
Other ways to improve the quality of a smile include:
- Abstaining from smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Reducing your exposure to substances that stain teeth, like coffee or red wine
- Avoiding tooth decay by drinking water, especially after eating sugary foods
- Protecting your teeth with mouth guards during contact sports
To learn more about optimizing the health of your smile, ask Vatan Dental Group for personalized tips at the next routine visit.
“Other ways to improve the quality of your smile include: Abstaining from smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.”
How Restorative Dentistry Can Improve Smiles
A restorative dental process takes into account the teeth's function as well as their appearance. People who may benefit from restorative dentistry include those with missing teeth, teeth that have decayed, broken or chipped teeth.
A restorative dentist can help improve the function of teeth and the appearance of a smile simultaneously. Some common types of procedures utilized by a restorative dentist include:
- Fillings: A filling can repair a defect in a tooth that has been caused by decay or trauma. Restorative dentists can use filling materials that closely match the color of natural teeth for an ideal appearance.
- Crowns: A crown is a cap that fits snugly over a tooth to correct its shape and size. Restorative dentists can use crowns to correct the appearance and function of a damaged tooth.
- Implants: A dental implant is a metal piece that is inserted into the bone socket and can help correct defects from missing teeth. A crown can be fitted onto an implant.
- Bridges: A dental bridge is a partial denture permanently anchored in the mouth and can help restore gaps left behind by missing teeth.
- Veneers: A dental veneer is a thin shell placed at the tooth's surface to correct a tooth's color, size, or shape.
Patients who have a dental restoration performed should ask Vatan Dental Group about how to manage their restoration afterward. Depending on the type of work performed, they may be advised to avoid foods that are of certain textures or temperatures for a specific period.
“A restorative dentist can help improve the function of the teeth and the appearance of a smile simultaneously.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What cosmetic treatments can patients receive?
Q. What are the benefits of an improved smile?
Q. What can I do to improve my smile?
Q. What types of restorative dental procedures are available?
People Also Ask
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Q. Are at-home teeth whitening treatments effective?
Q. What are the common cosmetic dental services?
Q. Why should I choose to go to a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic treatments can help patients improve the appearance of stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth. The most common cosmetic dental treatment is teeth whitening. This procedure can brighten and whiten teeth quickly and effectively. Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that consists of placing thin shells over teeth to fix crookedness, chips, or discoloration.
Other popular cosmetic treatments include dental bonding and enamel shaping. Dental bonding involves adhering tooth-colored composite material to the surface of badly stained, broken, or chipped teeth. During enamel shaping, the tooth is reshaped by filing or removing the enamel. Patients interested in receiving cosmetic treatment should talk to our dentist to find the right one for their needs.
“Cosmetic treatments can help patients improve the appearance of stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why would a person have a cosmetic bonding procedure?
A.According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most common reason that dentists use bonding is to repair a patient's chipped tooth. When bonding a tooth, dentists use specific materials that closely match the natural color of the surrounding teeth. This may make a big difference in the appearance of the formerly chipped tooth and the overall smile.
Q.Does insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
A.Because cosmetic dentistry services are elective (meaning that they are not determined to be a medical necessity), they are not always covered by insurance. The cost of a cosmetic dentistry procedure ranges depending on the number of teeth involved and the technique. Make sure to discuss your desires with your dentist to see what type of investment may be right for you.
Q.Will it be obvious that I have had work done to improve my smile?
A.The extent to which you want to enhance your smile is entirely up to you. If you elect to have dental extractions and implants, or veneers, they may dramatically improve your smile in a way that may be apparent to people who knew you previously. There are many options available that are subtler. Whatever you choose, your dentist may be able to help you visualize the outcome beforehand, whether through imaging models or direct placement on your teeth.
Q.How long do veneers last?
A.According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a porcelain veneer can have a life that ranges between seven and twenty years. Veneers will last longer if they receive proper oral care, including careful attention not to bite down hard on non-food items.
Q.What is the best order of treatment to improve my smile?
A.The most important treatments should be done before any cosmetics. We advise starting with restorative treatments that help restore oral function, such as any fillings and replacement procedures. Next, we like to focus on orthodontics to help straighten the teeth and correct any jaw displacement. Lastly, cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or veneers, can be done.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
- Bleachorexia
- Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.
- Carbamide Peroxide
- Carbamide peroxide is a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide and can help to whiten teeth.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person's teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Deeper Teeth Stains
- Deeper teeth stains are stains that require professional oral health services and can result from certain foods, beverages or improper oral hygiene.
- Dentin Hypersensitivity
- Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound in teeth whitening solutions that patients use to whiten the shade of their teeth.
- Relief ACP
- Relief ACP stands for amorphous calcium phosphate, which helps to relieve the pain in sensitive teeth in a gel form.
- Stained Dentin
- Stained dentin can result from certain foods and beverages with a lack of proper brushing. Dental professionals can provide whitening treatments to brighten the teeth.
- Surface Enamel
- The surface enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the dentin and pulp of the teeth. The enamel is the surface that people see when one smiles.
- Surface Teeth Stains
- While surface teeth stains can be inevitable with age, certain foods and beverages will only promote discoloration and faded teeth.
- Teeth Whitening Concentrate
- Teeth whitening concentrate is the bleaching agent that whitens the shade of teeth, which is more effective from a professional and not a general store product.
Call Us Today
Improving your smile can help you look as good as you feel. We at Vatan Dental Group can help. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Request AppointmentHelpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD's Oral Care Guide. 2025
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