Livingston Dentists Present: Three Surprising Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Jan. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- The average American learns about cosmetic dentistry from a limited number of sources. Many become familiar with treatments like veneers or teeth whitening through makeover reality shows and entertainment websites. Most of these media outlets focus solely on how cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of a person’s smile without ever mentioning that some procedures have additional benefits. In fact, because most dental procedures aim to improve the appearance – along with the health and function – of a compromised smile, dentists often say that all dentistry is cosmetic. To help consumers delve below the surface of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, a father-and-son dental care team with a practice in Livingston, NJ, discuss three benefits of cosmetic dentistry that may surprise you.

1. Cosmetic Dentistry Can Make Your Teeth Easier to Clean
In a dental arch with ideal spacing and alignment, the teeth are easy to clean with regular brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, most people have issues with crowding, gaps, and overlapping teeth that create hard-to-reach spaces where dental plaque can build up and lead to significant oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay. A number of cosmetic dental procedures are designed to correct spacing and crowding issues so patients are left with a beautiful, healthier smile. For instance, Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic solution that helps adults straighten and realign their teeth. Dental contouring, which involves the reshaping of overlapping enamel, opens up the tight spaces between overlapping teeth. Both of these procedures allow for more thorough cleaning and, in turn, improved oral health.  

2. Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve the Function of Your Teeth
When dentists talk about bite – usually in reference to a “bad bite” – they’re referring to the way the top and bottom dental arches come together. When a patient has a bad bite, they also run the risk of developing problems such as worn down enamel (which can lead to tooth sensitivity), an inability to chew properly, and a range of disruptive, often painful TMJ disorders. Adult braces like Invisalign can straighten the teeth and correct bite issues. Beautiful porcelain or zirconia crowns, onlays, and inlays can restore the proper height to worn down teeth. Even composite resin, that same versatile material a dentist can use to fill in a cavity and mask severe enamel stains, can be used to correct bite problems and improve the function of the teeth.    

3. Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Overall Well-Being
When a person feels bad about the appearance of their smile, they tend to smile less. If you take that same person and improve their smile – remove some unsightly stains here, correct a protruding tooth there – they will begin to smile more frequently. While the positive effects of cosmetic dentistry on self-esteem have been well documented, all that smiling can also have a significantly positive effect on someone’s overall well-being. The key can be found in a recent study conducted by the University of Kansas which revealed that smiling can help reduce stress levels and help a person cope with stressful situations better. Lower stress levels are associated with proper immune system function, better blood pressure regulation, and better management of blood sugar and inflammation, all factors that affect systemic health. So, it stands to reason, that if a visit to the cosmetic dentist can improve a person’s smile and self-esteem, it can also lead to improved general health and wellness.      

About the Silverstrom Group
The Silverstrom Group provides innovative technology and a full range of procedures to help patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom believe their patients’ needs should come first. They provide preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to the Livingston, NJ, area. To schedule an appointment, call 973-797-9345

About Dr. David Silverstrom
Dr. David Silverstrom has practiced dentistry for over 20 years. He trained at the New York University College of Dentistry and has been named the “Best Dentist in New Jersey” by New Jersey Monthly.  

About Dr. Gary Silverstrom
Dr. Gary Silverstrom is the son of Dr. David Silverstrom and, like his father, his first concern is the comfort and welfare of his patients. He earned his doctor of dental surgery degree from the New York College of Dentistry.