Two Dental Therapies That Fall Under Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry tends to be a contentious issue for some individuals that need oral treatments since a majority of insurance companies do not include these treatments in their policies. However, cosmetic dentistry is not merely about enhancing the appearance of one's teeth. While some procedures may only have an aesthetic impact on your teeth — such as teeth whitening — there is a host of other treatments that are crucial for your overall oral health but are still considered cosmetic dentistry.

It is important for you to know the difference so that you do not suffer unfortunate consequences with your insurance company once you have had the procedure completed. The following piece touches on two dental therapies that fall under cosmetic dentistry.

Implants

If you have one or multiple missing teeth, it is important for you to have them replaced as soon as possible or else you stand the chance of suffering dire consequences. One of the issues that can crop up when you do not replace missing teeth is a change in your overall dental structure as the remaining teeth shift to fill the empty space. As a result, you may need dental treatments to tackle misaligned teeth. Secondly, you also stand the chance of developing bone loss in your jaw since there is no root stimulating the jawbone.

While there is a myriad of replacement options available, dental implants tend to be the best solution since the process involves implanting a prosthetic tooth into the empty socket. Nonetheless, dental implants are considered a cosmetic procedure since it has a direct influence on the appearance of your mouth. Despite the fact that it is one of the most functional options when a patient needs tooth replacement, it is worth noting, though, that dental implants also happen to be the most expensive tooth replacement option.

Mouth reconstruction

Another dental procedure that falls under cosmetic dentistry is mouth reconstruction. As implied by the name, this extensive procedure functions to restore and enhance the appearance of your mouth. However, mouth reconstruction is not only about visual appeal since the treatment is also essential if you need the function of your teeth restored too!

A mouth reconstruction is typically needed after an individual is involved in a serious accident that causes direct trauma to their mouth. Depending on the extent of the injuries, you may need to have your jaw, gums and teeth reconstructed to a semblance of their original state. Although this will automatically improve the appearance of your mouth, it is a fundamental procedure for people who have lost functionality in their mouth.