Cosmetic dentistry focuses on making positive changes to the teeth and oral tissues. Unfortunately, patients sometimes see cosmetic dental procedures as unnatural, artificial, or unnecessary. An overwhelming amount of research suggests otherwise, indicating that cosmetic procedures can actually spur far-reaching improvements in holistic health. It’s easy to see how cosmetic enhancements like bonds, dental implants, and orthodontics improve the structure, alignment, and physical health of the mouth. But studies also show cosmetic procedures help patients to live healthier and happier lives by providing less obvious improvements to mental and emotional well being.
Improving Holistic Health with Cosmetic Dentistry
It may come as a surprise to some patients, but cosmetic dental procedures can actually help patients realize broad improvements in holistic health. Specifically, patients who elect to have certain cosmetic procedures can significantly improve physical, mental, and emotional well being.
Improving Physical Health. For patients who suffer with TMJ pain, bite alignment issues, and other craniofacial conditions, cosmetic dentistry can help to reshape affected areas in a way that is optimal for physical health. Examples include:
- Stronger teeth: Bio-compatible bonds, bridges, crowns, and implants can be used to restore chipped, cracked, damaged, or missing teeth. Holistic dentists specialize in providing these treatments in a way that is minimally invasive, non-toxic, and preserves as much natural tooth enamel as possible. Following treatment, patients experience a stronger, fuller, and more properly aligned smile that stays healthier, longer.
- Healthier gums: By strengthening teeth and reducing the incidence of decay, the bio-compatible restorative procedures described above also promote gum health. Numerous studies suggest that healthy gums are essential to physical health, most compelling of which is a 2009 study published by the American Academy of Periodontology. In it, researchers note that healthy gums can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States.
- Realignment of the jaw and/or TMJ, reducing joint pain and preventing teeth from becoming misaligned over time.
- Natural realignment of the airway and oral soft tissues, making it easier for the body to breath at night. Such procedures have been shown reduce snoring, curb sleep apnea, and improve overall quality of sleep.
Boosting Self Esteem. Cosmetic dental procedures can also improve the perception of self-image, which ultimately builds confidence and self esteem. According to research published by UCSF MacArthur Foundation, self esteem is a vital component of physical health, acting as the foundation on which hormonal wellness and immunity are built.
Smiling More, Suffering Less. Renewed self esteem makes it easier to smile with confidence, and frequent smiles have the power to improve quality of life. According to a 2010 study published by Psychology Science, individuals who smile frequently most often experienced greater longevity and quality of life (i).
Choosing Healthy Cosmetic Procedures
There’s no doubt that cosmetic smile enhancement can significantly improve mental, physical, and emotional wellness. However, not all cosmetic procedures are created equally. Only holistic dental practices offer cosmetic procedures that improve the appearance of your smile, without causing serious harm to your body. In general, patients must remain aware of the following:
Most dentists still use toxic dental amalgam. Dental amalgam contains up to 50% mercury, a known neurotoxin. And while dental amalgam is not necessarily used during cosmetic procedures, patients who choose a practice that is not mercury-free are wise to avoid follow-up restorative procedures that use the material.
Holistic dentists use bio-compatible materials. Holistic dental practices are committed to the total body wellness of patients and offer only bio-compatible materials that are less toxic than traditional materials. From safe teeth whitening procedures to titanium dental implants, each material is evaluated to ensure sensitivities and other troublesome reactions do not occur.
Going fluoride-free. Holistic practices are also known to provide fluoride-free treatment for patients. This consists of procedures and treatments that use filtered water from which fluoride has been removed. Fluoride is known to cause permanent staining or discoloration of tooth enamel (referred to as fluorosis) along with other serious health issues, leading patients to seek fluoride-free cosmetic procedures from holistic professionals.
Assure A Smile: Harmonizing Holistic and Cosmetic Dentistry
Assure A Smile is pleased to offer cosmetic dental procedures that enhance your smile, without causing harm to total body wellness. For more than 25 years, South Florida families have trusted our holistic dental team to provide leading bio-compatible and fluoride-free cosmetic procedures that create beautiful, genuine, and healthy smiles.
For more information on cosmetic dentistry services, contact us online or call our friendly front desk at 305-274-0047.
Sources:
(i) Abel EL, Kruger ML. “Smile Intensity in Photographs Predicts Longevity.” Psychol. Sci. 2010 Apr; 21(4):542-4. Epub 26 February 2010.
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