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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

Cosmetic Dentistry That is Also Important for Oral Health

Mar 17th, 2025

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, many people assume that these procedures are solely for improving the appearance of their smiles. However, some cosmetic dental treatments serve a dual purpose by not only enhancing aesthetics but also significantly improving oral function and health. This wholistic approach to dentistry is the one we take at our dental office in Newburyport. Below, we explore key cosmetic dental procedures that provide both visual and functional benefits.

The Importance of Dental Crowns Beyond Cosmetics

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. They are often used to cover teeth that have been weakened by extensive decay, fractures, or large fillings. Without a crown, these compromised teeth may become more susceptible to further damage or even require extraction.

Beyond dental aesthetics, crowns play a crucial role in maintaining proper bite alignment and distributing chewing forces evenly. By protecting the underlying tooth structure, they help prevent sensitivity and further deterioration. Modern crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain or zirconia, ensuring both longevity and a natural appearance.

How Dental Implants Improve Aesthetics and Oral Function

Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their durability and functionality. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants provide a permanent solution that mimics natural teeth. The process involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone over time, creating a stable foundation for a dental crown. This can restore a smile or even enhance it.

Functionally, dental implants prevent jawbone loss by stimulating the bone, much like natural tooth roots do. This helps maintain facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth. Additionally, implants restore full chewing capability, allowing patients to eat a balanced diet without restrictions. Since they integrate seamlessly with surrounding teeth, they also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which helps maintain proper bite alignment.

Why Orthodontics (Including Clear Aligners) Are Important to Oral Health

Orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign offered in our Newburyport dentist office, do much more than straighten teeth for a more appealing smile. They address critical functional issues such as misalignment, overcrowding, and bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite). These issues can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulties in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

By properly aligning the teeth, orthodontic treatment helps distribute biting forces evenly, reducing the risk of tooth fractures and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Straight teeth are also significantly easier to clean, lowering the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Orthodontics is an investment in both a beautiful and a healthy, functional smile.

Dental Bonding Beyond Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to repair minor chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. While bonding is often used to enhance the cosmetic appearance of a tooth, it also plays an essential functional role by reinforcing the tooth’s structure and preventing further damage.

For patients with small fractures or worn-down enamel, bonding helps restore the tooth’s shape and prevents sensitivity. It also strengthens weakened areas, reducing the likelihood of future breakage which may require a crown or extraction. Additionally, bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves more of the natural tooth structure compared to other restorative options, making it an excellent choice for maintaining oral health while improving aesthetics.

The Importance of Functionally Beneficial Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dental procedures are not just about achieving a perfect smile—they can significantly impact oral health and function. Treatments such as dental crowns, implants, orthodontics, and bonding work to improve bite alignment, strengthen teeth, and prevent future complications. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, consulting with our Newburyport cosmetic dentist can help determine how it may contribute to both your smile’s appearance and your overall oral well-being.

By investing in cosmetic dentistry with functional benefits, you not only enhance your confidence but also ensure a healthier, more resilient smile for years to come.

Warranty

Our 5 Year Warranty

Anyone can train to be a technician, but few have the talent to become an artist. That’s why Dr. Mathew is able to guarantee his cosmetic dentistry work for a full 5 years. If anything goes wrong with the work, Dr. Mathew will fix it free of charge, as long as you continue with your regular 6 month preventative care cleaning and check up for the duration of the warranty.

Treatment Room

Individualized
Treatment Rooms

Our individualized treatment rooms and operatories provide patients with maximum privacy and comfort. The treatment rooms were built specifically with your comfort in mind.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.