What Are the Terrific Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Heather E Martinson, DDS • November 18, 2023

There are many reasons why you need to consider cosmetic dentistry in Arlington, TX. Keep reading to learn more about how this can improve your smile.

If you're embarrassed by your smile, you're far from alone. About 57% of Americans are so insecure about their teeth that they cover their mouths when laughing. Half of us will also usually try to smile with our mouths closed.

Cosmetic dentistry in Arlington, TX, can help you feel unrestrained in your joy ASAP. Read on for some terrific benefits of cosmetic dentistry that you should know about before getting treatment.

Restoring Your Beautiful Smile

Over time, your teeth will naturally begin to shift and stain. This is a normal part of life, but you don't need to worry about losing confidence in your smile. Many cosmetic procedures can enhance your smile's aesthetic, including teeth whitening and fluoride treatments.

There are also cosmetic procedures meant to fix gaps, chips, and other structural issues that you want to patch up. Bridges and crowns can resolve these issues to create a balanced and even smile.

You won't just look better - you'll also feel better. Recent advancements and techniques have made it possible for dentists to achieve natural looks after cosmetic dentistry procedures. Crowns and fillings match the pearly white of your teeth, and whitening treatments don't look like chemical enhancements.

You'll feel confident in your shimmering smile. This means no more hiding behind your hands and more liberation to express your joy whenever you like.

Eliminates Staining

Veneers and professional in-office whitening procedures are staples of cosmetic dentistry. This is because surface stains frequently happen over time as you use your teeth. No matter how well you brush, certain foods and beverages like coffee and tea will cause slight discoloration.

Cosmetic dental treatments can bring your teeth back to its original pearly-white hue. Veneers are especially great options because they will hide deep, fundamental stains that cleaning and whitening can't get rid of.

Adding veneers to your mouth can improve your smile within a single dentist visit. It's non-invasive, simple, and painless.

Bite Correction

Overbites, underbites, and gapped teeth are some core issues for those who need cosmetic dentistry treatments. This doesn't just make you look great but also stops your mouth from shifting more in the future.

A poor bite can lead to problems like headaches and jaw soreness. It also can cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth.

If you want to stave off these issues, seeking cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve your quality of life.

Better Dental Health

While the word "cosmetic" implies that a procedure is meant to make you look better, it also has health benefits. Many cosmetic issues like gaps between teeth and chipping can cause greater dental issues if left unchecked.

Uneven spacing can cause an odd bite that leads to TMJ and loose teeth. Chips and broken-down enamel can lead to temperature sensitivity and discomfort that eventually require costlier treatments.

When you invest in cosmetic dentistry in Arlington, TX, you're investing in restoring your smile before things get worse. This will save you both money and discomfort down the line since you're less likely to need full mouth reconstruction or partial reconstruction measures.

Greater Overall Health

There are many surprising connections between our oral health and other facets of our physical well-being. Some studies suggest that the bacterial infections that cause cavities and gum disease also play a role in other health issues.

Cardiovascular disease and endocarditis are heart issues caused by the same bacteria found in an unhealthy mouth. When this bacteria gets through the bloodstream, it may spread to certain areas of your heart. Bacteria can also be pulled into your lungs and correlate with developing pneumonia and similar respiratory issues.

In addition to carrying unhealthy germs to organs, oral bacteria in the bloodstream also may reduce the body's ability to stave off infections. Some research shows that gum disease is correlated to high blood sugar which ultimately can lead to diabetes.

Saving Money

Many people shy away from cosmetic dentistry due to the price, but getting appropriate treatment will save money in the long run. This is because cosmetic dentistry is a preventative measure to stop future, costlier problems from developing.

For example, dental implants look great, but they also will stop your teeth from shifting. You'll save money in the future because you won't need to get surgery or other jaw treatments when the teeth begin to cause pain or irregular chewing.

Diverse Procedures

Most cosmetic dental procedures are fairly simple, but some more intensive ones make the shape of your teeth more appealing. Most people find longer, slightly rounded teeth to be aesthetically pleasing. If yours are short, flat, or sharp, there are simple surgical procedures that can make them look longer.

Cutting away some of the teeth to smooth our sharp sections is one method of making your mouth look better. It's also possible to fit teeth with shaped dental crowns and veneers. These are simple ways to make your mouth look better so that you can grow more confident in your smile.

Long-Term Results

Cosmetic dentistry results are immediately visible. After your procedure, your teeth will appear whiter or straighter. However, these results aren't just short-term in their impacts; they also last for a long time.

A quality family dentist will help you determine how to achieve long-lasting results. They'll discuss how you can make the outcome last for a decade or more and figure out what tools and reconstruction materials best meet your needs.

This means that you're unlikely to require future visits for treatments related to cosmetic dentistry. Besides your regular check-ups and resolution for future issues, you'll be good to go.

Get Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, TX

Now that you know the benefits of getting cosmetic dentistry procedures, it's time to keep your beautiful smile in top shape.

Our team is committed to providing the highest-quality cosmetic dentistry in Arlington, TX, with expert tools, resources, knowledge, and methods. Dr. Martinson has been serving patients for over 25 years, so schedule an appointment with Heather E. Martinson, DDS today.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.