Going to see the dentist usually is not one of peoples favorite ways to spend a bit of free time, but the visits are indeed necessary. Many people may think that since they brush their teeth and floss, and they feel no pain or discomfort when chewing, they must not need to go see a dentist. However, a dentist can do a lot more for you than just fix cavities and clean your teeth. There are tons of benefits that go along with seeing your neighborhood dentist, and here are just ten of those reasons.

#10: Invisalign straightening systems. For those of us who have been told that braces are needed, the Invisalign system is a clear alternative to the traditional metal braces and the jabbing hardware that comes with them.

#9: Preventive services. A dentist has the know how and the tools to clean your teeth better than we could ever do at home. While daily maintenance is important, seeing the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup will ensure that your daily efforts are not going to waste.

#8: Cosmetic repairs. Lets face it, accidents happen, and many people wind up somehow with a chipped or broken tooth here or there. Your dentist can repair your damaged tooth so that it looks just as it should, and other people will be none the wiser to it.

#7: Whitening treatments. Over time, it seems no matter how many times a day we brush our teeth with whitening toothpaste, age has a way of showing up on our teeth. The dentist has an array of whitening systems and products to bring back your bright smile, helping you look 10 years younger, instantly.

#6: Veneers. These little babies are lifesavers when it comes to saving your teeth, filling in gaps, and replacing worn or damaged teeth. Your dentist will know if veneers are the right choice for improving your smile or not.

#5: Gum disease therapy. Yes, these days even our gums need a little therapy now and then to stay healthy. Your favorite dentist knows all there is to know about your gums, and can help you with any gum disease or loss of tissue you may be experiencing.

#4: A Smile analysis. Looking at the shape and size of your smile, along with the condition of your teeth and your smile line, a dentist can offer suggestions and solutions to improve your smile that you may not have even known were possible.

#3: Cosmetic consultations. From taking diagnostic pictures to using digital photography to show you before and after potential results, a dentist will make you feel confident and safe and offer tips while you are thinking of having a cosmetic improvement done.

#2: Cavity repair. Cavities happen, almost to everyone at some point in their life. If the cavity is caught early, the damage will be minimal and relatively easy to fix. A dentist is a pro at finding the tiny cavities that are just starting out, and can also do some major work on the cavities that have been there a little too long, saving your tooth and saving you a root canal.

And the #1 reason to love your dentist: Nitrous Oxide. Otherwise known as laughing gas, sometimes it is the best thing to look forward to when you walk in those doors to the dentists office. Everybody loves the laughing gas.

So there you have it, ten great reasons to love your dentist. Do yourself and your mouth a favor and call your dentist for an appointment today, whether it is for a cleaning, a cosmetic consultation, or for the laughing gas. Any way you slice it, a dentist is your teeths best friend.