A smile is one of the most powerful things we have; it can make or break how we feel about ourselves. This is likely because it’s one of the first things we notice about each other. If you weren’t born with a perfect set of straight, pearly whites, you may have at some point considered cosmetic dentistry.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any and all dental work that improves the appearance of the teeth, gums, and bite. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean an improvement in functionality. Those types of dental procedures are often more invasive and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Examples of cosmetic dentistry are:
- Veneers
- Dental Implants
- Teeth Whitening
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Dental Bonding
- Braces and Retainers
- Bridges and Dentures
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Smile?
There are countless ways a smile can be improved by cosmetic dentistry, covering the mildest conditions to entire smile makeovers. Below we discuss in more depth, the ways cosmetic dental procedures can improve your smile.
Discoloration
A number of cosmetic dentistry tools can improve this, and what you choose will probably depend on the amount of tooth discoloration. It will also be dependent on what other corrections, if any, you are having done. Previous health conditions may also impact which route you go.
Tooth Whitening
If you’ve had work done on your teeth before, over the counter (OTC) and many other whitening methods are not always advised. In cases like this, it’s best to consult with your dentist. They will be able to give you an approved list of whitening options based on your specific wants and needs.
Whitening is effective for eliminating most stains; staining that generally happens from external factors such as acidic foods and proper teeth brushing and cleaning habits. It’s no secret that a whiter smile builds personal confidence, so if you’re considering professionally whitening your teeth, Eriks Dental Group can help.
Veneers
For more severe stains, gray stains, or stains that do not respond to whitening, you may want to consider veneers. Or even if you just don’t want the ongoing hassle of whitening, veneers could be a mini smile makeover that packs a powerful punch. A thin layer is bonded to your teeth, creating a vibrant new look to your smile. Veneers are also a great option if you’re looking to correct other minor issues like uneven edges or chips. More on this option later.
The Size, Shape, Damaged Teeth and Oral Health
Accidents happen. Damaged teeth are not just an inconvenience, they can also impact your self-confidence and oral health. Broken or damaged teeth can become a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to bad breath and tooth decay.
Tooth shape can have a surprising influence on how much we smile. For many, this may be an odd thing to contemplate. But for others it is an everyday thought. The gum line can make your teeth look short or long and can affect the sensitivity and lifespan of a tooth. While there are procedures involving the gum, they’re not your only option.
Veneers
For teeth that look short, veneers can add some length. This changes the entire look and shape of your smile.
If your teeth aren’t evenly shaped or are rotated, it may actually be because of the edges being uneven. You might not have noticed how this defines the shape of your teeth before. Cosmetic dentistry can create a straighter smile with veneers.
Bonding
Bonding can also be used to adjust the appearance of short teeth. It can be used to fill any areas that are vulnerable. These minor weak areas can cause bad breath and also lead to cavities.
If you have a badly cracked tooth and there is a fractured cusp, dental bonding does the trick. Working much like a filling, it seals the broken edge and finishes the tooth to eliminate any visual evidence of damage.
For chips and uneven edging along the tooth ends, bonding can also be used. This method fills the gaps on otherwise straight teeth.
Overcrowded Or Rotated Teeth
Teeth that are rotated or overcrowding the mouth can cause a number of dental issues. At Eriks Dental Group, we have a number of ways to help remedy issues with overcrowded and rotated teeth.
Orthodontics and Invisalign®
Clear plastic braces or Invisalign® give you the option of straightening your teeth without showcasing those chunky metal brackets every time you smile. Not only are they discreet, but clear braces are also much easier to maintain and maneuver than traditional metal braces. Additionally, this means you don’t have to worry about having gum wax on standby in the inevitable event that your bracket has rubbed a sore on the inside of your cheek. Anyone who’s ever had metal braces, knows what a true pain this can be!
Veneers and Rotated Teeth
If the problem isn’t space but that your teeth are not all facing frontward, then you have the option to choose between Invisalign® or veneers. Veneers will work at smoothing over the rotated teeth by placing the porcelain layer over the surface of the teeth once they have been filed.
Gaps Or Missing Teeth
Small gaps can be endearing and may even be a favorite feature. But they can also be unsightly, a gateway for decay, and a breeding ground for bacteria; especially when they are a result of tooth decay from chronic disease, smoking, or diet.
Veneers
This method can fix many small issues, giving a mini makeover to your smile and a boost to your confidence. They are great for gaps but won’t do the trick for missing teeth. For that, your dentist will most likely recommend dental implants.
Implant Dentures
When many teeth are missing, implant dentures are often the best option. Eriks Dental Group specializes in non-removable implant dentures and fixed implant dentures.
Orthodontics
For any size gap, orthodontics is always an option. It reshapes the area slowly for lasting change. Invisalign® is an alternative that is growing in popularity for many reasons. If you’ve been advised that you need braces, but you don’t want traditional metal brackets, take a look at Invisalign®; the convenience is astounding.
Tooth-Colored Bonding
Holes and slight gaps from cavities are filled with bonding to match your teeth. This is a great little touch up for any smile and can be done alongside other cosmetic dental procedures as well.
Dental Implants
These will help prevent changes in your face structure that result from missing teeth. Because yes, the muscles work differently where there are tooth gaps in the jawline. This eventually changes the shape of your face.
It is one of those procedures that won’t work for everyone, though. For instance, you can’t have low bone density and get dental implants. But, if you are a candidate, don’t let fear of pain or problems stop you. This kind of dentistry has real benefits. Often, these dental implants are a way around dentures and bridges.
Do You Want To Improve Your Smile?
In the hands of a caring team, you can realize your smile’s full potential while simultaneously boosting your self-esteem. Give yourself more reasons to smile; schedule a free consultation with Eriks Dental Group in Boynton Beach—where our passion is dentistry, and making you smile is our art.