One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, but if yours is full of flaws, you might worry that you’ll be judged for how you look. Some people are so afraid of how they’ll be perceived that they avoid social interactions or try to remain tight-lipped.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide one or several services to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. If you’re asking yourself what cosmetic dentistry can fix, continue reading to learn more about 3 popular treatments and how they can benefit you!
Issue #1: Discoloration
Seemingly, everyone wishes they had a perfectly bright-white smile, though very few people are born with them. Even perfectly healthy teeth are more ivory than snowy, but if yours look more yellow or brown, you might be a good candidate for a whitening procedure.
Although many over-the-counter products claim to brighten your grin, they typically include diluted bleaching agents that don’t always get results. Thankfully, your dentist has ultra-concentrated gels to lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit. They may also provide take-home kits using the same top-quality whiteners and custom-fitted trays for an optimal outcome.
Issue #2: Chips and Cracks
Discoloration isn’t the only damage that can make you self-conscious about your smile. If your chompers are riddled with chips, cracks, or fractures, you probably don’t want them to be seen. If you’ve found yourself avoiding conversations or other interactions with people because of the condition of your grin, you could benefit from veneers.
These thin shells are made of color-matched porcelain and then bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask imperfections. However, for them to fit correctly without looking bulky, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel. This protective layer doesn’t grow back, making this an irreversible change that leaves your smile somewhat more vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and injuries. Fortunately, veneers are coated with a glaze that is durable enough to resist damage and protect your pearly whites.
Issue #3: Gaps or Misshapen Teeth
Even if your grin looked perfectly even for most of your life, the frequent pressure of biting and chewing can eventually wear down your enamel or push things out of alignment. This can lead to misshapen teeth that are too short or wide spaces in your smile that trap food, debris, and bacteria.
Your dentist can apply putty-like composite resin directly to your teeth to reshape them and/or close any gaps. Once in place, they carve the material into the ideal tooth shape and then harden it with a special UV curing light so it bonds with your enamel. This treatment can be customized to match your natural shade for seamless results and can last 15+ years with the right care, making it an excellent long-term solution.
If you’re eager to upgrade your grin but are unsure where to start, the best next step is to contact your provider for a consultation!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti is passionate about helping patients build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston, and has since committed 300+ hours of continuing education with ongoing training with the Kois Center. Plus, she’s a member of the American Dental Association, among other professional organizations, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. She combines art and science to provide several cosmetic services to upgrade your appearance. You can request a consultation on the website or call (561) 798-4200.