When some people think of cosmetic dentistry, they imagine frivolous procedures that don’t do much for your smile. However, the reality of many cosmetic cases is repairing dental damage, discoloration, and alignment, which can all have grave impacts on your day-to-day life and confidence. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, read on to learn about the four most common dental flaws that can be fixed with personalized treatments. You may just find that what you’re struggling with is exactly what cosmetic treatment can help!
Crowded & Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth can not only impact your self-esteem, but also your oral health. Teeth that are crowded together or spaced too far apart can provide nooks and crannies for food debris and bacteria to hide in, resulting in bacteria accumulation. Straightening your teeth with clear aligners or traditional braces can provide you with a smile that you love to show off as well as reduce your risk of developing common issues like gum disease and decay.
Discolored & Stained Teeth
Dental staining can happen for a variety of reasons, including consuming stain-causing foods and beverages, side-effects to medications you’re taking, and bad habits like smoking. Fortunately, yellowed teeth don’t have to be the first trait that everyone notices about your smile. Cosmetic dentists offer customized take-home teeth whitening kits that can brighten the smile by up to eight shades within two short weeks of use.
Misshapen or Compromised Teeth
If you have a severely misshapen tooth that sticks out like a sore thumb next to all of your other teeth or one that’s been compromised due to a root canal or large cavity filling, you may be able to benefit from a metal-free crown. In the past, dentists would craft restorations from noticeable metals like silver and gold, and while these were durable, they resulted in unwanted side-effects and were highly noticeable in the mouth. Today, dentists also offer natural-looking porcelain and ceramic crowns that blend in with your smile, making a once cumbersome-appearing tooth naturally fold into the rest of your smile.
Broken & Damaged Teeth
Teeth that have been damaged or broken can detract from your otherwise beautiful smile, affecting your confidence and desire to speak and grin. Cosmetic dentists offer a couple of different solutions for this issue—porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding. Veneers are often recommended if you want to fix dental damage as well as repair other imperfections, like discoloration and slight misalignment. Dental bonding is a faster, more cost-effective treatment that can restore the appearance of chipped and damaged teeth.
Regardless of what cosmetic imperfections riddle your smile, know that your dentist likely has a solution that can boost your confidence and improve your life. The best way to learn how is to contact them and schedule a consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song has over three decades of experience as a dentist and always uses a personalized approach when it comes to helping his patients improve the appearance of their smile. He is a proud and active member of several professional organizations and has completed advanced training in multiple specialized areas of the dental field, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry. For questions or to learn more about cosmetic treatments, visit Bridlewood Dental’s website or call 972-906-9797.