Do you want to significantly improve your smile? If you answered ‘Yes’ to that question, then the best way to go about it is via cosmetic dentistry.
Some of the medical procedures in cosmetic dentistry include those that improve the appearance of the teeth.
This branch of dentistry was invented to help people make an excellent first impression. And there is nothing more fascinating about first impressions than a beautiful or dazzling smile.
Therefore, if you are thinking or considering the options to enhance your smile, you are in the right place.
There are several ways or options to improve your smile. However, the first thing you should consider is the dentist that offers this service. Do not take a risk by working with just any dentist.
Make sure you go to a dentist that offers services approved by the American Dental Association such as the professionals at Gentle Dental Eagan, MN..
With that out of the way, here are some of the ways to significantly improve your smile:
Teeth Whitening
In a recent survey, up to 48 percent of participants felt that their teeth’ appearance could be considerably improved. The majority of the participants identified discolored teeth as the #1 complaint.
Despite the availability of home whitening products in the marketplace, nothing beats in-office teeth whitening processes.
The primary reason is that well-trained dentists have a profound access to more robust, medically approved and safe bleaching materials.
And they can also combine bleaching products with special lights, lasers, or heat in order to boost their effectiveness.
What is more, dentists can produce personalized mouth trays that provide even more contact between your teeth and the bleaching agent than trays that usually come with home whitening products.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth.
They are usually bonded permanently to the front of the teeth, thereby changing the shape, size, color, or length.
Veneers are made from porcelain or resin composite, thereby giving you that bright smile you have always dreamed of. There is no need for multiple or extensive treatments. It is fully personalized and irreversible.
Orthodontics (Braces)
Braces are perfect for correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. And are often used to improve the appearance and health of your smile.
Braces work efficiently –though a bit slowly – by applying pressure steadily over time to move the teeth into perfect alignment.
And as the teeth move, the bony tooth socket housing each tooth changes shape accordingly even as pressure is applied.
There are different types of braces: they can be tooth-colored, clear, or multi-colored. Braces can also be attached to the back of your tooth and will remain out of view.
Some braces are even referred to as ‘invisible’ braces because they are made of a series of crystal-clear plastic molds. They still use the same principle of gradually moving your teeth into alignment.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding refers to the direct application of a tooth-colored dough-like mixture or putty onto one tooth or even more teeth. It is generally used for correcting small fractures and chips.
And it is also used to fill small cavities and coat discolored teeth. Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that takes up to 30 minutes per tooth.
Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to cover a tooth to restore its appearance and strength. This is the best option for you if you have cracked teeth or a large filling that has substantially weakened a tooth.
However, crowns can also be cosmetically used for covering misshapen, chipped, or broken teeth.
The dental process of installing crowns includes shaping the tooth such that it mates with the crown.
The tooth may be filed down or built up, depending on the tooth’s overall shape that needs to be covered with the dental crown.
And when the permanent dental crown is completed, the temporary one is removed while the former is cemented in its place.
Enamel Shaping
Otherwise known as contouring, enamel shaping is a painless and rapid dental procedure of shaping natural teeth.
This procedure is used for correcting uneven teeth, overcrowded teeth or other small teeth imperfections.
What makes enamel shaping unique is that you can see the results of the painless process immediately.
This procedure to improve the appearance of your teeth is usually combined with dental bonding, veneers, or whitening.
Composite Fillings
At times, existing fillings may need replacement due to chipping, wear, or cracking. Many individuals who would love to improve their smiles use this opportunity to replace silver amalgam fillings with tooth-colored and natural composites.
For most of these individuals, it may be concern over how safe amalgam fillings are since they contain mercury, a toxic univalent and bivalent metal.
However, composite fillings may wear out much sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities. But then, they hold up as well even in small cavities.
Conclusion
A great smile is like medicine to the soul, and there is nothing wrong with increasing its wattage. If you feel your teeth are imperfect and will require a makeover by a reputable dentist, by all means, go for it!