If you have crooked teeth, have had a chipped tooth, or have experienced some other minor dentistry mishap, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry as an option to get your smile looking its best. While you can’t change the size or shape of your jaw and there are also natural limitations on how much the shape of your teeth can be changed, a cosmetic dentist can do a lot for your smile. A cosmetic dentist specializes in helping patients regain their confidence by making their smiles more appealing. Read on to learn more about what a cosmetic dentist does and if it is right for you.
What does a cosmetic dentist do?
A cosmetic dentist provides services that focus on improving the aesthetics of your smile. This can include anything from teeth whitening to dental implants. A dentist can also provide advice on the best ways to maintain your teeth and prevent future problems. If you have a specific dental concern, you can also see a general dentist. However, if you are interested in enhancing your smile, a cosmetic dentist may be a better fit.
Why choose cosmetic dentistry?
You may be wondering, why fix something that isn’t broken? While it is true that cosmetic dentistry doesn’t address any dental health issues, it can have an impact on your self-confidence and quality of life. After all, a smile is one of the first things people see when they meet you. Teeth that are discolored or crooked can make you feel self-conscious about smiling.
You may even be hesitant to have your picture taken for fear of what it will look like when you see the image. Cosmetic dentistry can help you regain your confidence by giving you a smile that is bright and straight. You may also decide to get cosmetic dentistry to improve your self-confidence in the dating world. Beautiful teeth are a highly desirable trait in a romantic partner, so you may be able to use your new smile to attract a better mate.
What does a cosmetic dentist do?
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most basic cosmetic dentistry procedures—as well as one of the least expensive. Over time, teeth can become stained from food, drinks, medications, or other habits like smoking. Many people turn to teeth whitening to make their smile brighter.
After teeth have been cleaned of plaque, tartar, and other debris, teeth whitening can bleach the surface of teeth to create a brighter, whiter appearance. While over-the-counter products like toothpaste, rinses, and whitestrips can offer some results, professional tooth whitening can provide a shade up to 5 to 8 times lighter.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, fits over a decayed or damaged tooth. These crowns can keep a weakened tooth from breaking or used cosmetically to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth. They can also be used to cover other procedures, like root canal enamel fillings, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Fixing chipped teeth | Cosmetic Dentist
If you’ve ever had a tooth chipped, you know how much of an eyesore it can be. Chipped teeth can also make you more self-conscious and hesitant to smile. If you’ve ever had a tooth chipped and you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, a dentist may be able to repair it with a filling. These fillings are made from tooth-coloring materials that can be used to camouflage the chip and restore your smile to its original form. While this doesn’t help to make the tooth stronger or bigger, it does help to make it less obvious.
Straightening Crooked teeth
If your teeth are crooked, you may be able to correct the issue with orthodontic braces. Orthodontic braces are used to move teeth into a straighter or more evenly spaced position. In some cases, you may need to wear the braces for up to a year while others can be corrected in a much shorter period of time. If you have a less severe case of crooked teeth, you may only need to wear an Invisalign retainer.
An Invisalign retainer is a removable plastic aligner that works to move the teeth in the desired position while being less obvious than braces. If you have a severe case of misaligned teeth, you may need to get dental surgery. In extreme cases, teeth may need to be removed and replaced with dental implants.
Fixing broken or discolored teeth
If your teeth are chipped or cracked, you can have them repaired with a filling. However, if your teeth are discolored, a cosmetic dentist may be able to whiten them using teeth whitening trays or gels. This can make your teeth appear significantly brighter and whiter, instantly improving your smile. Not only can dental whitening improve the aesthetics of your smile, but it can also improve the health of your teeth.
This is because discoloration is usually caused by bacteria living in the crevices of your teeth. If you have discolored teeth, you are more likely to have cavities and gum disease. Whitening your teeth can help you avoid these problems and make it easier to keep your teeth clean.
Canine Tooth Shortening
If you have a particularly large canine tooth, it can make your smile look a bit unbalanced. While you can’t make the tooth smaller, you can make it appear smaller by shortening it. If your canine tooth is especially long, a cosmetic dentist may be able to shorten it through dental surgery. This is usually an option if your tooth is longer than the others in your smile, but it does come with some risks. You can minimize the risk of complications by visiting a dentist who is knowledgeable about the procedure. You should also make sure to follow post-operative care instructions closely to prevent infection and speed up healing.
Bottom line
If your teeth are chipped, crooked, or discolored, you may want to consider getting cosmetic dentistry. While this procedure doesn’t address any health issues, it can improve your self-confidence and make it easier to maintain good oral health. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, you should make sure to select a dentist who is experienced in the procedure. You should also make sure to follow post-operative care instructions closely to prevent complications and shorten healing time.
Suggested Article –
- Pros and Cons of Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Difference between Crowns and Dental Implants?
- Who is the Best Dental Implant specialist
