4 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile

When you’re self-conscious about flashing your smile, people do notice. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, approximately 48 percent of respondents stated that a person's smile was the person's most memorable feature after meeting them. There’s no reason your smile can’t be memorable, when cosmetic dentistry can easily give you a smile to, well, smile about!

Yellowed or Discolored Teeth

Discoloration of teeth can be intrinsic or extrinsic to the tooth. Extrinsic, or exterior stains, can come from drinking coffee, tea, or soda or from smoking. Intrinsic, or interior, discoloration can happen when the interior dentin of the tooth is affected by a variety of factors including the use of tetracycline antibiotics in utero or in early childhood, exposure to excessive fluoride in childhood, or trauma to the tooth from an accident.

If you are bothered by discolored teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist. A dental professional can carefully evaluate your patient history and conduct an oral examination to make cosmetic recommendations. A professional tooth-whitening treatment can whiten and brighten your smile in less than an hour in our office or you can choose customized bleaching trays to use at home. Porcelain veneers are another excellent option to get your dream smile in a beautiful shade of bright white.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth is among the chief complaints of patients who seek restorative or cosmetic dentistry services. Not only does a missing tooth make the patient feel self-conscious, left untreated, the remaining teeth can shift and lead to bone loss. Permanent tooth implants are the best treatment for missing teeth as they do not affect the surrounding teeth like a bridge does and they prevent bone loss while supporting the cheeks and gums.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Teeth can break as the result of a crack in the tooth itself, an accident, or other trauma. A chipped tooth may simply be unsightly or could be painful if the nerve is exposed. An experienced cosmetic dentist can quickly assess the damage and make a recommendation. For minor chips and cracks, tooth-colored crowns, fillings, and veneers can be tinted to match your existing teeth blending the repair seamlessly with your existing teeth.

Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are not positioned properly can affect your bite and speech as well as your smile. Crooked teeth can be caused by early loss of baby teeth, trauma to the jaw and teeth, or overcrowding. Most adults would prefer to avoid the traditional look of orthodontic braces. With Invisalign, we can use the latest in 3D computer technology to create nearly invisible aligners that are changed every two weeks until you achieve your desired smile.