Most people aren’t born with a perfect smile. For some it’s stains or discolored tooth enamel that makes them keep their smiles under wraps. For others, it may be chipped or missing teeth, or just a crooked smile.
Whatever the reasons, you don’t have to go through life hiding behind a closed mouth. There are many cosmetic dentistry options that can give you healthy, beautiful teeth so you can feel confident. Here is a sampling of smile makeover options.
1. Teeth Whitening
Stains and other discoloration can mar what would otherwise be a beautiful smile. Fortunately, there are many whitening options available both at your dentist and even over the counter. Drugstore and discount options include whitening toothpaste and bleaching strips that can help improve mildly discolored teeth, brightening by just a few shades.
If you’re looking for the whitest shade possible, there are professional gel bleaches and laser treatments available in office that can have your smile gleaming in under an hour. Most of these treatments are safe with few side effects, but sometimes the bleaching agents can be harsh on sensitive teeth and cause pain. Consult with a dentist before trying out any new product or treatment.
2. Veneers
Dental veneers are a popular choice among actors and models, but many other people find that they can provide a truly brilliant smile makeover. Laminates made of composite or porcelain is bonded to the natural tooth, improving its appearance.
Veneers can be used to correct a single tooth defect such as a stain or chip and the color matched to blend in with the natural teeth, or it can also be used to mask the entire smile. Veneers can address a variety of problems including unappealing tooth size or even close the distance between teeth; however, it is a very costly option.
3. Braces
These are used by orthodontists to fix crooked smile, close gaps, and address a variety of other aesthetic and functional dental problems. Traditional braces involve affixing a bracket to each tooth and then running a length of wire across them. This is then tightened on a regular basis over the course of one to two years to achieve desired results. Invisible braces are also available for some patients. These are clear plastic trays molded to fit the teeth that are replaced every few weeks until the desired shape is achieved.
4. Dental Implants
For total smile makeovers, dental implants are sometimes recommended or necessary. The natural tooth is removed and then a prosthetic one is screwed into its place. Implants are often used for missing teeth or severely broken or damaged ones; however, a few people choose to have all or many of their teeth replaced by them.
Consult with your dentist about which cosmetic dentistry options are best suitable for your desires and budget. Many can custom tailor a smile makeover plan to help improve several areas of concern such as whitening and tooth defects in order to give you the best possible results.
