A Smile is the universal language we all share. Having a smile you are happy with allows you to exude self confidence and self esteem. This makes you feel more attractive to others and appear more successful. According to recent surveys, about 1/3rd of all Americans are unhappy with their smile. Luckily, for most of us this situation is easily correctable with some simple and some more involved cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Easy Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes For That Perfect Smile
For many of us, the imperfections that bother us can be quite small and easily correctable with cosmetic dentistry. These simple cosmetic dentistry procedures can include:
-Teeth Whitening. This is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in the U.S. and the world. It can dramatically alter ones smile and also ones perception of themselves. Teeth whitening can be achieved in a variety of ways with varying results. One of the most popular ways to whiten is, the use of teeth whitening strips. These strips can give your smile a brighter look for very little cost but they do not work for everyone, and may not get your teeth as white as you’d hoped. The dentist can offer an at home teeth whitening kit or a one hour procedure in office. Professional whitening is very effective but comes at a higher financial cost. Professional whitening procedures can whiten your smile by as much as 4-6 shades in as little as an hour.
-Dental Bonding. While a bit more extensive than teeth whitening. Dental bonding can usually be completed in under an hour and give a dramatic effect if one or more teeth are affected by tooth decay or fractures. A good cosmetic dentist will be able to make the dental bonding appear natural and no one should be able to tell you have any dental bonding present. This has been a staple of cosmetic dentistry for many years.
-Tooth and Gum Recontouring. Many people are unhappy with one or two teeth which may be out of alignment. The dentist can recontour one or more teeth to give them the look of being more in line with one another. Uneven gums can also make teeth appear to be longer or shorter. You would be amazed at how simple it is to reshape and contour teeth and gums to give a beautiful appearance. Recontouring is often overlooked by patients and by many general dentists. A good cosmetic dentist will look at the teeth and face as one big picture allowing them to make adjustments in the big scope of things.
-Snap-On Smile. This is a fairly recent advancement in cosmetic dentistry. It allows for a prosthetic to be fabricated that fits over the existing teeth. This procedure requires little to no tooth preparation and can be a cost effective option. This procedure is far less expensive than permanent changes to teeth, and can be completed in just a short time. Snap on Smile patients are happy to leave with the smile they wanted at reduced cost and chair time.
More Complex Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes For An Imperfect Smile
-Porcelain Veneers. When you see an “A” list celebrity in magazines or in movies, chances are they have had porcelain veneers placed on their front teeth.Porcelain veneers are wafer thin custom fabricated shells made of modern dental porcelain that are adhered to the outer surface of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are also referred to as “instant orthodontics”. This is because the cosmetic dentist is able to change the shape, width, length, and alignment of your teeth. In extreme cases of misalignment, your cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain crown or orthodontics prior to doing porcelain veneers. When completed properly, no one but you and your dentist should know that you have porcelain veneers.
-Orthodontics. This is not just for kids any more. Adults are often turning to orthodontics to get the smile they dream of. Having straight teeth helps in chewing function, decreases wear and fracture, and has the benefit of being cosmetic. Straight teeth are beneficial for optimum hygiene, it allows you to be able to clean your teeth more effectively since you will not trap as much food particles when they are properly spaced.
-Dental Implants. Many do not consider dental implants to be a part of cosmetic dentistry but they play a very big role in modern dentistry. Replacing a lost tooth will not only improve function but will also return your smile to its original form. A lost tooth, to many, is a sign of old age, poor hygiene, and low dental priority. Having a full complement of teeth can give someone a youthful, healthy looking appearance.
-Periodontal Plastic Surgery. Many of us have a smile that shows too much gums or might have some areas with receding gums. This can be corrected with surgical addition of or removal of gingival tissues to the areas of concern.
Cosmetic Dentistry Conclusion
It is so important to feel good about smiling. There are so many options to help with most of your dental concerns. Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way over the last 10-15 years, making the procedures more affordable to many. Choosing a good cosmetic dentist along with the use of high quality modern dental materials you can assure yourself of getting the smile you have always dreamed of. A good cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you of what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be best for you to fulfill your wants and desires. You can achieve your perfect smile, and confidently show it off to the world!