If you’re worried about cosmetic dental flaws, you are far from alone. Almost everyone has some aspect of their smile that they wish they could change. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to lift stubborn stains, reshape teeth, remove discoloration, and transform a troubled grin into a beautiful new smile. Here’s a list of several common dental flaws along with a brief list of what your cosmetic dentist can do to help.
Dental Stains and Discoloration
Everyone would like to be able to flash a stunningly white set of pearly whites at friends and strangers alike, but dental discoloration is a problem many people face. While beverages like tea, coffee, cola, sports drinks, and red wine are certainly popular, they contain dyes and pigments that can leave their mark on your teeth with frequent exposure. The same can be said of foods like berries and colorful candies, and tobacco use can leave unsightly yellow or brown stains or buildups on your smile.
Chips and Cracks
A person’s teeth see a lot of use over the decades that can leave visible wear on their smile. Chips and cracks are common problems that can not only detract from the beauty of your smile but also make your teeth more vulnerable to injury or decay by eroding their natural protective layer. Addressing these problems sooner can help you preserve your oral health in the long run.
Irregular or Uneven Teeth
Many people feel like their smiles are not shaped right. This may be because the teeth are not aligned properly, because some of them have become damaged, or because they were misshapen to begin with. Gaps in a smile and crowded teeth can make your smile harder to clean and easier to injure, so addressing these issues can be an investment in your oral health.
What Can My Cosmetic Dentist Do to Help?
Your cosmetic dentist is trained to address dental flaws like these. After a consultation, they may recommend:
- Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments can leave your smile up to ten shades whiter, and they come in the form of an in-office procedure that can be completed in about an hour or a take-home kit that can be finished over about two weeks.
- Cosmetic dental bonding: By using tooth-colored composite resin to cover up or fill in cracks, chips, gaps, or stains, your dentist can restore the shape of your teeth in minutes during a routine appointment.
- Veneers: By fixing these porcelain shells over the surface of your teeth, your dentist can transform them into a beautiful new smile. Veneers are the secret being the flawless smiles of many Hollywood stars.
Cosmetic dentistry has allowed millions of people to enjoy life with more beautiful smiles. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for any of these treatments.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Mitchell earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry and has completed many postgraduate courses on the latest developments in the dental field. He is proud to be a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. His office in Dallas, TX offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule a cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (972) 233-1311.
