Do you have a reunion up on the horizon and you want to make a great impression? Or perhaps you’re going in for a job interview in a week, and you want to brighten your smile to boost your confidence? Did a tooth get knocked out in an accident and you need to have it replaced?
Look in your local directory for your nearest cosmetic dentist, because that’s who can help you get your smile straightened out.
Here are the main ways that going to a cosmetic dentist can benefit your smile.
In-office whitening treatments.
Addicted to your twice-daily coffee habit? Or your glass of wine at night? That’s all right, but just know that the foods and drinks we consume can stain our teeth. And without regular whitening, our smiles only get progressively worse.
Hoping that drugstore whitening strips can do the trick? Unfortunately, this is not the case. According to this Cosmetic Dentist in Shelby Township MI, “Over-the-counter bleaching kits and whitening toothpastes can only do so much.”
In-office procedures involve custom trays with bleaching solutions and a light source to speed the process. If you are serious about getting a brighter smile, a cosmetic dentist is who you are looking for.
Aligners for teens and adults.
Are your teeth crooked, jammed too tightly together, or misaligned? Or perhaps you have gaps in your smile that you want to fix?
For many years braces were the answer to those looking for a solution to a crooked bite. Today, clear aligners are the more popular option. Aligners are custom-made retainers that fit over one’s teeth. They force teeth to move together toward an even and straight smile.
Dental bridges.
Has a very advanced cavity caused a tooth to be pulled? Or perhaps an accident knocked a tooth out? Whatever the reason for a missing tooth, simply leaving a space in your bite is not good for several reasons. Your teeth can shift to fill in the gap, causing your bite to no longer align as it should, making it difficult to chew food.
As their name implies, dental bridges “bridge” the missing space due to tooth or teeth loss. These bridges use the surrounding teeth as support. This procedure is less costly than implants, but still restores your smile and keeps your bite from misaligning.
There are certain cases, however, where your dentist will discourage getting a bridge. For instance, cantilever bridges are no longer common. These bridges were for the back of the mouth, where the missing tooth had only one adjacent tooth for support.
Removable dentures.
Do you have several teeth that need to be pulled? Dentures are the key to keeping your ability to chew and talk, as well as protecting the shape of your face.
Dentures are made of plastic or porcelain teeth that are attached to gum-toned bases that either fit to your mouth or clasp to your remaining teeth.
Partial dentures or full dentures allow you to get all the full of having no missing teeth without the price tag of dental implants.
Composite tooth fillings.
Do you have metal, gold, or silver fillings? And do they glint when you smile? Getting your fillings replaced with composite fillings can make your smile look all-natural once again.
Composite fillings are made of resin and other fillers. Because they are tooth colored, they are becoming a top choice for patients who want a confidence-boosting smile.
Fillings do not last forever. So ask your dentist if any of your current fillings are looking a little worn. Changing out your old metal fillings for resin-colored fillings is not only a great move for your appearance. But it’s a smart and proactive step to keep your teeth in good health.
Complete oral exams.
Going in for frequent dental examinations serves many purposes. Cavities, infection, and other dental issues often form when we least expect it, or at the most inconvenient time. Having regular oral exams will help your dentist and you stay on top of and in control of your mouth’s health.
Interestingly, your oral health has an impact on your overall health, too. Not only that, but if you are in the early stages of periodontal disease, going in for regular cleanings is essential to halt its progress.
Your dentist can also give you advice on how to keep your smile looking its best. And he or she can inform you on the latest procedures that might be worth looking into.
