Is there anything about your smile that you'd like to change? Teeth are subject to a lot of wear and tear in everyday living. Trauma to the teeth and gums, such as a sports injury or a fall, might impact your teeth and gums. Even some medical issues or aging might cause your smile to change. Your dentist can recommend techniques to improve the appearance and function of your smile, regardless of the underlying problem.
Here are five common treatments that can improve the appearance of your smile while also improving your oral health.
1. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services, even though it does not provide the same function or health benefits as other procedures. Bleaching gels are used in teeth whitening treatments to help lift stains and discoloration off the surface of your teeth. You can get the treatment in a dental clinic or have your dentist make a take-home kit that you can use over time.
A whitening gel and a tray that should be put over your teeth for the duration of the treatment are normally included in take-home kits. After one to two weeks, depending on how much whitening you want, you should see effects.
During your consultation, your dentist will inspect your mouth and determine whether whitening is appropriate for you. Unfortunately, bleaching isn't always effective, and your discoloration could be the result of a more significant underlying problem that has to be addressed first. That's why, even if you want to utilize an over-the-counter treatment, you should consult a dentist first.
2. Bonding
If you have too much space between your teeth, or if they are chipped, fractured, discolored, or cracked, bonding may help. Dentists also use bonding materials to fill tiny cavities and protect the exposed root of a tooth.
By injecting an etching solution to the tooth's surface, followed by tooth-colored materials — often composite resins — directly to the tooth's surface where needed, the dentist can usually complete this procedure in a single office visit.
Although bonding can last for several years, it is more prone to chip, discolor, or wear down than other types of repairs.
3. Crowns
By restoring or strengthening damaged or discolored teeth, dental crowns can transform your smile. They are put over existing tooth structures to help restore the natural appearance and function of the tooth. Crowns can also be used to support a dental bridge or after a root canal procedure.
Crowns are typically composed of porcelain or ceramic that matches the color of the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance. They can also be made of metal or metal alloys with a porcelain exterior coating.
4. Veneers
Veneers are thin restorations that are placed on the front of teeth. If you have little gaps, chips or cracks, discoloration, or slightly misaligned teeth, a dentist may recommend them. Composite resin veneers are built up in the mouth, whereas porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit over the teeth.
While they can correct minor crookedness, if you have more severe alignment problems, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment instead.
5. Implants
Dental implants enhance the appearance of the smile by replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. The procedure for receiving an implant takes several months and involves two or more minor operations.
Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that include a root and a crown. They accomplish all of the functions that natural teeth do; they pulverize food, stimulate the jaw, and enhance the beauty of a person's smile.
Contact Eagle Valley Family Dentistry
Do you want to improve your smile? Then, contact Eagle Valley Family Dentistry today!
Don't know where to begin or what you'll require? Discuss your concerns with a dental professional. At Eagle Valley Family Dentistry, we can walk you through tailored solutions to your specific needs.