Are you unhappy with the look of your smile? There are a wide range of flaws that may be present in it, but thankfully, there are plenty of cosmetic dental treatments that can give you the aesthetic smile you deserve. However, this doesn’t mean that you can get every procedure, as you need to be a good candidate for them. Some may not be right for you, so here’s what you need to know about several popular services people get.
Teeth Whitening
As you get older, your teeth may start to become discolored. This can happen from your diet and other lifestyle factors, but you may be a bit insecure about the yellow tint. Over-the-counter products to brighten your grin may be harmful when over- or misused, but professional whitening is a great way to get reliable and safe results.
In just about an hour-long visit, your dentist can apply a high-quality bleaching gel to your teeth that breaks down stains on and within your enamel. Afterward, you can show off results that are up to eight shades brighter in just a single visit. You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you don’t have any oral health issues like gum disease or cavities, as they can cause discomfort.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If you have a minor flaw, such as a stubborn stain, chip, or small gap, then you can consider dental bonding. Your provider will sculpt tooth-colored composite resin against the structure you want fixed to restore its appearance. You’ll be able to show off results after a single visit, with the bonus of this treatment being more affordable as well. This can be the best solution for you if you only have minor imperfections.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are designed to sit on the front-facing parts of your teeth. They are meant to cover a wide range of flaws as well, but they can tackle multiple at the same time. If you have bigger chips, gaps, discoloration, or slight crookedness, then this may be a good choice to get a dramatic change. Lumineers are a similar option, but they often don’t require any alterations to your teeth.
Orthodontics
Clear aligners are a popular treatment that can give you a straighter, more proportional-looking smile. They are removable, so you will need to stick to a diligent routine. If you aren’t committed to wearing the trays for 22 hours every day, then you may want to opt for another service. Not only that, but they may not be right for you if you have severe orthodontic issues that require more work or if your teeth are on the smaller side.
Thankfully, traditional braces may be an option for you if clear aligners don’t work out. This is a tried-and-true solution to crookedness and crowding. It uses metal wires and brackets to tackle a myriad of malocclusions. However, it’s important you be careful with what you eat, as hard foods can cause them to break.
Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to help you feel confident about your grin in the long run. While not every treatment may be right for you, your dentist can help you find which ones will give you a proud set of teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He is dedicated to helping the Nepean community get the aesthetic smiles they love with a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic services. By tailoring a plan to your unique goals, you can feel confident getting to the results you want. If you have any questions about what treatments would fix your dental flaws, schedule an appointment or call our office at (613) 228-8768.