Having a beautiful smile isn't just about aesthetics. It can also benefit your mental health as a bright smile can give you the confidence to show your pearly whites more. It can also help maintain your oral health and avoid certain dental issues that come with misshapen or misaligned teeth.
If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you can consider one of the following cosmetic dental procedures to transform your smile.
1. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is ideal for those who have good overall dental health but would like to revamp their smile.
While over-the-counter products are also available, it's best to opt for professional teeth whitening as you can rest assured that you will get better and lasting results in a controlled and safe environment.
However, you should keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same to teeth whitening. While your friend might get a Hollywood-like smile, you may not achieve the same results.
2. Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that act as new faces for your teeth. They can be made of porcelain or composite resin, with the former being sturdier, more stain-resistant, and overall more natural looking than the latter.
Veneers are used to address issues like chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth, severely stained teeth, and so on.
Keep in mind that before placing the veneers, the dentist will have to shave off about a half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. Because enamel doesn't grow back you will always have to wear veneers to protect your teeth.
3. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that is applied to the tooth and hardened with an UV light until it bonds to the tooth. A dentist near you will then trim, shape, and polish the resin to make it fit the rest of your teeth.
Bonding can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth.
4. Dental Crowns
A dental crown has both aesthetic and restorative functions. This cap can be used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.
They can be used cosmetically to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth or to complete a dental treatment like implants or a bridge.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace a tooth from the root. A titanium post is first inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. After the implant heals and fuses with the jawbone, it can provide a safe and sturdy foundation for the rest of the tooth.
Keep in mind that you will have to wait between 6 and 9 months for the osseointegration process to finish. Only after, the dentist will be able to place the abutment and dental crown and finish the implant.
6. Braces and Invisalign
Both traditional braces and Invisalign can help move the teeth into their correct position. These devices work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws.
Invisalign is becoming the preferred option as it's less visible and more comfortable than traditional braces. However, Invisalign is only effective for mild to moderate dental issues.
7. Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, inlays, and onlays are used to fill decayed or damaged teeth. The filling is called an "inlay" when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth and an "onlay" when it covers the biting surface.
Do You Want to Transform Your Smile?
Are you curious how Russo Dental can help you transform the appearance of your smile? Book your appointment with Dr. Nick Russo and find out which cosmetic dental treatment will benefit your oral health best.