Your smile is often the very first feature that people will notice when they see and greet you—meaning that it’s a very important asset when it comes to social and professional interactions! That said, you should always want your pearly whites to look their best and inspire confidence; however, if you have an aesthetic flaw with one or more of your teeth, you might feel as though you’re doomed to a life of hiding your smile. Fortunately, your cosmetic dentist can easily remedy these issues and get your grin looking its absolute best. Here’s more about three common cosmetic concerns and their go-to solutions.
1. Stained or Discolored Teeth
This is perhaps the most common problem in cosmetic dentistry. Over time, your teeth can become discolored for various reasons, such as consuming stain-causing foods or drinks, smoking cigarettes and using tobacco, or simply due to old age. No matter how well you brush or floss, your teeth can still appear yellow, which can hit your self-esteem pretty hard.
Luckily, this issue is also one of the simplest to remedy. Professional teeth whitening can remove tough stains and whiten your smile by up to eight shades; better yet, it can be quickly completed in one single visit. If you prefer to do things on your own timetable, professional take-home whitening kits can also be used. In more serious cases, porcelain veneers might be used to cover up discolored teeth.
2. Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Teeth can become chipped, cracked, or broken due to several reasons, but mainly from using your teeth as tools, biting into hard foods, or failing to protect yourself during contact sports or during a fall. Even if these types of problems don’t cause outright pain, they should be fixed right away—not just for aesthetic reasons, but also because these issues make teeth more susceptible to decay or further damage.
Cosmetic bonding is generally able to fully resolve minor chips and cracks; however, if bonding isn’t an option due to the severity of the damage, your dentist might need to turn toward something more restorative in nature, such as a crown. If the tooth is well beyond saving, it might need to be fully replaced.
3. Crooked Teeth
Teeth are stubborn, and it’s fairly common for them to come in crooked. They can also become misaligned due to trauma. Regardless of how the issue is caused, most people want to correct it because they want a smile that isn’t just straight and beautiful, but also optimally functional. Crooked teeth are also harder to keep clean, which can lead to dental problems.
While traditional orthodontic solutions like braces have been an answer to crooked teeth for quite some time, clear aligners like Invisalign have surged in popularity recently due to their discreet nature and often shorter treatment timelines. Porcelain veneers can sometimes be used to address the issue; however, keep in mind that veneers do not actually straighten teeth, but rather, give them a straighter appearance.
About the Practice
The Texas Dentistry team has proudly served patients and families in the Terrell, TX community for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Anne Lindley, Dr. Thanh Tran, and Dr. Victoria DeLeon. Their practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic dental bonding, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up an appointment, feel free to visit their website or call them today for additional information. Telephone: (972) 563-9444.