Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to report feelings of depression and anxiety and are less likely to want to socially engage with others? Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so if yours is riddled with imperfections, it’s natural to worry about how others will perceive you. Thankfully, your dentist can help enhance your appearance with various cosmetic services to boost your confidence. Continue reading to learn about 3 common issues and how your provider can address them!
Flaw #1: Discoloration
Years of consuming dark foods and drinks can leave your teeth looking more yellow or brown than white. You might feel tempted to head to the nearest grocery store or pharmacy to find over-the-counter solutions, but you might not get the desired results. Furthermore, many commercially available products contain abrasive bleaching agents that can wear down your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
To avoid all this, you can get professional whitening with your dentist. They have access to professional quality gels that can lighten your teeth by several shades in a single hour-long appointment. Plus, their formulas include ingredients to preclude any potential discomfort.
Flaw #2: Chips and Cracks
If a simple whitening procedure isn’t enough to help improve the condition of your grin, don’t worry! Other aesthetic issues like chips, cracks, gaps, and slightly crooked teeth can be addressed with veneers. These thin, porcelain shells are attached to the front surface of your pearly whites to hide any pesky defects. Plus, they are color-matched to your natural hue, so no one can tell the difference.
However, for these covers to align correctly with your gums, your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel (usually no thicker than a contact lens). It won’t grow back, so your teeth will be permanently altered and will require a veneer or another restoration to shield them from harm. Thankfully, veneers can last 20+ years with the right care, so you can rest easy knowing that your smile is safe.
Flaw #3: Misshapen Teeth
If your pearly whites look too large or small compared to the others, they can appear imbalanced. For example, if they’re shorter than their neighbors, your dentist can make them look larger by recontouring your gums. When they remove some of the excess tissue, they can help your teeth look more even. If that’s insufficient, they can also apply cosmetic dental bonding to lengthen your crown. For this method, they’ll apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin that they mold into an ideal shape. Then, they harden it in place with a special ultraviolet curing light so that it bonds to your enamel and can last more than 10 years.
As you can see, there are many ways your dentist can boost your confidence by giving you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted!
About the Practice
At Waterford Dental Group, you and your family benefit from a team of highly experienced dentists that offer a full range of services under one roof, including cosmetic dentistry. Whether you require a basic checkup and cleaning or require more extensive work, they have multiple general, pediatric, and specialty dentists that can help. They utilize state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable environment to enhance patient comfort and offer fully individualized solutions to meet your needs. If you’re interested in a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (925) 803-5888.