Cosmetic Dentistry: What is It, and When to Go?
Cosmetic dentistry is the way to go if you feel insecure or self-conscious about your smile. Cosmetic dentistry involves using different dental procedures and techniques to repair and give you a better smile. Whether your teeth are discolored, stained, broken, chipped, weakened, gapped, or misaligned, you can get a better smile through cosmetic dental practice.
The first step to renewing your smile is to visit a cosmetic dentist near you for an exam. The dentist will examine your mouth and develop a customized treatment solution for your condition. Since dental flaws vary from patient to patient, the treatment plans and duration of the cosmetic treatments also vary. Some cosmetic treatments may involve more than one procedure and appointment and last for days, weeks, months, or years.
Common Dental Flaws Addressed by Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’re wondering how cosmetic treatments can enhance your smile, below are common dental flaws resolved with cosmetic dentistry, along with the cosmetic procedures used:
- Stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth
Teeth stains or discoloration is a common concern among millions of people. Dental trauma, old age, staining-causing foods and beverages, smoking, acidic foods and drinks, certain medications, and poor dental hygiene are critical factors behind teeth stains. While a dull or stained smile doesn’t always mean you’re unhealthy, it can make you feel less attractive.
On the contrary, a bright smile makes you feel good about yourself, boosting your self-esteem and making you happier, which is excellent for your mental and overall well-being. Depending on the severity of the stains or discoloration, your dentist can use the following procedures to give you a whiter and flawless smile:
- Teeth whitening – perfect for lighter and external stains or discoloration
- Dental veneers – ideal when teeth stains won’t respond to whitening methods
- Dental crowns – ideal for severe teeth stains or discoloration
- Missing teeth
Undoubtedly, smiling with teeth gaps isn’t always attractive. Even worse, missing teeth can affect your bite and speech abilities, cause misalignments, and lead to jawbone resorption, all of which are harmful to your oral health. Depending on your budget and the number of missing teeth, your dentist will likely recommend replacing the teeth with:
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Uneven or misshapen teeth
A disproportional smile makes you look unhealthy, unattractive, or older. Uneven or misshapen teeth can result from several factors such as dental trauma, genetics, or tooth grinding. A dentist can examine your smile and bite and create a treatment solution to repair your smile. Commonly used treatments include:
- Dental veneers
- Cosmetic bonding
- Inlays and Onlays
- Recontouring (shaving of the tooth’s enamel)
- Cracked, chipped, worn-out, or broken teeth
Even when a cracked or chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it looks unattractive and unhealthy. Still, it can cause numerous complications such as cavities and tooth decay. The damage can also worsen, increasing the risk of losing the tooth. Quick treatment is needed to restore the tooth’s health and prevent further damage if the tooth is damaged.
Standard procedures for addressing a damaged tooth include:
- Dental veneers
- Cosmetic bonding
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Filling
- Tooth extractions and dental implants (ideal when the tooth is beyond saving)
- Teeth gaps and misalignments
Besides affecting your smile, gapped and crooked teeth can affect your bite and oral hygiene. For instance, crooked teeth are hard to clean, making you susceptible to cavities and gum disease. If your teeth are crooked or poorly gapped, you can benefit from a beautiful, healthy, and straighter smile through cosmetic dentistry.
To fix your smile, you have several options, including:
- Dental veneers for minor misalignments and teeth gaps
- Traditional braces
- Invisalign
- Cosmetic bonding for teeth gaps
When to seek cosmetic dentistry
There isn’t a perfect time for cosmetic treatment. The right moment to fix your smile is now. Contact our Mississauga cosmetic dentist today to begin your journey to a healthier and better smile.
Caring for your smile after cosmetic dentistry
To care for and maintain your new smile, keep in mind the following tips:
- Floss and brush daily.
- Use a sports guard during contact sports.
- Wear a nightguard for bruxism.
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods and beverages.
- Eat healthier and hydrate well.
- Schedule frequent dental exams and cleanings.
- Avoid damaging habits such as smoking and using teeth to open or cut things.
- Use the right dental products.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry in Mississauga, ON? Contact Dr. Jeff Levman – Mississauga, ON, to book your appointment today.