If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you’re not the only one. Many people want to enhance the visual appeal of their teeth – that’s how cosmetic dentistry was born! This treatment umbrella includes a solution for most if not every dental aesthetic blemish you can imagine. Explore these four common issues to see just how versatile and effective cosmetic dentistry can be.
#1. Dental Stains
If you frequently enjoy darkly colored treats like coffee and berries or don’t brush and floss as often as you should, then your teeth may appear more yellow than other people you know. It’s easy to forget that the surface of your teeth can stain just as easily as the surface of your countertops!
When increased oral hygiene efforts aren’t enough to dislodge unwanted color pigments, you can visit your dentist for an in-office or take-home whitening treatment. Rest assured, the results will be far more dramatic than what you would get with “whitening” toothpaste or other DIY methods.
#2. Visible Dental Damage
Now, severe chips and cracks often have to be restored with a dental crown. But let’s say you have minor dental damage that doesn’t require extra protection. Visible fractures can still be an aesthetic nuisance!
In this case, it’s worth asking your dentist about dental bonding. The tooth-colored resin used for this treatment can be precisely sculpted to conceal cracks and fill in chips. In as little time as one hour, you’ll have a perfectly seamless smile.
#3. Small Gaps & Uneven Alignments
Similarly, you might not want to go through an entire orthodontic treatment just to correct small gaps or even out slightly crooked teeth. Instead of getting braces or Invisalign, you can make your pearly whites appear perfectly aligned with dental veneers. In fact, these thin, porcelain shells can hide multiple dental blemishes at once, making them ideal for a comprehensive smile makeover.
#4. Glaring Metal Restorations
Metal fillings and crowns can attract attention, but probably not for the reasons you want! If you’d rather not have an obvious glare in your grin, you can get tooth-colored crowns or fillings that will be shade-matched to blend in with the rest of your teeth. No one will know the difference between your natural pearly whites and your inorganic dental work.
Smile cosmetics are a common concern, and fortunately, your dentist has many different ways to enhance your teeth. They’ll help you determine the best option for your unique situation and guide you towards your dream look!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin is a proud member of the American Academy of General Dentistry and has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years. He offers many different cosmetic dentistry treatments for patients looking to enhance their smile aesthetics, including all of the options mentioned in this list. If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Bartlesville, contact Dr. Lumpkin’s office and schedule a consultation at (918) 205-7083.