Effective & Simple Options for Correcting Minor Cosmetic Dental Concerns
Your smile is often one of the first things someone will notice about you, but if you have even minor dental concerns you may be hiding that smile from others because you are a little self-conscious. Rather than keeping those pearly whites under wraps, there might be a simple procedure to correct minor cosmetic issues without getting a major dental procedure. Here are some of the most common ones to ask your dentist about.
Cosmetic Bonding
Many people with minor imperfections—like a chipped tooth, a small fracture, or a little space between teeth—avoid getting these things fixed because they think it will require a significant dental intervention or procedure, but cosmetic bonding is a great option. Your dentist uses a tooth-colored plastic resin to repair your tooth or correct the imperfection. The material immediately bonds to your existing tooth, then it’s blended and shaped to match your teeth. It can be done in a single visit, in most cases you won’t even need anesthesia, and you procedure is done in under an hour.
ClearCorrect™ Orthodontics
Crooked teeth are another thing that many people feel self-conscious about, but as an adult you may not want metal braces. ClearCorrect™ Orthodontics straighten teeth slowly over time using clear aligners. After you and the dentist create a plan, you’ll get a set of aligners that you switch out at regular intervals (usually every few weeks) until your teeth are straight. It’s discreet, and you can take out the retainers whenever you need to for cleaning or just because you don’t want your aligners in at the time.
Lumineers®
You have probably heard about veneers, and perhaps you worried that it was too expensive or would require too much work. Lumineers® give you a similar look, but it’s less invasive and often less expensive. These cosmetic coatings are installed on top of your natural teeth to cover minor cosmetic flaws, like chipped teeth or discoloration. They are thinner than veneers so it doesn’t require as much prep work, they can last 10 to 20 years, and since the dentist won’t need to grind down the front of your teeth to apply them (as they would with veneers), you can remove them later if you change your mind.
Teeth Whitening
Sometimes all you need to have a brighter, more beautiful smile is teeth whitening. Over the years your teeth can start to look yellow or gray as a result of:
- Aging
- Food and drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and wine
- Medications
- Excessive exposure to fluoride
- Smoking or tobacco use
If you are hiding your smile as a result of yellowing, stained, or discolored teeth, a simple whitening procedure can give you a smile you are proud to show off.
Having a beautiful smile can significantly improve your life, providing you with more confidence in your dating life, your career, and your social relationship. Contact Young Family Dental today to learn how easy it can be to improve your smile if you have only minor cosmetic concerns.