Aesthetic flaws in your teeth can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. If you feel self-conscious about your dental condition, you’re less likely to engage in social activities for fear of being judged. This can lead to less rewarding relationships and fewer professional or educational opportunities.
Thankfully, your dentist provides several cosmetic services to upgrade your grin and boost your confidence, but many patients aren’t sure where to start. Continue reading to learn more about 3 common concerns and how they’re addressed!
Issue #1: Dental Discoloration
One easy way to enhance your appearance is with professional teeth whitening. Years of eating and drinking darkly pigmented foods can tint your smile more yellow or brown than pearly white. Over-the-counter products contain diluted bleaching agents that can cause sensitivity, but your dentist has professional-grade supplies for worry-free whitening.
A single in-office visit can potentially lighten your grin by up to eight shades for instant results. If you prefer, you can also request a take-home kit that includes ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential discomfort and custom-fitted trays for optimal application from your living room.
However, topical treatments may be ineffective if your stains have seeped into or originated below the outermost layer of enamel. In that case, other options like veneers or dental bonding can mask imperfections to help you achieve the perfect shade.
Issue #2: Chips and Cracks
Chips and cracks can detract from your appearance and harm your dental health. Not only can they leave you feeling anxious about how you look, but bacteria can penetrate your enamel through the damage to cause disease or infection.
Before restoring your smile, you’ll need to consult with your dentist to ensure there’s been no additional harm. Then, they can mend the issue with cosmetic dental bonding, which involves shaping color-matched composite resin over your enamel and then hardening it with a special ultraviolet curing light.
If the blemishes are in an easy-to-see location, like in the front of your mouth, you might opt for veneers instead. These ceramic shells are also designed to look just like your natural teeth, and they are then bonded over the front surface to hide flaws.
Issue #3: Fine Lines in Your Face
Would you be surprised to learn that your dentist can administer BOTOX? These injections can be used for functional and cosmetic purposes, helping with everything from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) related jaw pain to facial wrinkles. If stress has added too many fine lines around your lips, chin, eyes, or forehead, you might start to look older than you feel.
Fortunately, your dentist can reverse the clock and help preserve a younger visage. Typically, treatment takes about 20 to 60 minutes, but the results can last anywhere from three to six months on average. Plus, there’s no surgery involved, so there’s no lengthy recovery, and the results look natural.
If you’re still unsure of the best way to upgrade your grin or what cosmetic dentistry can fix, the best way to get started is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Elwood Avenue Dental, you and your family benefit from two dedicated dentists with 40+ years of combined experience. Dr. Pracht and Dr. Salayta work together to offer a comprehensive menu of services under one roof to streamline your experience. They are members of the American Dental Association, among other professional organizations, so you know you’re receiving trustworthy care. They prioritize patient comfort, provide many relaxing amenities, and use state-of-the-art equipment for accurate treatment results. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (918) 299-2298.