Smiles can be greatly enhanced with the help of aesthetic dentistry. Here are some of the most popular procedures.
Aesthetic dentistry provides many techniques for improving a flawed smile. In the old days,
dentists cleaned teeth, filled cavities, pulled teeth and fitted patients with dentures. Today, a whole new world in dentistry has opened up to the cosmetic aspects of pearly whites.
Cosmetic treatments aren’t just for looks, either. It’s been proven that the way a person feels about his or her appearance will have a profound impact on his or her quality of life. This is especially true of teeth, gums and mouths. We use our oral structures to talk, smile, laugh, eat and even show affection by kissing. If ours are unsightly, we may keep our mouths shut and be perceived as shy, having nothing to say, lackluster, standoffish or cold. Ugly choppers cost people jobs, promotions, friends, companionship and even love. Here are some treatments that the aesthetic dentist can do to improve flawed structures:
- Whitening: Tooth enamel may become yellow or dingy gray due to old age, smoking cigarettes, drinking black tea, coffee or red wine. Dentists can brighten and whiten the enamel with bleaching techniques such as using strips, gels, and liquids. Toothpastes have bleaching agents which may be used at home, too.
-Straightening: There are various methods for straightening misalignment including braces and Invisalign. Crooked teeth not only look unsightly, they also may result in lost structures, inability to eat certain foods and jaw pain. Orthodontists often work hand in hand with dentists in order to provide this service at general or cosmetic practices.
Children as young as age 7 or 8 are going in for their first orthodontist appointments in order to achieve highly successful results. Adults and teens are able to achieve successful straightening, too, but the older a person gets, the less flexible their oral structures are. Straightening devices come in an array of options, too, such as nearly invisible, colorful bands and designer styles in brackets – all of which can make having teeth straightened downright stylish.
-Veneers: Veneers are covering devices that hide flawed surfaces such as discolored enamel, jagged edges and some gaps. These products may be made from porcelain which requires some reduction in the structure or they may be paper thin and easier to apply or remove.
-Caps or crowns: Caps and crowns can be placed over broken or weak structures in order to provide strength, durability and protection for the tooth. This are sometimes placed after a root canal. They are made of natural looking and durable materials.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are a cutting edge technique for tooth replacement. Instead of using dentures or a partial bridge, implants are affixed using titanium. A doctor in Europe made the discovery that titanium offers an extremely durable bond to bone. Dentists used this discovery to create this newest method of prosthetics.
Aesthetic dentistry offers every individual the chance to be proud of his or her smile. For information about what can be done to improve your oral structures, making an appointment would be smart.
