Almost everyone has some imperfection in their smile that they would like to resolve, and cosmetic dentistry has allowed countless patients to achieve gorgeous new grins. Many common dental flaws can be addressed with aesthetic procedures that can whiten, repair, and reshape your teeth into beautiful new states. Here’s a brief overview of a few of the most common smile defects and how cosmetic dentistry can address them.
Chips, Cracks, and Scratches
The teeth endure a lot of pressure during the chewing process, and this stress can occasionally result in unsightly chips, cracks, scratches, and uneven wear. To make matters worse, poor oral habits like chewing on ice or inedible objects and using one’s smile to open packages or bottles often result in sudden and conspicuous dental damage. Enamel defects can often be addressed with treatments like:
- Veneers: These thin ceramic shells that mimic the ideal appearance of natural enamel are designed to be permanently fitted over troubled teeth, and they can completely transform a smile in as few as two appointments.
- Metal-free dental crowns: These ceramic caps are a lot like veneers, but they are typically applied to the back teeth rather than those in front. Unlike traditional crowns, these restorations incorporate no metal so they can provide superior comfort and a lifelike appearance.
- Cosmetic dental bonding: This treatment can be completed in minutes during a routine checkup, and it can repair minor damage like chips and cracks with beautiful restorations that can last for several years. The procedure is completely painless and involves no anesthesia or recovery time, so it can be especially great for busy patients.
Stains and Discoloration
Teeth can develop unsightly stains and discoloration due to factors like age, genetic conditions, dental injuries, and frequent exposure to richly colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, colored candies, dark sauces, and berries. While veneers, dental crowns, and cosmetic dental bonding can all address this issue, your dentist may recommend professional teeth whitening as the best way to brighten your grin.
Professional teeth whitening treatments use customized dental trays designed to fit the patient’s teeth perfectly and professional-grade whitening gel to ensure remarkable results. This technique can be administered through an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks. In either case, your dental stains will be lifted and your teeth will be up to eight shades whiter.
Don’t let treatable dental defects make you less willing to show off your beautiful grin. Consulting with your cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best ways to enhance your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Hong earned her dental degree at the University of Toronto and completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Temple University. She is proud to be a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Morgan Hill provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dental services. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact her office online or dial (408) 763-3008.