How to Know if Cosmetic Dental Work is Right for You

April 15, 2014

cosmetic dentistA recent survey reported that 99.7% of Americans believe that an attractive smile is a necessary social asset. However, many of us don’t believe that we have perfect teeth, so we may hide our smiles from the world. This can hinder us in important situations, such as job interviews or first dates. If you believe that the quality of your smile isn’t up to par, there is hope: the various procedures included in cosmetic dental work can give you that world class smile, so you won’t fear social situations ever again.

Not sure what you may need? Ask yourself the following questions, and see if one or more of these procedures is right for you by visiting a cosmetic dentist for a consultation.

Are my teeth discolored or stained?

Many of us have stains on our teeth from drinking coffee and soda or from smoking cigarettes, and we can benefit from one of several teeth whitening procedures. Teeth whitening is the most popular type of cosmetic dental work in the United States. While there are plenty of over-the-counter remedies available, having your teeth whitened in-office can produce immediate results.

Another method to brighten a smile and restore any damaged or chipped teeth as well is to opt for porcelain veneers. Veneers use a thin layer of dental porcelain, which covers the front of the tooth and can fill in any gaps or chips. This method costs more than typical chemical teeth whitening prices, but the results can last for several years.

Are my teeth crooked?

Some of us went through adolescence with braces or retainers to straighten our teeth. Others may have missed this opportunity, or circumstances such as the development of wisdom teeth may have moved our teeth out of alignment. If your teeth are crooked, you can work with a cosmetic dentist who uses orthodontic methods such as metal or “invisible” braces to straighten your teeth. Invisible braces are popular among older patients, and they use discreet plastic molds to move teeth.

Are my teeth damaged?

Our teeth can chip and break due to accidents or even eating something difficult to chew. Those with damaged teeth can restore them with crowns and other types of fillings to repair damage. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are an excellent replacement for metal fillings or a more attractive solution for cavities that need filling. As mentioned previously, veneers are another way to fill in missing parts of a damaged tooth.

Are my teeth missing?

You generally have two options for missing teeth: dentures and dental implants. Dentures (which can include partial dentures or bridges) are a removable way to mask the appearance of missing teeth. Dental implants, which can include partial or full dental implants, are inserted into the jaw and have the realistic appearance of natural teeth.

If you answered “yes” to one of more of these questions, be sure to find a cosmetic dentist who can perform these procedures for you soon. With an affordable dentist who performs cosmetic dental work, you can be smiling again in no time.

A woman is smiling in front of the ocean while wearing sunglasses.

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