“How Can I Improve My Smile?”
I can’t tell you how often I am asked this question. Truth be told, the road to smile enhancement can be simple or complicated and anywhere in between. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis. Let’s discus some of different modalities that we as dentists can apply to different situations. I will list them in order of most to least conservative.
Tooth whitening:
Very often, by simply whitening a patients teeth, there can be a dramatic change is their smile. If someone’s teeth are in good shape and in a good position, they can either have naturally dark tooth coloring or the color could change with age. There are three treatment options that can be utilized. First, there is take home whitening. A thin, comfortable, flexible custom tray is fabricated and the patient can place the whitening gel into the trays at home. There are some gels that are used anywhere from 15 minutes to all night while sleeping and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The second option is to have the whitening done in the dental office. A whitening gel is placed on the teeth over the course of an hour and then there is no further treatment other than regular maintenance. The third option, for those who want very white teeth, is something called deep bleaching which is a combination of the first two in a special technique developed by a whitening guru in California.
Orthodontics:
Orthodontics is an amazing modality that dramatically change a smile. Besides the functional benefits of orthodontic treatment, the esthetic changes can truly be outstanding. Some of the esthetic challenges that patients present with are crooked/crowded upper and lower teeth, gummy smiles and open bites. In profile, a patient can be seen as having a deficient or protruding chin and or upper lip. Narrow arches which give a narrow facial appearance can be widened. Orthodontics are not just limited to children. More and more adults and opting for orthodontics whether they be for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Veneers:
Veneers have been around for many years and they keep getting better. Veneers are a covering on the side of the teeth next to the lips and cheeks and sometimes wrap around to the tongue side of the teeth. The veneer can be made from a composite or porcelain material. Porcelain is more durable and will not change color. Veneers can change the shape, position and color of the teeth. They can be very conservative with regards to how much tooth structure needs to be removed depending on each case. Usually only two visits are required for a veneer case.
Crowns:
Crowns can also be a great solution for esthetic challenges. Crowns are used when greater changes need to be made to the tooth that cannot be achieved with the previously discussed techniques. Crowns can be made from porcelain fused to metal, all porcelain or Porcelain fused to Zirconia. Thanks to advances in technology, crowns that are highly esthetic and virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth can be fabricated.
Research has shown that one of the first things people notice when they meet someone new is their smile. Improving your appearance can create a positive first impression.
If you have any cosmetic concerns, ask your dentist what he or she can do for you, you won’t regret the improvement. Keep smiling and pass it on.
rechaviadental 