Are your teeth holding you back from sharing your smile with the world? While it’s common for dental flaws to make you feel insecure, the great news is that you don’t have to hide that gorgeous grin with the help of cosmetic dentistry. Here are a few popular treatments that can help give you the dazzling white smile of your dreams!
Discolored or Stained Teeth
One of the most common complaints patients have about their smile is the color of their teeth. Whether they’ve changed color with time or due to medication, diet, or smoking, your porous tooth enamel is notorious for becoming discolored. The good news is that there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help, including:
- Veneers: These thin porcelain prosthetics fit over the teeth like a shell, changing everything from their shape and size to their color. Plus, because they’re stain resistant, they will keep your teeth looking their best for up to 20 years!
- Professional teeth whitening: This treatment can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about an hour with an in-office procedure and about two weeks with a custom take-home kit.
- Dental bonding: This treatment can cover teeth that are deeply stained, cracked, or chipped, all the while blending in naturally with the rest of your smile.
Gummy Smile
A gummy smile may make your teeth look too small and can even make it harder to keep your mouth healthy, leaving you at a higher risk of developing painful oral health problems like periodontal disease. Gum recontouring removes excess gum tissue, making your teeth appear larger and your smile bolder, all the while making it easier to prevent infections like gum disease.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth can make eating uncomfortable and smiling embarrassing. The good news is that there are many ways to correct this problem, including:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding can rebuild chipped or cracked teeth using the same materials your dentist uses for tooth-colored fillings. This means that they will not only look great, but your restored teeth will be fully functional, too!
- Veneers: Because they fit over your existing teeth like a cap, they can be used to repair damage like chips or cracks.
Crooked or Gapped Teeth
It used to be that if you had crooked or gapped teeth, you’d need to get lengthy orthodontic treatments like braces to correct them. The great news is that today there are a lot more options for patients who are, well, impatient.
- Candid Pro Clear Aligners: These discreet, clear plastic trays fit over the teeth and gradually move them to a more desirable position. Though this treatment can take up to 18 months, it is widely considered much more comfortable and much faster than traditional braces. Best of all, your results are permanent.
- Veneers: These prosthetics have earned the nickname “instant orthodontics” because of their unique ability to close gaps in smiles and make teeth appear more evenly spaced. Veneers are great for patients with minor spacing issues, and the entire treatment can be completed within about two weeks!
Noticeable Metal Restorations
Do you have old metal fillings that stand out when you open your mouth to eat or speak? Don’t let dated restorations cause you unnecessary embarrassment. Tooth-colored fillings use durable, natural-looking composite resin to repair damage from cavities and decay, all the while blending seamlessly into your smile!
Remember, there’s no reason to be insecure or unhappy with your smile! If you’re ready to get the gorgeous glowing grin of your dreams, speak to your dentist about how cosmetic dentistry can help!
About Dr. Lam
Dr. Vincent Lam earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and his Master of Science in biology from the University of California, San Diego before pursuing his dental doctorate at Temple University in Philadelphia. Passionate about continuing education, Dr. Lam has taken advanced courses in CEREC same-day restorations, oral sedation, dental implant placement, and a variety of other smile making treatments. If you’re interested in improving your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, please schedule a consultation with Seahurst Smiles of Burien by visiting our website or calling us at 206-242-4477.