Your self confidence can be dramatically affected by an improved smile. An attractive smile can also often provide opportunities otherwise not available. Sadly, millions cope with missing, misaligned, or discolored teeth, hiding their embarrassment behind closed lipped smiles so others don't notice. Unfortunately, a person's personality can be affected by a less than perfect smile.
Today, more people than ever before rely on the services of a cosmetic dentist to fix tooth problems, improving their smile. This article provides an overview of procedures that can dramatically improve your smile.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, teeth can become stained and discolored. Tiny micro fissures form in the enamel that allows foods and beverages to contribute to the problem. A cosmetic dentist can offer a few options that include an office procedure using a strong bleaching agent. You can also have a customized tray designed that you can use to whiten your teeth at home. It is less expensive than the office procedure, but it takes longer since the bleach is less potent than that used by a cosmetic dentist.
Bonding
Cost effective and low maintenance, bonding is also fast as an entire procedure can typically be completed in an hour. In this procedure, a cosmetic dentist prepares a composite resin that he applies to teeth that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in some way. Mixed to match the surrounding tooth color, the resin provides a natural looking smile.
The surface enamel of the tooth is roughened by etching before a liquid is used that conditions your tooth, preparing it for the bonding resin. After applying and molding the resin, a UV light hardens it. Lastly, the resin is shaped and polished so it matches the rest of your smile.
Recontouring
Enamel recontouring, or reshaping, is usually done to modify the length or contours of a tooth. This fast and painless procedure is effective for correcting minor problems. For example, if small crevices have formed in the enamel where tartar collects, recontouring the enamel is a great solution. However, this procedure is not appropriate for severe imperfections or for chipped or cracked teeth.
Crowns
When there is an alignment problem or decay sets into a tooth, crowns can compensate for the space. With substantial decay, a filling can't strengthen the affected tooth sufficiently. A metal, ceramic, or porcelain crown is strong. It can more effectively support the integrity of a damaged tooth.
A cosmetic dentist will usually file the tooth to make enough room for the crown placement. Next, he'll make an impression of both the affected and the biting tooth to ensure the crown is a perfect fit. This impression is then sent to a laboratory where they make a crown specially designed for the patient.
Veneers
An easy solution for correcting chipped, damaged, or discolored teeth, veneers can also work to improve minor alignment or spacing problems. Similar to the procedure of bonding, a cosmetic dentist uses a composite resin to prepare a shell that is then applied directly to the front of an affected tooth as a great alternative to placing a crown.
There are many procedures that can improve the appearance of your smile. The best way to ensure you make the appropriate choice is to consult a cosmetic dentist. With a quick consultation and an easy procedure, you have an attractive smile that will lead you toward success.
Author Resource:-
Christine O'Kelly writes professional dentistry articles for the Southfield Family Dental Center, a cosmetic dentist in Detroit. Invisalign, veneers, and bridges are specialties of this experienced dental group. They also offer teeth whitening in Detroit as well as other cosmetic procedures.
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