When you smile at yourself in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? If you are bothered by the appearance of your teeth, there are plenty of cosmetic dental solutions available to help you achieve pearly whites you are proud to show off. However, not every procedure is right for everyone. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures and who they can help.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed on the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to correct imperfections. The great thing about veneers is that they can transform numerous aspects of your smile at the same time. They were ideal for those with bigger cosmetic imperfections, like teeth that are chipped, gapped, discolored, or slightly misaligned. If you are looking for a dramatic change, veneers are an excellent solution. Lumineers are also available. They are thinner, so they don’t require any alteration of the enamel.
Direct Bonding
Direct bonding is a procedure that is used to correct small flaws, like teeth that are slightly gapped, chipped, broken, or stained. First, your dentist will apply an etching solution. Then they use composite resin and sculpt it on your tooth. This procedure can usually be completed during a single visit and is one of the most affordable cosmetic options. If you have minor imperfections in your smile, this is likely the best solution for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into a more aligned position. Older teens and adults can all make good candidates for Invisalign. You may not be a good candidate for Invisalign if you have severe misalignment issues that would require a lot of rotation, if your teeth are small, or if you aren’t ready to commit to wearing aligners for 22 hours each day.
Teeth Whitening
It is natural for teeth to become discolored as one ages. That being said, discoloration is still one of the most common reasons why patients are insecure about the appearance of their teeth. Over-the-counter whitening treatments offer little to no results and can be damaging when overused or used incorrectly. With professional in-office teeth whitening, you can achieve a smile 8 shades brighter in a single visit. Alternatively, you could opt for a professional take-home whitening kit and achieve dramatic results in just a couple of weeks. Your dentist will examine your smile to ensure that you are a good candidate. Teeth whitening may not be right for you if you have existing oral health issues, like cavities or gum disease.
You don’t need to settle for a smile that makes you feel self-conscious. By working with your cosmetic dentist, you can achieve a grin that you are proud to put on display!
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed earned his dental doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has completed several post-graduate courses focused on many subjects, including Invisalign. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in Jacksonville, visit his website or call (904) 748-4900.