theartofsmiles.com

If you hate your smile, you're not alone. Many people seek out a dentist to fix imperfections in their smile. Smile makeovers come in a variety of forms, and there are many options to fix the things you hate about your smile. There are several considerations for a smile makeover, but your dentist will find the best options for you during a consultation.

Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is pretty inevitable. Tooth discoloration comes from years of eating, drinking, coffee, and smoking. Once teeth become yellowed, it's hard to brush away the stains. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have become the key way to replace old, yellowed teeth. Teeth whitening bleaches away the discoloration. Porcelain veneers are a covering that takes teeth whitening a step further and resists future yellowing, and they remove any gaps or chips in natural teeth.

Alignment and Spacing

Alignment and spacing can be handled with a new age technique called Invisalign, or more generally called invisible braces. This system is similar to conventional braces except it is a clear covering that pulls teeth together. Invisalign is also removable during activities such as sleeping, eating, or any other social engagement.

Chips and Gaps

Some accidents and mishaps can cause chips and gaps. These aren't fixed by simple braces. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding can fix the chips from broken teeth. Dental implants fix larger spacing issues created from issues caused by things such as missing teeth or severely broken teeth.

Fuller Lips and a Better Smile

Finally, cosmetic dentistry for missing or chipped teeth ultimately gives you fuller lips, bigger smile, and a better looking smile overall. See your dentist for the best option that is right for you. Many affordable ways to give you a smile makeover are available. All it takes is one short consultation from a professional dentist.

In-office teeth whitening is the best method for improving the aesthetic appearance of neglected, yellowed teeth. Results can be very dramatic and long-lasting, but undergoing the procedure will require some guidance from your dental professional. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about in-office teeth whitening.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth enamel is actually a porous tissue that over time can absorb pigments from the food you eat and beverages you drink. Cutting down on tea, soda, coffee, and wine can greatly reduce the amount of discoloration you experience. However, aging and gradual discoloration can occur from eating normal foods as well.

How will I prepare my teeth for in-office teeth whitening?

Typically, you will schedule a consultation with your dental professional before undergoing any whitening procedure. Your dentist will conduct an exam and ensure your teeth are healthy enough for the chemicals used in the whitening. A cleaning is also often performed before the whitening, so scheduling the procedure at the same time as your normal checkup may be best.

Why is in-office teeth whitening better than in-home methods?

In-office teeth whitening procedures provide far more dramatic results that last much longer than any treatment you may find in your local pharmacy. This is due to the stronger levels of peroxide and bleach that are able to be used, but are not allowed to be sold over-the-counter.

Is the procedure safe?

In-office teeth whitening is very safe, as recent advancements have allowed for bleaching solutions that limit irritation in the gums and mouth.

What type of discoloration will in-office teeth whitening procedures be ineffective in treating?

Tooth discoloration resulting from long-term antibiotic use during dental development is typically not treatable with in-office teeth whitening procedures. Inorganic stains or discolored teeth resulting from trauma are also not typically ideal candidates for the procedure. If this is the case for your teeth, you may want to consider porcelain veneers instead. Other types of discolorations which will not respond to an in-office teeth whitening treatment include those resulting from overexposure to fluoride. Also, the front teeth may become translucent in older age, and this cannot be fixed with a whitening treatment.

With all of the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, it is possible to get a complete smile makeover, with porcelain veneers and various other cosmetic and restorative treatments. With whiter, straighter, cleaner teeth, a smile can be a thing of beauty, and produce a dramatic and positive change in a person's appearance. Typically, a patient who is interested in a complete smile makeover will have a consultation with a dentist first, in order to evaluate the current state of the patient's teeth, and to determine an effective course of action. At this time, the dentist may also look at problems with cavities, gums, bite and issues below the gum line as well. If there is restorative dental work to be done, this will most likely be incorporated into the treatment that is prescribed by the cosmetic dentist. One of the benefits of the complete smile makeover procedure is a potentially significant savings in terms of both time and money. A comprehensive treatment plan can be mapped out all at once by the cosmetic dentist, which will alleviate any redundant procedures. This method will also ensure that whatever work is done will cover the most positive ground in terms of adding beauty and functionality to the patient's teeth. Further, the patient will know that the most cost effective measures were taken in order to accomplish whatever goals are agreed upon in the initial consultation. Nothing will be done twice, nor will steps be taken out of order. Patients may also be able to have the entire smile makeover done in a few short visits, rather than dragging the work out over an intensive and long schedule. Lastly, the complete smile makeover gives the dentist the opportunity to incorporate the new dental work fully, matching the color from tooth to tooth, and from new dental work to existing natural teeth. With this added benefit, the smile is guaranteed to be uniform in brightness, whiteness and alignment. During the treatment process, the dentist may opt to use porcelain veneers, tooth whitening methods, porcelain crowns, inlays or onlays, orthodontic realignment of the teeth and to deal with issues pertaining to TMJ problems, which affect the jaw. The cosmetic dentist will restore whiteness to discolored teeth, and completeness to chipped and cracked teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of a patient's smile.