Did you know that more than 30% of Americans are not happy with the way their smile looks? If you tend to feel self-conscious about your pearly whites and want to fix them, then you might consider undergoing cosmetic dentistry. With one or more of these procedures, you’ll be able to achieve your dream smile in no time. Read on to learn about four of the most common cosmetic dental flaws and their treatments!
#1: Stained Teeth
Dental discoloration is both common and natural. Over time, years of exposing your teeth to dark-pigmented foods and drinks will typically make them appear more yellow. Even so, this doesn’t mean you have to settle for a smile you aren’t proud of. By undergoing professional teeth whitening, you can effectively blast away stubborn stains in as little as two weeks. While you might be tempted to opt for store-bought kits, your dentist will provide the powerful and safe bleaching agents you need to achieve a bright and comfortable smile.
#2: Chipped Teeth
If you have one or multiple chips on your teeth, feel free to speak with your dental team about your cosmetic options. With minor damages, your dentist can offer dental bonding to repair and sculpt your pearly whites to your desired results. If the injury is more severe, then you might consider getting veneers or metal-free dental crowns to improve and strengthen your teeth.
#3: Crooked Teeth
Having crooked or even overlapped teeth can be detrimental to your oral health and your self-confidence. If you aren’t able to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct your misalignment, then you can opt for veneers instead! These super-thin porcelain shells can change the size, shape, and color of your smile while also making it appear straighter.
#4: Misshapen Teeth
Although this condition is rarely discussed, misshapen teeth are one of the most common dental flaws people struggle with. Whether yours are too large or too small, two of the best procedures to address this issue are cosmetic dental bonding and veneers. By using composite resin, your dentist can improve the shape of your teeth in just a single visit with results that can last several years. On the other hand, veneers can correct more “severe” cases and can go as far as 15 years or more with proper care.
If you’re struggling with one or more of these dental imperfections, feel free to consult your dentist about cosmetic dentistry. They’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and determine the best way to help you achieve a smile you can be proud of!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard earned his dental degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. He has well over three decades of experience under his belt and is also a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. He provides a wide variety of advanced and all-inclusive services, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, metal-free restorations, and veneers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 858-451-0550.