A healthy smile can boost your confidence, but concerns about the appearance of your teeth can sometimes make you hesitant to smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of treatments designed to address common aesthetic concerns. Depending on your goals and the condition of your teeth, your dentist can recommend an approach that creates a more balanced, attractive smile. Here are 4 common cosmetic dental problems and treatments that may help.
1. Stained or Discolored Teeth
Teeth naturally become darker over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and certain foods can contribute to staining. Aging and some medications can also affect tooth color.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments for discoloration. Your dentist may offer in-office whitening or provide custom take-home trays. Whitening can brighten natural tooth enamel, although it may not change the color of existing fillings, crowns or veneers. For discoloration that does not respond well to whitening, veneers may be another option.
2. Chipped or Uneven Teeth
Small chips, worn edges and minor imperfections can make teeth appear uneven. They can result from accidents, teeth grinding or everyday wear.
Dental bonding can often correct minor cosmetic imperfections. During bonding, a tooth-colored composite material is applied and shaped to improve the tooth’s appearance. For more extensive cosmetic concerns, porcelain veneers or crowns may be recommended, depending on the amount of tooth structure affected.
3. Gaps Between Teeth
Small spaces between teeth are another common cosmetic concern. While some gaps are simply a natural feature of a person’s smile, others may develop because of changes in tooth position or missing teeth.
Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign clear aligners can gradually move teeth closer together. For certain small gaps, cosmetic bonding or veneers may provide an alternative. The best option depends on the size and location of the gap and whether there are underlying bite or oral health concerns.
4. Misshapen or Small Teeth
Teeth that appear unusually small, short or irregularly shaped can affect the proportions of a smile. Sometimes a tooth’s shape is simply a natural characteristic, while other times wear, damage or developmental factors may be involved.
Dental bonding can reshape some teeth without removing significant amounts of enamel. Porcelain veneers can provide a more extensive cosmetic transformation by changing the shape, size and color of selected teeth. In some cases, crowns may be appropriate when a tooth also needs significant structural protection.
During a cosmetic consultation, discuss what you would like to change about your smile and what you hope to achieve. Your dentist can explain your options, expected results, maintenance requirements and how long each treatment may last.
About the Practice
Need a reason to smile? Cosmetic dental treatments can change how you feel about your look and have you eager to take pictures again! Sage Dental Care in Reno offers a variety of services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, and more. Contact us online to learn more or call (775) 677-0790.