Your smile is one of the first things anyone notices in you. It defines not just your appearance but also your personality.

Having said that, what if you are unable to smile with confidence? It could be due to anything – yellow teeth caused by too much smoking or coffee, missing teeth from that one unfortunate accident, or even crooked, crowded and not-so-perfectly aligned teeth for which you have just your genes to blame! Luckily, we have gone past the age where these problems were unsolvable.

Cosmetic dentistry

With the advancements in Cosmetic Dentistry, it is now possible for you to re-do your smile. You can now sit with your dentist and voice your concerns or expectations, and they can help you design a smile that radiates confidence.

What can you change about your smile? It is recommended that you have a detailed conversation with your dentist about your worries and expectations. Depending on your dental hygiene and facial structure, they recommend needed treatments. These treatments may involve fixing or re-working on teeth and gum issues. Let us go one by one and learn about the different options a cosmetic dentist can offer as a part of your smile makeover.

Teeth colour – you can whiten your smile

Tooth discolouration is a common side-effect of one’s lifestyle. Food habits (including the consumption of caffeine, tea or alcohol) or continuous smoking can lead to staining of the teeth. Additionally, there can also be instances where the natural shade of your tooth seems rather dull. Whatever be the case, teeth whitening is a viable option to regain the whiteness of your teeth.

Teeth whitening begins with the dentist examining your tooth for any cavities or fillings that must be catered to before starting the treatment. This non-evasive treatment initially involves the removal of the top film of the teeth, which is usually residue from food and drinks. This is followed by a bleaching process that makes use of peroxide chemicals. The time required for this whitening agent to work depends on the severity of the discolouration.

Restore – veneers, crowns and bridges

Veneers, crowns, and bridges are all restoring treatments that can be opted for based on teeth condition. These three treatments can help repair damaged, missing or even discoloured teeth.

Veneers are generally used for cosmetic purposes. It is a porcelain shell fixed on the top of a tooth. It can be used to correct discolouration, crooked teeth, the gap between teeth or other alignment issues.

Crowns are used to cover up broken or damaged teeth. Crowns (or caps as they are generally referred to) is the last step in a root canal treatment. These crowns are made to look exactly like the tooth and provide a solid outer covering to the weak tooth.

Bridges are a popular solution for missing teeth. It is usually a set of three crowns wherein the adjoining teeth are used as anchors to uphold the bridging crown and fill in the gap.

Correct teeth alignment

Overcrowded or unevenly spaced teeth can cause difficulties in biting and chewing. Hence, it is always recommended that you check with your dentists regarding the optimum alignment requirement for your facial and jaw structure. That being said, a well-placed smile has a beauty of its own.

The usual treatment for correcting the alignment involves braces. Depending on the specific requirement of the patient, the braces and their treatment procedure may change. The most commonly used metal braces require dedicated attention at time intervals previously decided by your dentist. Invisalign clear aligners are also being used for patients with minor corrective needs, thereby lessening lifestyle difficulties.

Restore worn-out teeth

Wear and tear happen for our teeth too. Prolonged usage, grinding, chewing, or even certain food and lifestyle patterns may cause the enamel to wear off. While looks may be our initial concern, a weak enamel will also eventually cause difficulties in biting and cause pain. Reclamation will surely improve your smile and fix visible dental and jaw irregularities.

The treatment involves using fillings to reclaim the size and shape of the teeth. Anaesthetics are administered so that there is discomfort for the dental nerves during the filling process. The treatment duration and interval depend on the severity of the damage. You will be advised to take better oral care and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Gum – shaping and contouring

A smile is not just about the teeth. Gums have a huge role to play in the beauty of your smile. Some people may have a gummy smile, where too much of your gum becomes visible. This could be because of the jaw structure, small teeth or other gum issues. In a few others, too much of the teeth part will be visible, meaning under-exposure for gums. In both cases, gum shaping and contouring is viable treatment.

Gum contouring is a cosmetic treatment that can redefine your gum by either lessening or adding. Your dentist may use a scalpel or soft tissue laser to remove excess gums. For adding gum tissue, your dentists may take gum tissues from the pulpy part of your mouth and attach them to the needed area. Don’t worry about the pain because the treatment is done after the administration of local anaesthesia.

Aftercare

No treatment can be considered overnight magic which is permanent. The results of the treatment can be maintained only by following a good dental and oral hygiene schedule. To further reduce damage to your teeth, make it a habit to visit your dentist at regular intervals so that they can keep track of your condition.

A smile makeover will surely lead you to a path of confidence and positivity. Additionally, a Cosmetic Dentist can improve your oral health substantially. With proper aftercare, the cosmetic dentistry procedures will last you a long time.

Get in touch with your nearest cosmetic dental clinic to discuss your treatment plan and pick the restorative options that are best suited for you.