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Because of the advancements in modern dentistry, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile is well within most everyone's reach. Each year, more progress is made to ensure that this generation, as well as the next one, can have teeth that are strong, white and attractive to look at.
I'VE NEVER REALLY LIKED WHAT MY TEETH LOOK LIKE. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PROCEDURES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO CHANGE THEIR APPEARANCE?
First of all, there has never been a better time to achieve the pearly whites that you've always dreamed about. Below, are the most popular techniques that people are choosing to change the appearance of their teeth.
1. TOOTH BLEACHING-This is a process where the teeth are lightened to a more desirable shade.
Tooth color is determined genetically. While some people are born with dazzling white teeth, most are not. Even if you were blessed to have beautiful, white teeth, age and lifestyle diminishes their natural brightness. If that wasn't bad enough, coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can all lead to further yellowing of the teeth.
If this has happened to you, don't despair. There are many products available that can restore your teeth to a whiter color. Even naturally yellow teeth can be changed to a whiter and more pleasing shade.
WHAT ARE THE METHODS THAT I CAN USE TO WHITEN MY TEETH?
Basically, there are four methods to whiten your teeth. They are:
ยท Dentist in-office power bleaching
ยท Dentist supervised home bleaching
ยท Laser bleaching
ยท Over-the-counter bleaching
Talk to your dentist to see which method is appropriate for you. Some of the bleaching kits that you can buy in the store can be ineffective at least and harmful to your teeth at most.
2. TOOTH RESHAPING-This is a procedure where your dentist removes a small amount of enamel to contour your teeth in to a more pleasing shape. By reshaping your teeth, the dentist can change the length, shape or position of your teeth.
WHAT ELSE CAN TOOTH RESHAPING DO TO ENHANCE A PERSON'S TEETH?
ยท The teeth can be made to appear less crowded
ยท Chips and fractures can be reshaped
ยท Pits and grooves in the enamel can be smoothed out
ยท Small imperfections can be corrected before orthodontic work is begun
ยท Tooth overlaps can be decreased
ยท Jagged edges can be filed off
I NEED TO CORRECT A LARGE SPACE BETWEEN MY FRONT TEETH. IS THERE A PROCEDURE FOR THAT?
Absolutely! That brings us to the next process in cosmetic dentistry.
3. BONDING-This is a process where a dentist "bonds" a tooth-colored resin to your tooth to change its shape or color or to repair a defect. It is conservative, painless, and reversible as long as the enamel isn't altered. Usually, it can be performed without the benefit of anesthetic.
WHY EXACTLY DO DENTISTS "BOND" TEETH?
ยท To repair chips and cracks
ยท To fill in spaces between teeth
ยท To seal and protect children's teeth from decay
ยท Restore decayed teeth.
ยท Protect exposed roots caused from gum recession. (This will also diminish sensitive teeth.)
WHAT ABOUT TEETH THAT NEED A LOT MORE WORK? IS THERE HOPE FOR THOSE TEETH?
Yes, there is. Next on our list is:
4. VENEERS-This is a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to your tooth. It is used to correct crooked, chipped, discolored, or worn teeth.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF VENEERS?
ยท They is virtually painless
ยท They are highly resistant to staining from food or drinks
ยท They can last for over a decade
ยท They look extremely natural
ยท The materials used are very strong
ยท Veneers are very durable
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT OVERLY CROWDED OR VERY CROOKED TEETH THAT NEED A HUGE OVERHAUL?
There have been great advances in orthodontia in recent years. As many as thirty percent of patients in an orthodontist's office are adults. The reason: There are different types of braces that are appealing to the adult sector. Some of the more popular ones are invisible braces, clear braces, and removable retainers that gradually move the teeth to a more appropriate position. Talk to your dentist if you think orthodontia is something you're interested in. You're never too old for straight teeth.
UNFORTUNATELY, I'M MISSING A TOOTH. ARE THERE ANY NEW TREATMENTS TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM BESIDES A BRIDGE?
Dental implants are a huge advancement in cosmetic dentistry. Instead of cementing a bridge or false tooth in place, the implant-which looks like a natural tooth- is secured into the jawbone. Once healing has taken place, your bone perceives the implant as a real tooth.
An implant is truly the ideal way to replace a missing tooth. On the downside, dental implants can be very expensive. It is a several step procedure that takes months to complete. However, most people are well pleased with the results.
FINAL WORDS
Cosmetic dentistry is making it possible for most people to have a beautiful, compelling smile. Since surveys have shown the importance of attractive, healthy teeth, more and more people are flooding their dentists' waiting rooms. They know that a nice smile can be advantageous in the workplace as well as socially.
If you think that you would benefit from cosmetic dentistry, visit your dentist to find out just what he can do for you.
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