A smile makeover is a process that includes multiple dental treatments to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Although a smile makeover can involve many different treatments, the following three highlight the major ones.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a basic improvement that you can expect to do during a smile makeover. Discoloration of our teeth is a common cosmetic defect and can be corrected with simple whitening procedures. Below are some of the dental treatments that can help you attain whiter teeth.
Dental Bleaching
Dental bleaching consists of your dentist covering your enamel in a bleaching agent, leaving the bleach on your teeth for a short time and then rinsing the agent off. The main ingredient in whitening products is peroxide, which helps break down complex molecules that discolor the tooth’s enamel.
You can either whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office, but by bleaching your teeth at the dentist’s office you can reduce your risk of complications, get valuable advice on how to maintain white teeth, and improve your odds of excellent results.
Dental Bonding
Not everyone is a candidate for dental bleaching, and it is also not the only route to whiter teeth. Dental bonding is viable alternative. The dentist applies resin to the discolored teeth to cover up the stains. The resin is a shade that closely matches your natural tooth color.
Dental Veneers
With dental veneers, the dentist attaches a thin porcelain material to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. The dentist customizes each dental veneer to fit the tooth that you would like to brighten. Just as is the case with dental bonding, the dental veneer shade matches your natural tooth color.
The degree of discoloration, number of teeth that require treatment, and the existence of other dental conditions are some of the things that determine your choice of treatment. Your dentist will guide you to the best option for you.
The degree of discoloration, number of teeth that require treatment, and the existence of other dental conditions are some of the things that determine your choice of treatment. Your dentist will guide you to the best option for you.
Dental Alignment
Many people find crooked or misaligned teeth unattractive and look to correct that during a smile makeover. Dental braces are typically the first treatment of choice for misaligned teeth. Braces are dental devices that pull your teeth and move them into their correct position over several months. The most common types of braces are:
- Metal braces: These are traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires to align teeth.
- Ceramic braces: These use tooth-colored or clear brackets to align the teeth.
- Clear aligner braces: These use a series of clear plastic braces to adjust and align teeth.
- Lingual braces: These are braces placed on the back side of your teeth and are virtually invisible.
The degree of misalignment, the treatment speed, and the cost of treatment are some of the factors in determining which braces to get.
Apart from braces, your dentist can also use aligners, jaw repositioning appliances, headgear, and palatial expanders to align your teeth. You will know the direction your treatment will take after your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth.
Dental Contouring
Dental contouring is the third major treatment used to enhance your smile. It can involve both teeth and gum contouring.
Teeth Contouring
In teeth reshaping, the dentist shaves off some of your tooth enamel to achieve a desired shape or size of the tooth. For example, if one of your teeth is bigger than the adjacent teeth, the dentist may shave off some enamel to get your teeth to a uniform size. Teeth contouring can also smooth sharp edges on your teeth and eliminate small cracks.
Gum Contouring
For gum contouring, the dentist trims away excessive gum tissues so that more of your tooth is visible when you smile. You can also use gum contouring to restore gum tissue if you have suffered with gum recession.
Pelham Links Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you makeover your smile regardless of the number and variety of dental treatments you need. Make an appointment with us today so we can discuss your needs and viable treatment options. With our help, you could soon have the smile you dream of.