Have you spent this year staring into the mirror at a smile that leaves you feeling unhappy? If so, then you have an opportunity to make a huge difference as you head into the new year. It all starts with visiting your cosmetic dentist for a smile assessment. Continue reading to discover some of the cosmetic options available to upgrade your image, and also learn what must be done before any work can commence.
The First Step to Fixing Your Smile
While the attractiveness of your smile is of definite importance, the condition of your oral health supersedes it. Thus, before any cosmetic dental work can begin, your dentist will need to perform an examination to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. This will ensure that you don’t have any unwelcomed surprises down the road, and that you can get the most longevity from any cosmetic dental procedure you undergo.
Once any underlying issues are addressed, you can move forward with receiving the perfect care to deliver the aesthetic results you desire. There are several options for you to choose from.
Porcelain Veneers
Thin shells that are made from high-grade ceramics, porcelain veneers provide a relatively fast solution for misshaped, gapped, misaligned, crowded or stained teeth. They fit directly over the front of the teeth to provide you with a symmetrical and attractive smile. The procedure, which typically only takes two visits to complete, yields results that can last up to 20 years.
Dental Bonding
If you only have one or two teeth with minor flaws like discoloration, tiny chips or a slight gap, dental bonding provides a quick and affordable solution. Your dentist will apply the compound resin material directly to the teeth and shape it to fit perfectly into your smile line. In most cases, the treatment only takes one visit to complete.
Teeth Whitening
Because your teeth exist in the dynamic environment of your mouth where they are constantly bombarded with foods and beverages that leave residue, stains and discoloration can form over time. One of the best ways to restore them to a brilliant and attractive state is to undergo teeth whitening. Using high-powered bleaches, your dentist will be able to lift the stubborn stains and brighten your smile by as much as eight shades. Better yet, this can be done in just one visit.
If you prefer to whiten your teeth in the privacy of your home, there is also the option of receiving a take-home kit. In just 10-14 days of application, you can see phenomenal results.
Invisalign
There once was a time when the only option for straightening misaligned teeth was to wear a set of metal braces. With the emergence of Invisalign clear aligners, a new day has dawned. The custom-designed, BPA-free plastic trays provide a discreet way to gradually adjust your teeth until the desired look and alignment are achieved. As an added perk, the process typically takes less time than the traditional method.
These are just a few of the many ways you have to rejuvenate your smile. To learn about your other options and to determine which is best to meet your needs, you can pay your dentist a visit. A gorgeous new appearance awaits you in 2020!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Luccio is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Throughout his career, he has received advanced training in Invisalign and other aesthetic procedures. Dr. Luccio creates beautiful smiles at Clear Coast Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
