Cosmetic Dentistry Options For Stained, Broken, Or Missing Teeth
ShareIf you feel that it's time to enhance your appearance, cosmetic dentistry can offer you a variety of cost-effective treatment options that will not only improve your smile but may also help restore a normal bite and improve the way you chew. Here are some cosmetic dentistry options to consider for stained, broken, or missing teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are restorations that cover the surface of your teeth. They are thin, shell-like jackets that attach to the front of the teeth, which hides cracks, chips, and stains. Veneers can also help correct the appearance of misshapen teeth and can even lengthen teeth that are short.
In order for your porcelain veneers to adhere properly to the front of your tooth, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of your dental enamel so that the veneers look and feel natural. You should take care of your veneers in the same way you would care for your natural teeth by brushing them with a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste.
Laser Whitening
Laser whitening is a procedure that can only be done at your dentist's office. It is very effective in eliminating dark stains from your dental enamel, and the results are typically very dramatic. Your dentist will apply a peroxide mixture to your teeth in a higher concentration than that found in home-bleaching kits, and then he or she will heat up the solution with a laser.
This procedure breaks up even the most stubborn stains, and while a single treatment can provide you with excellent results, you may need to have a few treatments to make your teeth dazzling white.
To prevent restaining after your laser whitening procedure, you should limit your intake of coffee, tea, and red wine. If you are unable to curtail your consumption of these highly pigmented beverages, brush your teeth after drinking them.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are permanent cosmetic dentistry options for missing or broken teeth. Before you can get your implants, your natural teeth will need to come out; however, after the multi-step procedure is complete, you will have a beautiful smile.
Dental implants typically last a lifetime, and in addition to improving your appearance, they often improve an uneven bite and will help you chew your food better. They are an excellent alternative to dentures, which may not fit correctly if you lose or gain weight or if you develop degenerative conditions of the bones such as osteoporosis. Degenerative bone diseases also affect your jawbone, and if the jawbone decreases in size or changes shape as a result of degenerative changes, you may have problems with your dentures.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry options for stained, chipped, or broken teeth, make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will examine your mouth and determine which treatment option best suits your needs.