When it comes to our smiles, most of us want pearly white teeth. Unfortunately, an article in the New York Post notes that many people believe their teeth to be a source of embarrassment. Luckily, the world of cosmetic dentistry can help. Can you guess the top reason why people visit a cosmetic dentist?
If you guessed stained teeth, you’re right! The article noted that stained teeth topped the list of why people are insecure about their teeth. Our teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons. For example, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can lead to stains. Smoking cigarettes is another major culprit. Even certain medications can cause our teeth to become discolored.
The good news is that there are treatments available to help. If your teeth are stained, a cosmetic dentist can offer you a variety of treatments to improve the color of your smile. These include:
Teeth Whitening
This process uses bleaching agents to remove the stains from your teeth, leaving you with a brighter smile. When you visit a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening, they will first assess the severity of the staining. The bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and left on for a period of time. Afterward, your teeth will be rinsed and you will be on your way to a brighter smile.
Veneers
If you have deep stains that cannot be removed with teeth whitening, veneers may be the solution for you. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over your natural teeth. They are custom made to fit your mouth and give you the bright white smile you desire.
Composite Bonding
This is a less expensive alternative to veneers in which a tooth-colored resin is used to cover up the stained teeth. The resin is applied and shaped to match your natural teeth, and then it is hardened with a UV light.
While stained teeth are the top reason why people visit a cosmetic dentist, there are other reasons as well. For example, the article also noted that crooked teeth, receding gums, and teeth with gaps between them made up the list of common smile insecurities. Just like stained teeth, there are different cosmetic treatments that can address these problems as well.
For example, crooked teeth can be fixed with braces or Invisalign. Slightly crooked teeth can also be corrected with veneers or composite bonding. If you have receding gums, a gum graft can be used to fill in areas of missing gum tissue and contour the gum line. And if you have spaces between your teeth, bonding or veneers can help to easily close the gaps.
No matter what your reason for visiting a cosmetic dentist may be, they will be able to offer you a variety of treatment options to help improve the look of your smile.
If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, don’t wait any longer to seek out treatment. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist today and get started on the road to a beautiful new smile!
