You deserve a smile that you love to show off. Unfortunately, oftentimes even the smallest flaw can leave you feeling self-conscious about your teeth. The good news is that if there’s something you would like to change about your grin, your cosmetic dentist likely has a way to help! Listed below are 5 common cosmetic dental flaws as well as what treatments your dentist may recommend to fix them.
1. Stained or Discolored Teeth
Certain foods and beverages, some types of medication, and aging can all leave your teeth looking more yellow than you’d like. Your dentist can help you get rid of the stains on your smile with professional whitening. This treatment involves powerful bleaching agents that penetrate your enamel to break up stain-causing molecules, thus bringing back your brilliant white grin.
2. Irregularly Shaped Teeth
Some people have unusually shaped teeth either due to genetics or frequent teeth grinding. Such teeth can often be covered with veneers, which are thin porcelain shells that can completely cover the front side of the enamel. A veneer lets you hide your irregularly shaped tooth so that it appears to match the rest of your smile.
3. Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked tooth isn’t just unattractive; it’s also at high risk for infection. You’ll want to have the tooth repaired as soon as possible, but you might not be looking forward to getting a dark-colored metal crown that stands out in your smile. Luckily, nowadays dentists can offer metal-free crowns that closely match the color of your enamel, so your tooth will still look natural even after it has been restored.
4. Crooked Teeth
Perfectly aligned teeth make for a dazzling smile and are much easier to clean. If you’re an adult and have crooked teeth, don’t worry! You still have the option of using orthodontics to straighten your smile. And if you only need to make mild to moderate corrections, you may be eligible for Invisalign® as an alternative to braces. Invisalign® straightens the teeth with convenient clear aligners that can be removed for eating and brushing.
5. Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth usually isn’t as serious as a cracked tooth, but it still leaves your smile looking less than its best. Smaller chips on the front teeth can usually be hidden with veneers. If you have more severe damage that needs to be covered up, a crown might be recommended instead.
Do any of the above cosmetic issues sound familiar? Or do you have another kind of flaw that you want to address? Either way, your dentist can help! Reach out to your dental practice today to set up a cosmetic consultation and learn more about the different ways you can make your ideal smile a reality.
About the Author
Dr. James Candon is qualified in all aspects of general dentistry and prides himself in his ability to keep his patients comfortable. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. At his Indian Land practice, Bridge Mill Dental Care, he offers teeth whitening, veneers, and various other cosmetic solutions. To schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (803) 650-3925.