Everyone likes interacting with other people, and smiling and laughing is an important part of enjoying life. It is unfortunate that some people are embarrassed to smile because they feel self-conscious of their teeth that are misaligned, chipped or stained. While close friends and family members are more likely to overlook dental imperfections, individuals with less than perfect smiles dread meeting new people who may notice their flaws.
Modern dental techniques, like the ones used at Union Square Dental, a San Francisco dental practice, now make it possible for people to have a more attractive smile through cosmetic dentistry. If you are someone who is unhappy with your smile, you should first do some research to understand everything you need to know about general dentistry. Once you have a thorough understanding of correct dental procedures, you should contact your dentist to set up a smile makeover consultation. Your dentist will be able to explain which procedure or procedures would be your best choice to improve your smile.
Teeth whitening can make a big difference in how your smile appears to people you are having a conversation with. Your smile can leave a negative impression if your teeth are stained and look yellow. You may not have noticed how dingy your teeth look until you have smiled while posing for a photo and see the result. This can be quite embarrassing as you are seeing what other people notice when looking at your smile. Teeth whitening could be all you need to improve your looks, and your dentist can explain the procedure and set up appointments for you.
During your smile makeover consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine the best way to fix whatever imperfections he has found. Dental bonding is a relatively inexpensive process used to fill in gaps, small cracks or chips and can also cover exposed roots. A composite dental resin is used to cover small imperfections, and the treatment can be used to reshape teeth to look more natural. The material is matched to your natural tooth color so it is completely unnoticeable.
Perhaps the damage to your teeth is too serious to be fixed with dental bonding. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend using inlays or onlays to create an attractive smile for you. Specifically, an inlay refers to a process where a resinous material is used between the teeth to even out imperfections. An onlay describes a procedure that uses the same resin to cover imperfections on top of the tooth to improve the biting surface. This type of restoration can be used when there is insufficient damage to the tooth to require a crown.
Your teeth may have multiple imperfections that would require a different treatment for each problem, but you could fix everything by simply choosing to have porcelain veneers put on. The process involves having a thin layer of the exterior of your teeth removed before the veneer is glued into place. This procedure can correct any imperfections and discoloration so your teeth will look absolutely perfect. With proper brushing and flossing care, your veneers will last a long time.
Perhaps you have no imperfections in your teeth other than that they are misaligned. Many people are born with properly aligned teeth, but crooked teeth are also a common problem. The proper treatment for this problem is straightening with braces during the teen years, but you may not have had this benefit. If your teeth are crooked, you have the option of using Invisalign. This process works faster and is more comfortable than wearing the traditional metal braces.