When you smile, you want to look and feel your best. That means having a perfect set of straight, white teeth. However, genetics and bad habits can result in teeth that may make you wish you can hide them.
Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures that can help with this problem of tooth discoloration. When a skilled dentist is done improving the appearance of your teeth, you can smile with no shame.
Stained Teeth
The most common problem that many people face is stained teeth. Drinking caffeinated beverages or smoking a lot can cause stains. Seeing yellowish or stained teeth when you look in the mirror can be very discouraging. Accumulated tartar and plaque can also damage your teeth this way.
Fortunately, teeth whitening or bleaching is one of the basic cosmetic procedures available. This is usually done by coating the teeth with a bleaching solution to remove the stains. With the dentist’s supervision, you can be sure that your teeth won’t end up getting damaged. It usually takes several sessions for the solution to produce noticeable results.
Crooked Teeth
Another common problem that comes up is that of crooked teeth. Your teeth usually end up in this condition because of the way the teeth grow out of the gums. They bump into each other and get in the way of natural growth. The result is that they don’t grow straight.
In the past, the main way to straighten out teeth was the use of heavy-duty braces. They are attached to the teeth and, as the teeth grow, they are naturally straightened out. The problem with metal braces is that they are rather attractive and can be painful considering their sharp angles and metal components.
A modern and forgiving approach is the use of clear veneers. Innovative products and technologies such as Invisalign can be provided by dentists in Townsville and other areas. They function in the same way as metal braces, but the clear plastic is placed on the teeth for a set amount of time before being removed. They can be a bit expensive, though, and some people may not get the best result from them. Consult your dentist to see if it is the best option for you.
Damaged Teeth
Cavities are just one way by which your teeth can be damaged. Accidents can also chip and break your teeth. Chipped teeth can be a danger to your mouth as the sharp edges can scratch the interior of your mouth and your tongue. The main way to repair a damaged tooth is to place a crown on it. The damaged part is shaved and then the crown is placed over the teeth. It can be porcelain or ceramic and the result will be something that looks like natural teeth.
There are also fillings that ensure that the teeth regain their solidity. Teeth with holes but with still a solid structure can be repaired using amalgam fillings that can actually make a tooth tougher. Teeth can also be shaped. Dentists can shave the enamel so that a tooth can look better in the long run.
Missing Teeth
When a tooth is too damaged, the only way to deal with it is to remove it. Fortunately, dentures and dental implants are available to those who need a good set of teeth. Depending on your needs, it will be up to you to decide which option would be best for you.
Though it takes a bit of luck to get the natural-looking smile, dentists know how to give you one. The procedures above can be used individually or combined to achieve an impressive smile. Talk to your dentist to learn what they can do and what you can expect from them.