The power of a smile! A bright, genuine smile can make more of an impact than you know. Perhaps someone is having a bad day and your random grin brightened their day. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that smiling is contagious: it triggers an automatic muscular response which, in turn, causes them to grin! Unfortunately, you may have a cosmetic flaw that can keep you from flashing your pearly whites. Your cosmetic dentist can help you explore your options for achieving a smile you’ll love. Here’s a look at four of the most common types of cosmetic flaws and how to treat them.
#1: Stained or Discolored Teeth
One of the main things people are unhappy about when it comes to the appearance of their smile is the color of their teeth. Staining and discoloration can be caused by the foods you eat, drinking dark-pigmented liquids, taking certain medications, smoking, or simply because of Father Time. Even if you brush and floss regularly, your enamel can begin to wear down over time, causing your teeth to have a yellow or gray appearance.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the best methods for getting that coveted bright, white smile. Not only can you get your smile several shades lighter, but you’ll also look younger and healthier. For particularly stubborn stains, dental veneers are another effective option.
#2. Misshapen or Uneven Teeth
You may have gotten those beautiful brown eyes from your father, but you may have also inherited his uneven teeth. Not everyone is born with a picture-perfect smile–the shape and evenness of your teeth are largely determined by genetics. Or perhaps your smile has slowly changed over time; this can be due to bruxism (teeth grinding).
Fortunately, there are a few ways to address misshapen or uneven teeth including:
- Veneers— custom-made coverings that fit over the front surface of one or more teeth
- Direct bonding— molding and shaping a custom-colored resin over the surface of the teeth
Both of these popular cosmetic treatments can let you redesign the size, shape, and color of your teeth so you can achieve the beautifully uniform smile you’ve always wanted.
#3. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth
Even though your teeth are strong, they aren’t invincible. They can get damaged by things like physical injury, bruxism, and using your teeth as tools. Fortunately, these issues are actually very common and relatively easy to fix!
Popular solutions are cosmetic bonding and veneers, as mentioned above. A dental crown is another option, which places a cap over the tooth to restore its appearance and protect it from further damage.
#4: Crooked Smile
Most people want to have a perfectly straight smile by fixing their misaligned teeth. A crooked smile doesn’t just affect your appearance though–it can be difficult to fully brush and floss your teeth, which can increase your risk of decay, cavities, and gum disease. To straighten them, people with minor misalignment can consider veneers.
Your dream smile is a possibility! No matter what dental flaw is bothering you, your cosmetic dentist can help you discover which treatment would help make that dream a reality.
About the Practice
South Ridge Dental serves Lincoln and the surrounding areas through the expertise of Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer. With over three decades of combined experience, your best smile is their top priority! They offer a wide range of cosmetic services to help you achieve your smile goals, such as teeth whitening, veneers, metal-free restorations, and direct bonding. If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or call (402) 480-6199.