A small act of kindness can make a world of difference. Flashing a genuine smile at others adds joy to their day, and maybe it’s needed more than you know. But you don’t always feel confident in your smile and have been thinking about taking steps to fix the flaw that’s bothering you. Your cosmetic dentist can help you discover your options for achieving a smile you’ll love. Here’s a closer 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 is the color of their teeth. Staining and discoloration can be caused by the foods you eat, drinking dark liquids, taking certain medications, smoking, or simply because of aging. Even if you brush and floss regularly, your enamel will gain a yellow or gray appearance over time.
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. Dental veneers are another effective option, especially if you want a more lasting solution.
#2. Misshapen or Uneven Teeth
You may have gotten those beautiful brown eyes from your mother, but you may have also inherited her uneven teeth. Not everyone is born with a perfect smile; the shape and evenness of your teeth are largely determined by genetics. Or perhaps you have noticed a change in your smile over time. This can be due to bruxism (teeth grinding).
Fortunately, there are several ways to address misshapen or uneven teeth including:
- Veneers— custom-made coverings that fit over the front surface of one or more teeth
- Cosmetic bonding— molding and shaping a custom-colored resin over the surface of the teeth
#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 our teeth as tools. But these issues are actually very common and quite easy to handle!
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 may be difficult to fully clean your teeth, which can increase your risk of decay, cavities, and gum disease.
To straighten them, you can consider orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign. This has become an increasingly popular option because it is quicker and more discreet than traditional braces. For patients with minor misalignment who are looking for a faster option, veneers may be a good fit.
Your dream smile is truly possible. No matter what dental imperfection is bothering you, a visit to your dentist can help you discover which treatment would help make that dream a reality!
About the Practice
Dental Center of Aspen Hill serves its community through the expertise of Dr. Cyrus Allafi, Dr. Sara Saba, Dr. Amy Hong, Dr. Tuan Ta, and Dr. Sang Cho. Their top priority is to help their patients achieve smiles that look and feel their best. With an emphasis on high-quality service and the use of advanced technology, they can fix any of cosmetic flaws so you can get the smile you’ve always wanted. To schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or by phone at (301) 900-2808.