According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has doubled within the last five years, meaning that more patients than ever before are opting to enhance their smiles! And there are quite a few ways to do this; a solution exists for virtually every flaw that might impact the look of your smile. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types of cosmetic dental flaws in Sparta and how they’re typically treated.
1. Discolored Teeth
There are many things that can cause teeth to become discolored. For instance, if you’re an avid coffee-drinker or enjoy other foods and beverages that contain staining agents, your teeth might be noticeably stained. This staining is also often the result of poor oral hygiene. In some cases, the discoloration might also stem from other health concerns or underlying genetic conditions.
However, professional teeth whitening is often the best way to address tooth discoloration, regardless of how it was caused. Your dentist can perform in-office whitening or send you home with a kit containing everything you need to effectively do it yourself. Both of these methods are safe, relatively quick, and can produce noticeable results that last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Porcelain veneers are another viable option that can immediately make your teeth appear whiter; your dentist can bond thin sheets of durable, natural-looking dental porcelain to the outer surfaces of stained teeth.
2. Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Even though your teeth are strong, they aren’t invincible. They can sometimes sustain surface damage due to things like physical injury, bruxism, and more. If you have a chipped or fractured tooth, you might feel like your situation necessitates something serious—but these issues are actually very common and quite easy to handle!
One popular solution for addressing these types of issues is cosmetic dental bonding. A tooth-colored resin can be molded and shaped to the compromised tooth, immediately masking any visible flaws. Veneers can also be used for a similar effect. Sometimes, a dental crown can be used if cosmetic bonding isn’t an option; these are essentially durable, tooth-colored caps that sit over your tooth and safeguard it from further damage. If the tooth is beyond repair, it might need to be extracted and replaced with something like a dental implant.
3. Misshapen or Uneven Teeth
Not everyone is born with perfectly shaped teeth; in some cases, teeth don’t look quite right due to reasons beyond our control. However, having teeth that are disproportional to your face can make you look older, cause wrinkles, and improperly support your jaw and facial structure. It can also result in TMJ disorders that affect the mobility and functionality of your jaw!
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to address misshapen or uneven teeth including both veneers and cosmetic bonding. Recontouring is also an option, in which your dentist “shaves” off a small amount of enamel to match the surrounding teeth.
4. Crooked Teeth
Perhaps one of the most widespread problems that many patients suffer from is crooked teeth. Just as they can be misshapen, your teeth can also be crooked and misaligned upon erupting from your gums. This is usually due to genetic reasons beyond your control, but in some cases, physical trauma or other oral issues can lead to crooked teeth.
In these situations, several patients turn towards orthodontic options such as traditional metal braces. But braces are hardly the only solution capable of addressing crooked teeth—clear aligner options like Invisalign are becoming more popular, as they’re able to effectively straighten teeth in a subtler and more convenient manner. Depending on the severity of your crooked teeth, you might even be able to avoid orthodontics entirely and use veneers to straighten your teeth.
About the Practice
The team at Gentle Dentistry Sparta is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Sparta, NJ area under the leadership of Dr. Zelia Cannon. Dr. Cannon received her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including several cosmetic options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange an appointment, feel free to visit the practice’s website or reach out by phone for assistance: (973) 729-9044.