What issues can cosmetic dentistry address?
Is there something in your smile you're unhappy about?
Cosmetic dental procedures allow you to make changes you want for your smile. You might have a single feature you want to improve or enhance a couple of things.
Through a smile makeover, you and your dental team determine which procedures are necessary. Let's talk about dental issues that cosmetic dentistry can address.
- Tooth discoloration
Over-the-counter options such as whitening toothpaste can only do so much in lightening the shade of your teeth.
Professional teeth-whitening methods at the dental office safely and effectively whiten your smile in less time. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type of staining on your teeth and the appropriate solution for it.
Various factors cause the teeth to get darker. If teeth-whitening methods aren't suitable, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells attached to the tooth surface. Their shade can be adjusted according to your preferences, giving you a whiter smile.
- Cracked or fractured tooth
Broken or cracked teeth are not only unsightly. They can also cause injuries to your tongue. Without immediate treatment, the crack can progress and cause intense discomfort.
Over time, you may run the risk of losing the tooth. To prevent this, your dentist looks at potential options to restore the damaged tooth. They may recommend bonding or dental crowns.
In a bonding procedure, the area is filled with a material color-matched to the tooth. This restores its original form and shape.
Dental crowns, on the other hand, may be ideal for larger chips or fractures. The remaining teeth are filed down to accommodate a custom cap to be placed on top of them. This encases the teeth and makes them look whole again.
- Misshapen teeth
Misshapen teeth can occur for various reasons, including tooth grinding and genetics. If the shape and size of your teeth are uneven or are disproportionate to your face, you may form wrinkles and look older.
Your dentist will first examine your bite and oral health to determine which cosmetic dental procedure is best for you. It's important to identify the root cause of the problem to determine appropriate dental solutions.
They may recommend getting porcelain veneers to make the form and shade of your teeth uniform. They may also suggest dental bonding procedures to reshape your teeth and correct imperfections.
- Missing teeth
Regardless of why you're missing teeth, delaying or ignoring treatment can negatively impact your oral health.
A missing tooth or teeth can make it harder to chew food and pronounce certain sounds. Your jawbone can deteriorate over time, and the remaining natural teeth can shift, resulting in a poor bite.
There are several options to fix this at the dental office. Depending on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences, you may consider getting dental bridges, dentures, or implants.
Traditional dental bridges require support from the natural teeth on either side of the gap. They can either be partial, full, removable, or fixed.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removable prosthetics often made of acrylic resin teeth and a metal framework. For a more stable feel and function, dentures can also be secured by implants.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. The implants fuse into the jawbone and replace the tooth roots, serving as a steady, long-term support for your artificial tooth or teeth.
- Gapped tooth
Gapped teeth can be a unique and attractive feature for some. But they can also pose oral health issues in the long run.
You may have had them since birth, or you may not have worn retainers following orthodontic treatment.
Food deposits can get trapped in the space and lead to a build-up of harmful bacteria and plaque, which can soon form tartar.
Depending on your situation, your dentist may recommend cosmetic bonding to close the gap. Another option is Invisalign, a tooth straightening method using plastic aligners. It moves the teeth to their ideal position and closes gaps between them.
- Gummy smile
A gummy smile can be due to jaw development or tooth eruption issues, among many others. It can make your teeth appear shorter and reduce your confidence.
This issue can be fixed with various dental procedures, such as gum contouring procedures. Excess tissue is removed from the site to reshape your gumline and make your teeth more visible.
Because the results are permanent, you won't have to worry about your gummy smile afterward.
Aside from improving the appearance of your smile, gum contouring makes it easier to remove deposits from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This prevents plaque build-up and lowers your chances of getting cavities or decay.
Learn more about cosmetic dental procedures in Winnipeg, MB
No two smiles are alike. At Aqua Dental Wellness, your treatment plan is carefully designed after a thorough evaluation of your oral health and general health status.
If you're in in Winnipeg, Manitoba and are interested or curious about enhancing your smile, get in touch with our dental team. Let's book a consultation with the dentist at your convenience.
Cosmetic dental procedures vary. You can receive one or a combination of them to get the results you want. We educate you on what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.
Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision, so we're pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Contact our dental office today and speak with one of our team members to get started.