Aesthetic Improvements: 3 Ways to Enhance Your Smile

We all want the perfectly flawless smiles that we see on celebrities but if you have defects in your teeth, you might feel self-conscious or defeated. You know that your dentist can help with cosmetic dentistry but might assume that these are exclusive services reserved only for the rich and the famous. Fortunately, that’s not true! There are several ways your dentist can help you enhance your appearance. Keep reading to learn more about 3 procedures that can give you a smile worthy of the red carpet!

Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening

The quality of your grin is one of the first things people notice about you, so you want it to stand out in a good way. If your teeth are darkened from years of eating and drinking foods that stain, you might be noticed for the wrong reasons.

Although it’s not difficult to find over-the-counter solutions like whitening kits and toothpaste, these often have abrasive bleaching agents that damage your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Your dentist, on the other hand, uses professional-grade ingredients that can lighten your smile by 8 shades in a single, hour-long appointment. If you don’t have the time to spare, they can give you a take-home kit instead. This way you get the same fantastic results from the comfort of your own home.

Treatment #2: Porcelain Veneers

If you’re frustrated by aesthetic imperfections like chipped, cracked, discolored, or minorly misaligned teeth then you could benefit from porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your pearly whites to mask unsightly flaws. They’re coated with a glaze that’s durable enough to resist future stains and breaks, although you’ll still need to watch what you eat to avoid harming them.

To line them up correctly against your gums, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth, first. Because it won’t grow back, this change is irreversible. Your tooth will be slightly weaker as a result and will require a veneer or other restoration in place moving forward. Thankfully, veneers can last 15+ years with the right care so you won’t need to worry about having to replace them anytime soon.

Treatment #3: Direct Bonding

Veneers are often more costly upfront than other options so if you’re looking for a more affordable and less invasive alternative, you might consider direct bonding. Your dentist can use this method to repair broken, fractured, stained, and misshapen teeth. To do so, they’ll apply a color-matched composite resin to your teeth that they sculpt into the ideal shape. Then, they harden it in place with a special curing light. The results last 10+ years so you’re not sacrificing longevity if you choose this approach.

Schedule a consultation with your dentist today, and they can provide recommendations to enhance your smile based on your unique dental needs. Soon, you could walk away with a smile to compete with the stars!

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew is a FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry) dentist which requires ongoing education beyond graduation. That means he’s an expert who continues to hone his knowledge and skills with over 100 hours of postgraduate courses annually. He provides a full range of top-quality services under one roof, including cosmetic dentistry. If you want to improve your appearance, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (817) 481-4888.