How Do I Improve the Appearance of My Teeth?

The appearance of your teeth can communicate a lot about your overall health. Sometimes, neglect in childhood or accidents can contribute to their appearance. Whatever the case, a brilliant smile attracts people more. Hence, there is a need to improve the appearance of your teeth.

There are many ways to do this. They include:

Dental Veneers

These are thin shells. The dentist places them over the front of your teeth and custom-makes them to fit your unique look. Veneers change the shape and color of your teeth, giving them a superior appearance. They treat broken or chipped teeth so that they appear whole. They also mask the discoloration and cover gaps in your teeth.

There are different types of veneers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain veneers do not stain and last longer. But if they chip, you must replace the whole shell. Composite resin veneers are much easier to repair when they break or chip. However, they do not last as long as porcelain veneers.

Composite Bonding

The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin on your teeth to repair the damage. You can cover chipped, cracked, and discolored teeth to protect them from exposure. The procedure is cost-effective. It will give you the confidence to flash your pearly whites.

It takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to perform the procedure, sometimes more. It depends on your case. The bonding procedure is affordable. However, it does not last as long as veneers and crowns. The material may chip off and separate from your teeth. The material also easily stains, so you must be careful when drinking colored beverages.

Tooth Implants

Implants involve the use of metallic devices that effectively replace missing teeth. The dentist surgically places these metallic devices into the gum and jawbone. As your gum heals, the metallic device, consisting of titanium, fuses with your jawbone.

The fusion provides a stable anchor for your replacement teeth. Hence, tooth implants perform the same way natural teeth do. You can bite and chew without worrying if your teeth will come out.

Teeth Whitening

The term whitening may be deceiving because the procedure does not make your teeth white. It brightens your smile by making your teeth a shade or two lighter than their natural color. It is more like bleaching than whitening.

You can perform the procedure at your dentist’s office or your house. The most important thing is that you consult your dentist before doing anything. Otherwise, you can harm your gums and teeth.

Conclusion

All the above procedures will give you a beautiful smile makeover. If you are thinking of getting any of them, contact your dentist. They will advise you on the one best for you. They will also develop a treatment plan to cater to your individual needs.

Almost everyone has things they can do to improve their smile. If you feel the need to, do not hesitate. Only remember to first talk it over with your dentist.

For more information on improving the appearance of your teeth, visit John K. See, DDS, at our Camarillo, California office. Call (805) 920-8600 to schedule an appointment today.