Visiting your dentist, not just for your regular teeth cleaning

When it comes to the dentist, there are some preconceived notions you may have. If we’re being honest, a lot of people are wary of going to the dentist. They might find the experience unpleasant or have a phobia. Or they associate going to the dentist just with filling cavities or root canals. But your dentist can offer a lot more than a cleaning and a conversation about how you need to floss more.

Don’t think about going to the dentist as something to avoid. It turns out there are a wide variety of services beyond the typical cleaning and treatment that you can take advantage of. If your self-esteem has been suffering for years because the condition of your teeth isn’t what you would like it to be, cosmetic dentistry could be the solution to your problems.

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for a wide variety of procedures that your dentist can use to help you love your smile again. If you’re sick of hiding your smile in pictures, it’s time to learn more about how you can get your life back. Here are some of the ways your dentist can improve the state of your smile’s appearance.

Teeth Whitening

This is probably the most popular example of a service that is considered cosmetic dentistry. There are many reasons why your teeth can appear to be discolored. That’s why it’s so important to consult your dentist when looking to pursue whiter teeth. While you can buy home kits from your local drug store, it’s not a replacement for teeth whitening treatment performed by a professional. The different causes of tooth discoloration may require different kinds of treatment in order to get more desirable results. For example, teeth stained by years of smoking or coffee drinking aren’t the same as teeth discolored from injury. Only a dentist can give you the proper treatment options.

Veneers

This brings us to another cosmetic dentistry procedure. Veneers can be used for a variety of reasons. One of which is actually the treatment of discolored teeth. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a dentist before trying to perform your own teeth whitening. Veneers are a viable option for teeth that have become discolored due to root canals, certain medications, or even excessive fluoridation. But, it’s not just teeth discoloration that veneers can correct. If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, veneers are a popular option for correcting the damage. You may not be aware of the fact that veneers may also be a treatment option if you suffer from visible gaps between your teeth. Veneers can be used to close that space for a more full smile.

The biggest benefit of veneers is that they are natural looking. Gone are the days where one had to rely on gold teeth to fill in the gaps. Our gums also tolerate porcelain well, so complications are minimal. Porcelain is also stain resistant. If your dentist recommends veneers to treat discoloration, that should help keep the problem in check after the veneers are on. They can even help lighten teeth that have taken on a darker color due to damage.

Dental implants, bridges, and crowns

What if you have missing teeth? There are cosmetic solutions for that as well. Dental implants have become the state of the art treatment option missing teeth. They look and act just like your natural teeth, so there is no self-consciousness or difficult period of having to get used to them like one experiences with dentures. Due to their titanium construction, they are very durable and are installed directly into the jawbone to stimulate bone regeneration over time. Atrophying bone can lead to an increased risk of tooth loss with time.

While dental implants are a great option for replacing one or a couple of teeth, bridges are a viable option for missing one to multiple teeth as well. Not everyone is eligible for dental implants depending on the state of their oral health, especially their bone health. Bridges support crowns to give your smile a natural look. The artificial teeth can be molded and tinted to match the surrounding teeth. With the proper care, your bridge can last over a decade.

Conclusion

Are you ready to start smiling big and bright again in photos? Don’t spend any more time feeling like you have to hide your teeth. There is a cosmetic dentistry procedure available for your specific issues. If you want to know more about these services and what can be done to treat your condition, contact us today. We’ll set up a consultation for you so you can begin the right treatment. Dr. Alen Gharibian and his team have the experience necessary to provide the utmost care while doing so with kindness.