As adults, we have probably grown accustomed to how our smiles look. We get comfortable with how things are but maybe desire a change. Having taken care of your teeth the best you can, there can be issues that can’t be solved with routine cleanings.
As adults, we have probably grown accustomed to how our smiles look. We get comfortable with how things are but maybe desire a change. Having taken care of your teeth the best you can, there can be issues that can’t be solved with routine cleanings.
If you dislike the appearance of your teeth, you have more than likely thought about doing something to fix them. However, for most adults, we put taking care of ourselves on the back burner. The good news, for most cosmetic dentistry options available, they don’t interfere much or at all with daily life.
Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for anyone’s smile. It can improve the alignment, fill gaps with missing teeth, or enhance its appearance with whitening. No matter the flaw or imperfections you have with your smile there are solutions. Let’s look at solutions that are used to correct the common problems adults have with their teeth and what cosmetic dentistry options are available for treatments.
Missing teeth solutions
Losing multiple teeth or a single tooth can be devastating. Even for those that don’t have a perfectly straight smile, having all their teeth can be enough to make them feel confident. However, a tooth missing no matter its location in your mouth can be a huge deal. Cosmetic dentistry offers fantastic solutions to fill the hole where your tooth used to be and return confidence when smiling. Dental Implants have quickly become the go-to for individuals that have lost teeth as a result of accidents or genetically predisposed to the poor quality of teeth.
An implant is a more permanent solution than bridges or dentures and gives a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Eating and caring for dental implants is a breeze. They don’t require any additional thought, are treated the same as your own teeth, and once in place just function the way a regular tooth does.
The only difference between implants and natural teeth is there are no nerves, so there’s no sensation of hot and cold. Cost is always a consideration, and dental implants aren’t exactly cheap. But for those that invest in their smile by using dental implants almost never regret the decision.
Overcrowding/alignment problems
If you’ve grown tired of not having a flawless smile as a result of crooked teeth, overcrowding, underbites, or any other alignment problems, braces or aligners are the solution. By the time you reach adulthood, you more than likely assume you are too old to fix alignment problems. After all, braces seem to more of a teenager thing, right? This is completely untrue. More adults nowadays are solving their problems with teeth alignment than ever before. The change is thought to come from the advancement in options available. No longer do you have to have metal braces to correct misaligned teeth.
Invisalign® aligners have made it possible for adults to get the smile they have always wanted without the inconvenience of metal braces plays in their daily routine. Invisalign® aligners are removable, making it simple to eat what you’d like and clean your teeth more effectively. With metal braces, you have to abstain from certain foods, which can be challenging, and brushing or flossing becomes time-consuming. The use of Invisalign® is undetectable which allows adults to get the smile they had hoped for, without anyone being the wiser.
Not so bright white teeth
Cosmetic dentistry does more than fill gaps in the smile, or solve alignment issues; it also means to improve dull, stained teeth. It’s hard to avoid the concept of a “perfect smile” this day in age. Just look at any movie, magazine, or television show, models, and actors display the brightest smiles imaginable. A common problem for most is achieving the level of brightness with their smile. Staining occurs because of what we eat or drink and habits such as smoking. While over-the-counter options are available, they don’t give the same results as a professional teeth whitening service.
Perio Health Partners has said, “Teeth whitening services can alter one’s perception of their smile. Certain flaws in a patient’s smile that may have seemed like a huge deal, aren’t as noticeable when teeth are brilliantly white.”
Teeth whitening services can also do more than improve the look, but can also give you added confidence. While teeth whitening for sure enhances the appearance of the smile regarding its shade, it also plays a small role as an optical illusion too.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dentistry can completely change how someone feels about their smile. No matter if you hate that gap between your front teeth, or desire a brighter white smile, it can be solved. Talk to your dentist about what is bothering you about your smile, he or she will be able to discuss options to correct the problem. You deserve to have a beautiful, healthy smile. It’s never too late to achieve it.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
