How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Correct Smile Impurities

A cosmetic dentist aims to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have any stubborn cosmetic issues with your teeth that do not impact oral function or health, these dental specialists you should consult. Take a closer look at how these dentists can provide the smile of your dreams.

Close gaps

While some orthodontic appliances, such as braces or clear aligners, can close a gap, there are more immediate options—bonding, dental crowns, and veneers. Dental crowns are also known as caps. These custom-made caps completely engulf the teeth and simulate a natural appearance. They also take on the durability and function of natural teeth. On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist can use dental bonding to build each tooth until the gap is closed. Bonding uses composite resin materials, which are easy to manipulate into any desired shape before hardening in place.

Improve misshapen teeth

Whether it is a few or many, misshapen teeth can dampen a smile. This look can occur naturally, through improper growth, or if a tooth is chipped or layers are removed. Depending on the location and number of teeth, they can even create the look of an open bite. The cosmetic dentist can address this condition with crowns, bonding, and dental veneers. Dental veneers are porcelain layers that bond to the front of the teeth. They are usually for those with many misshapen teeth who want a complete smile makeover. However, it is possible to reshape single teeth that are overly pointy or have excess ridges using small tools if they do not take away too much of the natural structure.

Improve excess gum tissue

Excess gums, or those that appear to overtake the teeth, are known as gummy smiles. A gummy smile can make the teeth look smaller than normal and create a "shadow" over them, darkening them. The cosmetic dentist will perform a gum contour procedure, which involves removing the excess tissue and shaping it to become more linear.

Realigning teeth

Cosmetic dentists can use clear aligners to help those with slight to moderate tooth alignment issues. The clear aligner system uses medical-grade plastic trays to gradually straighten teeth into their correct position. It is customary for each patient to receive new trays approximately every two weeks.

This system is often more appealing than other alignment options for three reasons:

• Clear aligners are removable, meaning there are no dietary restrictions during treatment
• They are virtually invisible in the mouth
• Patients will see shorter treatment times than alternative straightening treatment times, with most seeing results in six to 18 months

Remove stains or discoloration

Stains or discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. The teeth can become more yellow or dull, from food and drinks to poor oral hygiene and decay. Therefore, it is normal for patients to want to whiten them. The cosmetic dentist can offer veneers, a dental crown (for one or a few teeth), or teeth whitening. Teeth whitening can brighten natural teeth by up to seven shades, though most opt for two or three shades to stay natural-looking.