Improved Aesthetics: How Can I Fix My Smile?

Are you unhappy with the way your smile looks in the mirror? Dental flaws can detract from your appearance and hinder your confidence. Also, if you’re overly worried about being judged for how you look, you might avoid spending time with others rather than engaging in social activities, reducing your daily quality of life.

Fortunately, your dentist can provide one or more cosmetic services to address imperfections and boost your self-esteem. Continue reading to learn 3 popular procedures you might benefit from!

Option #1: Teeth Whitening

Seemingly, everyone wishes their grin sparkled, though very few people obtain this result naturally. Even perfectly healthy teeth can look more ivory than snowy white because the lower yellow layer of dentin shines through the translucent blue-white hue of your enamel. Plus, years of frequent or prolonged exposure to darkly pigmented foods like coffee, tea, or berries can leave them looking worse for wear.

Your dentist can reduce the impact of surface stains with professional teeth-whitening treatments. A single in-office procedure has the potential to lighten your smile by up to eight shades. Or you can request a kit containing everything you need to achieve optimal results from home, like ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays.

Option #2: Veneers

Topical whitening is a great way to refresh your grin, but some patients have damaged teeth that require other, more involved treatments. For instance, if you have chips, cracks, minor gaps, or slightly overcrowded teeth, your dentist can improve your appearance by placing veneers.

These thin, ceramic shells are designed to be just the right shape, shade, and size and then are bonded to the front surfaces of your pearly whites. They’re a versatile way to hide one or several visible imperfections simultaneously. However, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit correctly, which doesn’t regenerate. Thankfully, your veneers are strong enough to shield the underlying teeth from potential harm and can last 25+ years with the right care.

Option #3: Dental Bonding

If you’re not keen on the idea of irreversible altering the thickness of your teeth, you might do better with dental bonding. This service addresses many of the same issues as veneers but doesn’t require any thinning beforehand.

Instead, your provider will apply color-matched composite resin directly to your enamel in layers to repair fractures, breaks, and misshapen teeth or to close gaps. Once they mold this material into the ideal shape, they harden it with an ultraviolet curing light, so it bonds with the surface of your tooth for a long-lasting repair.

Many people wanting to upgrade their grins aren’t sure of the best way to get started. If you don’t know which services can help you achieve your smile goals, the easiest way to learn is to consult your dentist!

Meet the Author

Dr. Joseph Noble has 20+ years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain their happiest, healthiest teeth and gums. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Now, he’s a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay current with the latest advancements in technology and techniques. He provides a complete menu of services at one convenient location to meet all your needs. Then, he uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request a consultation on the website or call (210) 342-1001.