No one can deny that a beautiful smile has the power to greatly boost a person’s self-esteem and make them feel confident. After all, teeth help us eat, speak, and also play a significant role in shaping our face.
However, having healthy teeth is perhaps more important for a person’s health and overall well-being than anything else. Individuals need to understand just how crucial oral hygiene is because dental problems can seriously affect other body parts and can cause numerous issues and complications.
Unfortunately, sometimes, due to various circumstances, oral complications are unavoidable and for various reasons, a person might lose confidence in their smile. Luckily, many great professionals can help solve all of these problems, no matter if they are health-related or connected to the appearance of someone’s teeth.
So, if you are wondering exactly how you can get that perfect smile, here are some ways to make this possible.
The Difference Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry
To explain simply, general dentistry involves preventing and treating oral diseases while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance.
However, it is important to note that all cosmetic dentists, like drpamelali.ca, started as general dentists that later decided to specialize in cosmetic dentistry. This means that they are equally qualified to treat any dental problems.
General Dentistry Solutions
- Dental Cleaning
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is essential for oral health and hygiene since it removes the dental plaque build-up that is the main cause of cavities. But sometimes, the plaque hardens and becomes something known as tartar, so having your teeth professionally cleaned is important to remove these hardened deposits and avoid dental caries.
This will not only keep your teeth clean but also healthy and in pristine condition.
- Dental Crowns & Bridges
Crowns or bridges are perfect for individuals who have severely decayed, deformed, stained, or missing teeth. This restoration type completely encircles or caps a tooth or implant and is typically bonded to it by cement. They can be made entirely from porcelain, porcelain with metal, or just metal.
They restore your ability to speak and chew while feeling natural and provide a better-looking smile as well.
- Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the common cavity treatments and as important as they are to your health, they can also improve the look of your teeth. This is why many dental offices such as New York Total Dental provide both general and cosmetic services, so you can finish everything you need to in one place.
This routine procedure involves several steps with the first being to clean the affected part that then leaves a hole or space. This is then filled with a material and evened out to the tooth’s surface. All that is left is to polish it and your tooth will be safe from further decay.
Five types of fillings are most commonly used and they include:
Composite – perhaps the most popular type, it is made of a resin and plastic material and can be made to match the color of the person’s teeth. However, these fillings are not as durable as other materials and might need replacing after 5 years.
Amalgam (Silver) – the filling is a mixture of several minerals such as silver, mercury, zinc, and more. It is strong, durable, and cost-efficient, although it is noticeable when one smiles due to its darker color, making it aesthetically unpleasing.
Ceramic – made from porcelain, this type is durable and pleasing to the eye. They might be more expensive than other fillings, but they do match the color of one’s teeth and are also much more damage-resistant.
Gold – as one can predict, these types of fillings are uncommon and very expensive. Not all dentists offer this type, even though it is extremely durable and can last up to 15 years. A gold filling is sturdy and corrosion-free but does require a few visits to the dentist to be fitted properly.
Glass Ionomer – made from acrylic and glass, this filling is optimal for children since it releases fluoride which can stop further decay. They are the least durable type and do not really entirely match the color of a person’s tooth.
Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions
- Cosmetic Bonding
Composite resin can also be used for cosmetic purposes and it is usually placed over or around a tooth to reshape or restore it. It can cover up stains, fill in any cracks, gaps, and restore a tooth that is deformed or chipped.
- Professional Whitening
Using bleaching agents only medical professionals can use in controlled environments entails a much brighter and lighter result without any teeth or gum damage. It is a pain-free procedure that removes stains as well and it usually lasts longer than over-the-counter options. It can even reduce the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.
- Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer a painless and effective transformation. The thin layer that is placed over a tooth not only improves its look but also protects it. Veneers are perfect for restoring symmetry and are a durable alternative to braces. They are also great for correcting minor dental problems and for protecting teeth against decay.
- Invisalign
Although wearing Invisalign might take longer to achieve wanted results, it is a great way to bring your teeth closer together if needed. This plastic casing is lightweight and molded to perfectly fit in your mouth and over your teeth. Regularly replacing the invisible aligners will give you a beautiful smile after a while, although it does require patience. It is practically invisible, but you can still take it out during meals or for special occasions.
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with taking pride in having a gorgeous smile and it might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence and make you feel great. Although highly-skilled professionals will always be there to help you achieve this, it is also important to take great care of your teeth. Practice good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and proudly display your smile wherever you go.
