Did you know that people with dental flaws are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety or depression? Aesthetic issues in your smile can make you feel so self-conscious that you avoid spending time with others, which can significantly detract from your daily quality of life.
Thankfully, many dentists offer various cosmetic procedures intended to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. Continue reading to learn more about 3 common concerns that your provider can help address with one or more of these popular services!
Issue #1: Stubborn Stains
Even those who are committed to brushing and flossing twice daily can develop aesthetic issues in their smiles. For example, prolonged or repeated exposure to deeply pigmented foods, such as tea, coffee, berries, tomatoes, or wine, can eventually leave your enamel looking more yellow or brown than pearly white.
If you’re feeling tempted to try over-the-counter whitening solutions, you might end up disappointed by the results. They often contain more diluted bleach that’s less effective and doesn’t provide the desired outcome. Plus, they rely on one-size-fits-all strips or trays that leave plenty of room for error in the applications, which can cause sensitivity.
Meanwhile, your dentist can provide a professional-strength whitening kit that contains everything you need to achieve a beautifully brighter grin from the comfort of your home. For instance, they offer ultra-concentrated gels that mitigate potential discomfort along with custom-fitted trays for a more accurate outcome.
Issue #2: Chips and Cracks
Not only can surface damage, like chipped or cracked enamel, detract from your looks, but it can also harm your dental health. Any injury to the structure of your tooth makes it that much easier for bacteria to penetrate through the protective outer layers to cause disease or decay.
Fortunately, your dentist can mend injured teeth with color-matched dental bonding. This procedure involves placing a putty-like composite resin material to your tooth in layers to rebuild the lost or damaged sections. Then, it’s hardened into place with an ultraviolet curing light for a beautiful, durable repair that can last 10+ years if cared for correctly.
Issue #3: Minor Gaps Between Teeth
One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and an unevenly spaced grin is less likely to make a positive impression. If you’re frustrated by small gaps between your teeth that detract from your reflection or catch little bits of food, don’t lose hope!
Your dentist can reshape your enamel with one or more treatments, such as placing dental bonding to reshape it or covering it with a lifelike dental crown, to close the spaces and restore your self-confidence.
Meet the Author
Dr. Dustin Lively is passionate about helping people improve their daily lives by enhancing their smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and today, provides a variety of services to meet your unique needs under one roof, including cosmetic procedures. Whether you want a lighter grin or to address damaged enamel, he has treatments that can boost your confidence and your dental health. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (580) 782-2552.