Cosmetic dentistry is a popular option for enhancing the appearance of your smile. But what makes a smile beautiful? In this article, we explore the answer to this question and discuss cosmetic and preventive dental procedures that will help you love your smile.
What Makes a Smile Beautiful?
First of all, we would like to emphasise that a beautiful smile is a healthy one. This means that we recommend prioritizing dental procedures aimed at improving your oral health before considering cosmetic procedures. In fact, while some cosmetic procedures may deliver quick results, they may not be beneficial for your oral health in the long term. That being said, let us examine various procedures, including cosmetic, preventive, and orthodontic treatments, that can help you enhance the appearance of your smile.
Professional Dental Cleanings and Fluoride Treatments
During a professional cleaning, your dentist removes plaque and tartar that accumulates on your teeth over time. Plaque and tartar trap bacteria and food residue, and in some cases, might make teeth appear stained or discolored. Thus, a professional cleaning, especially if paired with a fluoride treatment, can visibly improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth.
In addition, professional cleanings and fluoride treatments help prevent cavities and gum disease (chronic inflammation of the gums). Gum disease can lead to gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth) that can cause cosmetic concerns in addition to oral health considerations. Additionally, in advanced stages, both gum disease and tooth decay can lead to tooth loss.
Thus, biyearly professional cleanings and semiannual fluoride treatments for those with a higher risk of decay can help maintain the healthy appearance of your smile, as well as prevent bad breath for years to come.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or Invisalign, are not a quick superficial cosmetic fix and can take up to 2 years in complicated cases. However, we recommend opting for this option, if possible, as it provides not only the cosmetic benefits of straight teeth. In fact, the main benefit of an orthodontic treatment is oral health improvement, as properly aligned teeth are easier to clean effectively (plaque and tartar often accumulate between crooked or crowded teeth, causing cavities and gum disease).
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can yield stunning results, with teeth becoming up to 8 shades whiter by the end of the procedure. However, remember that healthy tooth enamel is not necessarily dazzlingly white. We recommend choosing teeth whitening in cases of staining and discoloration that can not be remedied with professional cleanings.
Additionally, if you decide to undergo teeth whitening, consult your dentist first and opt for in-office professional treatments or at-home kits provided by your dentist. We advise against using over-the-counter whitening kits without consulting a dentist first, as they can cause permanent damage to your teeth, leading to further discoloration and other issues in the future.
Dental Bonding and Dental Veneers
During the dental bonding procedure, your dentist will use a resin composite to mask issues such as chips, cracks, or discoloration (that cannot be remedied with cleanings or whitening) on your teeth. Bonding can also be used to lengthen the teeth or slightly alter their shape.
Dental veneers are often used for the same cosmetic issues. However, they differ in that veneers (a thin shell made of porcelain or resin composite) cover the entire front side of the tooth, whereas bonding is used only for parts of the tooth that require adjustment. When being fitted for veneers, the teeth receiving backings must be prepared by removing some of the enamel. This is required to ensure space for the restoration. That being said, the procedure is irreversible, as the tooth cannot survive without its enamel. For this reason, we recommend opting for dental veneers only in cases where other treatments for cracked or chipped teeth or severe staining are ineffective.
Make an Appointment at My Dentist Upland
Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for a check-up and a professional cleaning with a reliable dentist at My Dentist Upland today. During these procedures, we will examine the condition of your teeth to determine if any additional cosmetic procedures or orthodontic treatment will be beneficial and safe for you. Your oral health is our top priority, and we look forward to your visit.