Keeping a youthful appearance is something we all aim for as we get older. However, when it comes to looking younger, most of us emphasize the condition of our skin, our choices in clothing, or even our hair. Fortunately, in a modern world of dentistry, opting for cosmetic procedures for our pearly whites has tremendous results for a person’s appearance.
What Should I Expect from a Cosmetic Consultation?
The dentist will initially ask you to describe the changes you want to make and what you don’t like about your smile. Then, due to the reality that aesthetic issues such as discolored or missing teeth may also point to hidden health problems, an extensive oral examination is advised. Once the dentist understands where you currently are and prefer to end up, they may discuss your most suitable treatment options.
In addition, cosmetic dental treatments considerably enhance the appearance of one’s teeth. For a fact, some may also help restore function or significantly improve dental health.
Some methods of cosmetic dentistry include:
Veneers
A less-than-perfect tooth can be covered and protected with realistic-looking, tooth-like sheets called veneers. These sheets are added just to the surface of a tooth.
Those with a tooth with stains, minor cracks, small chips, or other tiny dental flaws are excellent candidates for porcelain veneers. Those who want a slight reshaping or lengthening of their teeth also find veneers useful.
Crowns
Crowns are not just for problematic teeth; they also provide a refreshing, realistic appearance to teeth. Crowns also give a strong structure for eating and speaking.
Additionally, those with a slight improper bite may find correction with crowns. In turn, a more proper bite can help reduce wrinkles as the mouth is aligned correctly and adequately filled in.
Teeth whitening
Yellowed teeth and stains can be embarrassing for a patient and can make one look older. Likewise, miscolored teeth look aged and worn.
However, with professional teeth whitening done by a dental specialist, one’s teeth will be brighter, whiter, and younger in no time. So don’t fool anyone into thinking you’re older than you are with yellow teeth!
Orthodontics
Most folks are not born with perfectly aligned teeth. Everyone has some flaw in their bite or arrangement of their teeth, with some having minor or significant ones.
The branch of orthodontics offers excellent treatment for many patients, from minor crooked teeth to significant jaw misalignment.
The thing with straighter, more aligned teeth is that it provides a more youthful appearance. But unfortunately, society has given us the misconception that young adults have straight, white, clean teeth. Have you ever heard of the term photoshopped?
Bonding
Improve a discolored, stained, or slightly chipped or worn-down tooth with dental bonding. This cosmetic option uses a tooth-colored resin bonded or cured to a tooth to give a young and beautiful smile to any patient.
Bonding can also restore teeth damaged by tooth decay or bruxism (tooth grinding).
Gum/bone grafting & recontouring
Grafting gums or teeth in the mouth can potentially offer new tissue/bone growth in the mouth to revitalize one’s smile.
Likewise, surgically reshaping (recontouring) gums and teeth can help give one a younger look when completed.
Crown lengthening
Often done in cases of severe tooth grinding, a patient’s gum tissue will be slightly removed to expose more tooth structure so that a crown can be added.
After completion, one’s tooth/teeth will appear unharmed and young again, no matter their actual age.
There are several options for creating a more youthful smile. These are just some of the many ways one can look younger regarding their oral appearance.