A healthy, beautiful smile is important to feel confident and attractive. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers multiple treatments to help enhance the look of your teeth and smile. Whether you want to brighten your smile with teeth whitening or straighten them out, dental treatments can help.
Here are some procedures you should consider when enhancing your looks with dental treatments:
1. Teeth Whitening
This cosmetic procedure uses bleaching products to remove stains, discoloration, and yellowing of the teeth, providing a brighter and more youthful appearance. It’s a simple and inexpensive procedure that can be done in-office or at home with an over-the-counter whitening kit.
In-office is more effective and safer, as a dentist or another qualified dental professional does it. Also, they apply higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, so you can see noticeable results in just one session. You may need more than three sessions for more severe and deeper tooth stains to achieve your desired results.
On the other hand, at-home teeth whitening kits are cheaper and use lower concentrations of bleaching agents. However, it takes longer to see results, and you must be more diligent about following the instructions for best results.
2. Veneers
These are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that fit over the front surface of your teeth. They address tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, uneven spacing, and other cosmetic dental issues. Veneers can transform your smile by making your teeth appear straighter and whiter in one sitting.
The procedure is done in two appointments: one for preparation, where the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and lightly buff them before attaching the veneers. The second one is when they permanently attach the veneers. With good oral hygiene practices, veneers look natural and can last up to 10 years.
3. Invisalign
Also called clear braces, Invisalign treatment is an alternative to traditional braces that straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. Instead, it uses clear plastic aligner trays that are virtually invisible when worn. You must wear each set of trays for two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. The average treatment time is 12-18 months, depending on your orthodontic needs.
Invisalign prices depend on the complexity of your case and can range from $2,500 to $8,000.
4. Dental Implants
Dental implants or teeth implants can be your option to enhance your smile if you are missing one or more teeth as a result of an accident or illness. This procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone as a replacement root for the missing tooth/teeth. The implant is then topped with a customized crown, bridge, or denture that matches your other teeth in shape, size, and color.
Dental implants are strong and durable, and their lifespan is up to 25 years or more with proper care.
5. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. They can also improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns are available in different materials, including porcelain, metal, and ceramic. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on your budget and aesthetic preferences.
Crowns can last up to 15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance, such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, avoiding hard foods, and visiting the dentist every six months for check-ups.
6. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a device that fills the gap caused by teeth. It consists of two crowns on either side of the gap and one or more false teeth between them, held in place by metal wings. Dental bridges can be made from porcelain, metal alloys, gold, or a combination.
These prosthetics can last up to seven years with proper care and regular visits to your dentist for check-ups. They can also help restore your bite and improve your chewing and speaking ability. Additionally, they can support facial structures and maintain the natural shape of your face.
For more dental treatments to enhance your looks, see this list of dental services in Orange.