No matter what you might not like about your smile, chances are there’s a way with cosmetic dentistry to correct it. Some of the procedures are quick fixes that may be done in a single visit to the dentist, and others require a little more time. Either way, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by asking your dentist about the following cosmetic options that might help you.
Bonding
Minor imperfections can be repaired with bonding, in which tooth-colored resin is sculpted over the flaws in your teeth. Bonding is ideal for problems like chips, gaps, and stains.
Crowns
For a severely damaged tooth, a dental crown may be the best solution. A hollow cap is permanently placed over your real tooth, giving you back your smile and allowing you to chew properly.
Gum contouring
A gummy smile negatively affects the look of your whole mouth. Gum contouring allows your dentist to remove extra gum tissue and reshape it to look better proportioned with your teeth. This can make short teeth look longer and give a more balanced smile. Often dentists use lasers to perform this procedure, with effective results and minimal downtime.
Porcelain veneers
Thin shells are adhered to the fronts of your teeth to hide imperfections like chips, cracks, stains, and misalignment. Veneers are a non-invasive and simple solution, yet can have a dramatic effect on your appearance.
Dental implants
If you are missing teeth, implants provide a permanent way to replace teeth. Since surgery is required to place the implant, this is a more invasive technique than some procedures and more recovery time is necessary.
