For many of us, a great smile may not come naturally. Dental problems like stained or discolored teeth, chipped enamel, misshapen or uneven dentition, or old silver fillings can take the joy out of smiling. But a consultation with your cosmetic dentist will reveal the many options available to provide that great smile you’ve always wanted.
Cosmetic Problems and Solutions
Spotted, stained, or discolored teeth – These can occur for a variety of reasons. Diet, lifestyle habits like tobacco use, medications or dietary supplements … any or all of these can impact the appearance of your teeth. Teeth whitening may provide the solution. Your dentist can recommend the product that will serve you best resulting in the “wow” smile you’ve always wanted.
Chipped enamel or teeth – Your cosmetic dentist can fashion bonding material to repair teeth using a tooth colored composite that will make the restoration undetectable.
Old silver fillings – Dental amalgam was used for many years as a means to correct dental decay. Those fillings can be replaced with tooth colored composite fillings making them virtually impossible to detect.
Uneven, misshapen teeth or unwanted gaps – The quickest way to correct these types of dental maladies is with porcelain veneers. Veneers are wafer thin, tooth colored shells that are made to fit the front of teeth requiring improvement. This is a permanent solution that can be completed in a matter of weeks.
How to Maintain Your New Smile
You’ve made the investment in cosmetic dentistry so learn how to protect your new smile.
Foods and beverages that can result in dental stain include tea, coffee, cola, red wine, many berries, tomato based sauces, beets, and many dark sauces. Drink cold beverages through a straw to allow beverages to pass by newly whitened teeth. And while you may be tempted to brush teeth immediately following the consumption of many of these foods, you should delay brushing for thirty minutes as many foods can soften dental enamel. Rinse with water or chew sugar free gum until you can brush.
Don’t chew ice or bite on hard objects that may result in chipped teeth. Avoid biting into hard or crunchy foods with veneer treated teeth – if a veneer is dislodged or broken, it will require replacement.
Brush and floss daily and visit the office of Dr. David Kuban for cleaning and dental exam every six months.
