Are you living with a minor cosmetic dental issue like yellowing teeth or a chipped tooth? Though inconsequential, these issues can affect your appearance and self-confidence. A small fix can make a big difference.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Depending on the severity and location of the tooth, there are a number of ways to repair a chipped or broken tooth.
- Fillings are ideal if you have a small piece of tooth enamel missing, and most dentists offer tooth-colored fillings.
- Bonding can fix chips and breaks in the front teeth. Using tooth-colored composite resin, the dentist applies the resin and shapes it to camouflage the chip or break.
- Caps and crowns can fix significant breaks. A tooth-colored cap or crown is placed over the damaged tooth to hide the imperfection and protect the tooth.
- Veneers can correct damage to visibly damaged front teeth. A thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain or resin is fitted to your tooth.
Typically, veneers make the biggest difference in your appearance since they’re designed to cover the entire tooth most naturally, but other fixes can improve the appearance of your smile.
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can impact speech, appearance, and the ability to eat and drink. There are however options to address this concern.
- Bridges are fixed restorations held in place using a crown attached to the adjacent teeth, filling the space of the missing tooth.
- Implants are long-lasting, natural replacements that prevent bone deterioration. Implants are placed in the jawbone to fuse with the natural bone.
Yellowing Teeth
Many people use whitening toothpastes and at-home kits to get a whiter smile, but your dentist can offer options for longer-lasting results.
- In-office whitening involves the application of a bleaching agent that sits on the teeth for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. At-home whitening products and regular maintenance will keep teeth bright for up to a year or longer.
- Veneers are a more permanent solution to yellowing teeth, lasting up to 15 years. Veneers fit on top of the teeth, and you choose the shade of white.
Gaps or Crowding
Diastema is the term dentists use to describe the space between front teeth. While benign in most cases, gaps can be a cosmetic issue. Similarly, crowded or crooked teeth can keep people from enjoying their smile. Thankfully, there are minor fixes that correct these imperfections.
- Bonding can fix gaps in the teeth by applying tooth-colored composite on either side of the gap to make the teeth “wider,” closing the space.
- Veneers are perfect for larger gaps since they’re specially designed to match your existing teeth.
- Clear orthodontic aligners can help adults who don’t want traditional braces. Aligners can fix small imperfections, and in many cases only take months to see improvement.
The dental experts at Klement Family Dental are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile. From cosmetic procedures to preventive services, Klement Family Dental offers a wide array of dental options to fit your needs and budget, so set up a consultation today to get on the road to a brighter, healthier, more confident smile.
