Consider These Three Services To Improve Your Smile

A smile makeover involves cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile. Cosmetic dentists have numerous procedures they can use for smile makeovers. However, you don't need all of them. Here are three treatments that form the basis of many smile makeovers.

1. Teeth Whitening

The light, natural teeth color means discolorations are easy to spot. Thus, many people are self-conscious about discolorations on their teeth. Risk factors for teeth discolorations include:

• Genetics
• Poor dental hygiene
• Aging
• Tobacco use
• Discoloring food and drinks
• Dental injuries

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help you clear or mask your teeth's discolorations. You may handle minimal discolorations at home via whitening toothpaste and at-home bleaching products.

However, extensive discoloration requires a dentist's intervention. The dentist will diagnose your discoloration and determine whether bleaching can help. Treatment options for extensive intrinsic discoloration that bleaching cannot help with include dental bonding, crowns, and veneers.

2. Teeth Replacement

Some people also don't want to smile with gaps from missing teeth, especially front teeth gaps. Unfortunately, you might lose teeth from dental accidents, diseases (such as periodontitis), and other health issues. Fortunately, teeth replacement options are available with impressive success rates.

Consider a dental implant if you want durable tooth replacement. The implant is an artificial material the dentist inserts in your jawbone and covers with a dental crown. Another option is a dental bridge supported by the adjacent teeth. You can also get dentures – removable false teeth supported by your soft tissues.

3. Teeth Alignment

Teeth crookedness can affect your smile in different ways. Some people have teeth that protrude out, jut inwards, don't align with teeth on the opposing jaw, or fail to touch the opposing jaw with the mouth closed. Childhood habits (such as tongue thrusting), dental injuries, and overcrowded jaws increase the risk of misaligned teeth.

Oral appliances are the standard treatment for misaligned teeth. For example, you can get dental braces that progressively move and pull your teeth into alignment. Other appliances include palatal expanders, dental retainers, and aligners.

You might need dental surgery to correct misaligned teeth in rare cases. Surgery is a treatment option for misalignment due to jaw issues. In such a case, an oral surgeon may move your jaw forward or widen it to accommodate all your teeth.

Some dental treatments that improve your smile also protect your teeth. Talk to your dentist to review your current dental health and appearance so they can customize your treatment.