If you’ve been masking your natural smile because of yellowed or unevenly spaced teeth, there are several
cosmetic dentistry options available that can help you achieve a picture-perfect look. The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) recently published a report declaring the benefits of cosmetic procedures that can restore or enhance your natural smile. The Association suggests both at-home treatments and dental visits to help achieve a healthy and attractive smile.
(Source: padental.org)
Whether you want to realign uneven teeth or fix a broken tooth that is taking away from your smile, here are six solutions to consider for a better smile in 2009:
1. Veneers– a simple and effective way to cover up misshapen, broken or chipped teeth, these custom-made protective coverings help create the appearance of a perfect smile. Veneers are placed directly over the natural teeth, creating a ‘false tooth’ that looks natural. Veneers can help to fill in large gaps or cover up permanent stains, and offer instant results for achieving that perfect smile.
2. Zoom! Teeth Whitening Procedures – if you’re looking for a fast and effective way to brighten teeth, the Zoom! teeth whitening procedure may be the best match for you. This teeth whitening treatment penetrates through the teeth’s top layer to break down any dark deposits and whitens teeth up to eight shades lighter. These cosmetic treatments can be a valuable solution before a special event, and results can be maintained with an at-home whitening kit.
3. Crowns– if you have broken or weak teeth, crowns serve as a supportive structure and can help restore a broken tooth. These are more solid than veneers, and are particularly effective at improving the appearance of your teeth.
4. At-home Teeth Whitening kits – some dentists offer at-home teeth whitening kits made with medical grade ingredients. These are different from kits available over the counter, and have been proven effective and getting results. The kits can help lighten teeth several shades after a few weeks of consistent use; they may be coupled with a deep-cleaning tooth brush to help you achieve a brighter smile.
5. Dental Implants – while this is a relatively extensive surgery, dental implants can replace missing teeth and help to create a more attractive smile. The procedure involves inserting artificial teeth directly into the gumline.
6. Dental Bonding – dental bonding procedures can help improve the appearance of teeth by filling in cracks, chips and indentations present on the surface of the teeth. This cosmetic treatment can help smooth out the teeth and create a more attractive appearance; it is most appropriate for teeth that are already healthy but just need a touch-up.
Flossing and brushing regularly are essential for good oral health, but The Pennsylvania Dental Association also encourages patients to maintain a healthy diet and avoid excess consumption of sugary foods. Eating well-balanced meals made of unprocessed and natural foods helps the teeth stay strong and healthy, and this regimen can also encourage healthy tissue growth in and around the gums.
Published: 12/26/2008, Last Updated: 12/27/2008
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.