What Dental Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

A smile is a great accessory to have as it completes your looks, and it is also the first thing that people notice about you. Some of us, however, have cracked, chipped, or discoloration that can make it hard to smile. Fortunately, with cosmetic dentistry in Oak Lawn, IL, you can brighten up your smiles. Visit a dentist near you for an assessment and discussion on which treatments are suitable for you.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry deals with the appearance of teeth and gums. It fixes the shape, size, and bite problems that you may have.

Can a General Dentist do Cosmetic Dentistry? Yes, cosmetic dental services are offered by a general dentist in Oak Lawn, IL.

What Are the Dental Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

When you have problems affecting the appearance of your teeth and smile, a dentist can recommend cosmetic dentistry. Some of the problems include:

1. Teeth Discoloration

Our teeth can darken and change shade because of several factors like food, drinks, poor dental hygiene, smoking, age, and medication. Dental trauma can also damage the blood vessels and interrupt the supply, causing the teeth to darken.

When your teeth discolor, getting them whitened professionally is the best way to go. Although you may use at-home whitening kits and the D.I.Y products, professional teeth whitening is most recommended. This is because the dentist will take the necessary steps to protect the gums from bruising.

The professional teeth whitening near me procedure takes about an hour to be done. The dentist will apply the whitening agent to the teeth and leave it for 15 minutes. A light activator is used to activate the whitening agent and hasten the process. The teeth are rinsed and the process repeated three times depending on the severity of the stains.

You can get the take-home whitening kits that are customized to suit your dental needs, and are used to maintain the whitening results. Consult our dentist for more information on the customized whitening kits.

2. Unsightly Gaps
Diastemas are rarely a cause of concern because they do not affect your dental structure. However, some people find them unattractive and would like to have them fixed, if you are among those people, then you need cosmetic dentistry near you. The dentist can recommend dental bonding if the spaces are minor. Cosmetic bonding is the process of covering the gaps with a resin material.

Dental veneers can also be used to cover the spaces. These are thin, wafer-like shells cemented on the teeth to correct the appearance.

If you have large spaces between your teeth caused by tooth extraction, the dentist can recommend restorative dental services like bridges, implants, and dentures. Dental bridges are false teeth that are anchored in place by two dental crowns. These bridges are non-invasive, but the dentist will reshape the enamel, which is irreversible.

Dental implants in Oak Lawn are metal posts that are surgically fixed on the jaw bone. These titanium screws can last for a lifetime, but you need to have sufficient bone support to have them fixed.

Dentures are removable fixtures that are ideal if you have all teeth missing on the upper or lower jaw.

3. Oddly Shaped Teeth
Teeth that are not of the same size can make it hard for you to chew. The dentist can recommend dental veneers to repair the shape.

Dental crowns can also be used to improve the shape and size of the teeth. Unlike the veneers, the dental crowns encase the whole tooth. You will, however, need trimming of the teeth for the crowns to be fixed.

4. Chipped and Cracked Teeth
Cracks and chips can occur after a fall or when you bit a hard object. These cracks can be fixed with dental bonding. However, if you have larger cracks and chips, the veneers and crowns can be used instead.

5. Misaligned Teeth and Jaw
When your teeth and jaw are not aligned properly, it put pressure on the bone and causes problems like TMJ. The dentist can recommend orthodontic devices like braces to correct the alignment and positioning of the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Forrest Tower DDS for more information on cosmetic dentistry procedures and their benefits.