If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth for whatever reason, there are a number of options available for you to make some subtle changes. From improving the shade of your teeth and removing staining, to aligning and straightening. We have provided details regarding the process, cost, and effectiveness of each form of smile correction so you can make an educated decision. Keep reading if you would like to learn more about the options available to you.
Whitening
Whitening your teeth, although a small change, can make a big difference to your smile. There are different options for how to whiten your teeth, ranging in price. If you have the budget, you can have your teeth professionally whitened by a cosmetic dentist. This will provide you with the best results, that will last longer than other whitening options. Make sure to do plenty of research to find a dentist that has great reviews from previous customers, as well as high standards of practice in their clinic. You can also whiten your teeth at home, using various different methods. There is whitening toothpaste available, but these are more likely to have a temporary brightening effect rather than permanently whitening your teeth. You could also use whitening kits, that use a combination of gel and UV rays to brighten the enamel of your teeth.
Braces
If you have compacted or poorly positioned teeth, then something that can help improve both appearance and comfort are braces. Braces come in a variety of forms, including metal, ceramic, and invisible braces. It will vary as to how much braces cost in the US, so it's worth shopping around to find the right type and price that would work best for you. Braces have a range of benefits, from improving smile appearance, to even helping to prevent problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Aligners
Aligners are essentially plastic forms of braces. In a similar way, they help to correct misaligned and crooked teeth positioning. However, unlike braces, they can be removed whenever you like, such as for eating and drinking. They can be more convenient than braces for this reason, as they can be cleaned more easily. They are also designed to be invisible, so aren't as immediately noticeable as traditional braces. They can also be more cost-effective than fitted braces.
Veneers
Veneers are a porcelain coating that is designed to be fitted over your teeth, to create a white and more uniform appearance. Some people may choose this option for improving the appearance of their teeth because it can be quicker and simpler than having to go through the process of aligning and whitening. They are also less invasive and sometimes less expensive than having something such as crowns fitted. They can be a good option for people that have aesthetic issues with their teeth such as chips and marks.
Crowns
Crowns provide similar benefits to veneers in that they can completely revamp the appearance of your smile. The main difference between crowns and veneers is that veneers only cover the front of the tooth, whereas crowns are completely fitted over the entire tooth. Veneers can also be made from different materials than veneers. Whilst they can be made also from porcelain, they can also be made from resin composite as well. Composite crowns tend to be much longer-lasting and more durable than porcelain crowns or veneers.
Enamel Shaping And Contouring
Enamel shaping and contouring can bring the benefits of crowns and veneers to your natural teeth. It involves shaving and shaping the enamel of each tooth to create a more even and aesthetically pleasing appearance to your smile. Many people choose to combine this treatment with whitening to get the best possible results. This option is best for those that only have minor imperfections to their teeth, rather than those that are wishing to have more major corrections and treatment. It is not appropriate for those that have poor tooth health and damaged enamel as the teeth with not be strong enough for this type of cosmetic work.
Bonding
Tooth bonding involves a similar tactic to crowns, in that a composite resin is applied to the tooth to improve appearance. However, unlike a crown, instead of covering the entire tooth it is applied simply to the front face of each tooth. Therefore, it can be a more cost-effective option in comparison to having crowns and veneers fitted. Bonding can be done incredibly quickly, usually within the space of half an hour. Like natural enamel, composite resin can stain and become damaged, so it's important to ensure you care for them in the same way you would care for your natural teeth. It's important to make sure you consult an experienced cosmetic dentist to find out whether bonding, crowns, or veneers is the right option for you and your vision for your teeth.
