Have you sometimes wondered how dentists brighten up smiles and what all the treatment options are? Though a dentist and his or her team may be efficient and caring, there are times when patients just do not like to ask too many questions. After all, it is quite common to feel a bit fazed by reclining chairs, bright lights and steel instruments!
Here are the five principal ways that a dentist gives teeth a new look and helps to maintain a great smile.
Whitening
Whitening works best especially when there are few or no fillings, veneers or crowns. Before having a tooth whitening treatment, check with your dentist for recommendations to see which in-office or home based kit is likely to produce the best results.
Crowns
For poorly shaped, heavily filled or otherwise damaged teeth, dental crowns restore aesthetics and strength. Additionally, they can restore a broken tooth if there is no damage below the gum line.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer or shell bonded to the front of a tooth, after removing a small amount of enamel from its front surface. This option brightens up a smile and involves less natural tissue removal than crown treatments. For crowns and veneers, the dentist will usually take tooth impressions before the work begins, to help produce a good result that fits the existing bite.
Bonding
Bonding involves the use of porcelain and resin, fixed directly to the dental enamel and dentine. As a cosmetic treatment, bonding works well for minor repairs such as a chipped tooth corner. However, the result may not be as strong as a crown, which is usually necessary for larger repairs.
Orthodontics
It is true that dentists recommend orthodontic work to align teeth during childhood or the early teenage years, when necessary. Nonetheless, adults can respond well to this expert treatment; advances in dentistry now mean that a metallic brace is not the only option. Tooth-coloured plastic brackets are available – or a choice of colours, for the fashion conscious! Straightening crowded or crooked teeth (malocclusions) not only improves appearance but also boosts oral hygiene.
Alternatively, removable aligners or invisible orthodontics (such as Invisalign) might be possible for smaller adjustments or to wear at night as a retainer after the primary treatment.
So, there you have them: five top restorative treatments to care for your smile. If you have any questions about dental care or treatments, please do seek advice from your dentist.
