As we go through life, we find ourselves visiting the dentist for our twice a year checkup. During our early years we may have an occasional cavity that needs attention but otherwise no major issues seem to emerge. Then we reach our late elementary and middle school years and we’ve lost our baby teeth and almost all of our adult teeth are now in. Getting fitted for braces is common then, as our new teeth need corrective spacing and alignment.
During adulthood it’snot uncommon for a number of dental issues to start to show up. As years of wear and tear on our teeth start to take their toll, we might face the need for extensive dental work. We start to see discoloration set in and our pearly whites seem to lose their luster over time. In worst case scenarios, we may even lose a tooth due to injury or need to have a problematic molar extracted. All of these situations start to have an effect on our smile.
Whitening
There are a number of dental enhancements available to bring the sparkle back to your smile. Whitening your teeth can help remove the stains and discoloration that have built up over the years, also known as “bleaching”, this procedure can either be done at the office or at home.
The process takes about an hour for a full treatment at your clinic or you can opt for a more gradual program that is carried out at home and takes around 15 minutes each day.
Veneers
If you have extensive dark staining on your teeth then the best solution may be to apply custom-crafted veneers. This solution also works well if you have a chipped or even fractured tooth in the front of your mouth.
To prepare for a veneer, the enamel on the tooth is filed down and then the technician takes an impression of your tooth. The lab can then create a custom porcelain veneer that will be applied to correct the issue. Veneers often last around 15 years before needing to be replaced.
Alignment and Movement
As new teeth come in or as we lose an adult molar, alignment becomes an issue. The spacing within your mouth may need to be addressed through the use of braces that gradually correct problems that have occurred.
Fortunately, instead of metal braces, clear aligners like Invisalign are now available. A model of your mouth is made and custom aligners are created to easily and gradually move your teeth into their optimal location.
New Composite Fillings
If you have suffered tooth decay, as almost everyone has, your familiar with getting metal fillings. This solution did take care of the issue but left your mouth with an unsightly mix of white teeth and silver fillings.
It’s now possible to have restoration work done using composite fillings that are white. They can be customized to match the color of your smile and will blend in perfectly. If you would like to stay on top of your dental health and restore your smile to its original charm, consider the range of cosmetic procedures that are available today. These new processes and materials can help you greet the world with smiling confidence.