When’s the last time you smiled? Be honest, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? It’s because your smile doesn’t look all that great. But, you don’t have to remain hidden from the world. You don’t have to cover your mouth every time you’re happy or you want to laugh. You can learn to smile again, with confidence. Here’s how.
Tooth Whitening
There are a large variety of tooth whitening products available now that are easy to use and affective, like Whitening Lightening Super Booster Pens ($75). You can also find affordable tooth whitening products in the REMBRANDT® DEEPLY WHITE® Collection like their 2-Hour Whitening Kit
Not everyone can achieve the desired results with at-home products though. Professionals have better quality products, processes, and they have the skill and experience to do a good job.
Cosmetic dentistry is like any other skill. It takes time to perfect. So, unless you are willing to invest in dentistry-grade materials, don’t bother. You’ll end up with less-than-stellar results. With that being said, even professional whitening isn’t without its drawbacks. Because the whitening process effectively etches the outer layer of the tooth and damages it.
So, whitening products need to be reapplied periodically to maintain the tooth’s luster. Still, if your teeth are irreparably stained or damaged, whitening could be the best option for you. Just make sure you understand both the risks and the benefits.
Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored materials that are bonded to your teeth to improve the appearance of them. Usually, they are made of porcelain, but they can also be made of other materials that are strong and durable.
Veneers tend to be pricey, so make sure you do some research online to find pages like Manhattan veneers before deciding on the procedure. What to look for: your dentist should diagnose you and give you a treatment plan. This usually means x-rays are taken of your teeth and you’ll get impressions of your mouth and teeth.
The preparation phase involves removing about a millimeter of the enamel from your tooth’s surface. This thickness is equal to the veneer. So, when it’s all said and done, the veneer should sit flat with your tooth. The mold for the veneers is sent off to a lab and it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the dentist to receive it.
The bonding process is the last step in the process. Before the veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth and check the fit and the color. Both can be adjusted with tools right there in the office, and with the bonding cement that will be used.
Once the fit and color are perfect, your dentist cleans and polishes your tooth, and the veneer is applied. Finally, a special curing light is used to harden the cement. Your dentist may then want to schedule a followup visit to assess the veneer, and how your gums are reacting to it.
Braces
Braces are used to straighten teeth, and they can correct some very serious misalignment issues. While there are many different types, the two most common are lingual braces and traditional metal wired braces. The lingual braces are fixed to the back of the teeth and cannot be easily seen from the front – good if you’re self-conscious about having them in. Traditional metal braces are fixed using stainless steel wires and hardware – these are the types of braces you’ve probably seen before, and have come to fear and loath.
Newer braces, like invisalign, can also correct mild misalignments, but they’re not effective for extensive correction. A professional dentist in Bronx NY could assess your situation and give you all of the alternatives that are appropriate for your circumstance.
GUEST BLOGGER: Robert Ander is a people person with a passion for healthy smiles. As a recently retired dentist, he especially enjoys writing about oral health and dental options for all ages.
