The first thing we notice about someone is often their smile. Unfortunately for many of us, no amount of brushing and flossing can make up for cracked, uneven, or discolored teeth. While these cosmetic issues can be a source of frustration, there are steps you can take to give yourself a bright and confident smile. Let’s look at some of the ways you can get a smile worth showing off.
Finding a Local Dentist
The first and most important step to getting the best smile you can have is to find a local dentist that you are comfortable going to frequently. You want to find a dental practice that is state certified, convenient to your location, and specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Google is your friend in this scenario, and if you are local to Las Vegas, a search for Summerlin dentist should return a number of results that fit your needs.
Once you have found your dentist, schedule regular cleanings every six months. This will prevent smaller problems from becoming larger and more expensive ones, while also building a relationship where your dentist knows what you want from them and how they can help you get your best smile.
Fixing Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can be an unsightly blight on your smile. While serious cracks can end up needing extraction or other major dental work, a chip or surface crack can usually be cleared up with dental bonding.
Dental bonding is a process by which a hard plastic is applied to a cracked, chipped, or discolored tooth. A special light is applied to the plastic to harden and attach it to the tooth, in a process that takes about an hour. Properly done, dental bonding can restore a tooth’s original appearance while protecting the tooth from further cracking damage. In addition to being a quick procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia, a dental-bonded tooth does not require any additional post visit care; after the procedure you can walk out of the office and continue with your normal dental hygiene practices.
Tooth Whitening
Many toothpaste ads will promise whiter teeth by using just their product, but brushing with a whitening toothpaste can only touch the surface of the tooth and will not be able to get at discoloration or stains beneath the outer layer. To get beneath the surface, the assistance of a dentist is often needed.
When you go into your dentist’s office, ask which whitening method they recommend for you. Depending on your needs, they may choose to use peroxide to whiten your teeth in their office. This is a relatively painless procedure, but sensitive gums are a normal side-effect for around 24 hours after the peroxide has been applied.
Your dentist may also recommend whitening trays, which use a less concentrated peroxide to whiten your teeth over a longer period of time. Some dentists prefer these because they are less harsh on your teeth, and once the custom tray is built you can whiten your teeth at your own discretion.
By being proactive about your dental health you can maintain a brilliant smile or even repair a less-than-lustrous one. Take your time finding a local dentist, repair any cracked or broken teeth, and find a whitening process that works for you to get the confident smile we all desire.