When it comes to making your New Year’sresolutions, why not put smiling more at the top of the list? Cosmetic dentistry covers a range of services that improve the appearance of your teeth, fix painful bite problems, and make effective dental hygiene easier. A smile makeover is a thoughtful process that aims to enhance your natural look through a customized combination of treatments.
Let’s take a look at some of the dental aesthetic options you can consider.
It’s a common misconception that cosmetic work is only for aesthetics. While a bright smile is often the primary goal, these treatments can strengthen your teeth, prevent further damage, and eliminate periodontal issues that are linked to significant health concerns. A missing or chipped tooth can affect what you can eat or stop you from chewing properly, leading to digestive issues. If you have questions that you want to ask your cosmetic dentist before a smile makeover, they’ll be happy to talk you through your options.
Teeth whitening removes stains, whether they’re spots of discoloration, darkening, or yellowing of a single tooth or your teeth in general.
Extrinsic stains are shallower as they occur in the outer enamel layer.
They’re often caused by:
Intrinsic stains are discolorations in the enamel and dentin, which is the deep layer underneath the enamel.
These stains can be caused by:
Porcelain veneers are a purely cosmetic option for those with chipped teeth, stubborn stains, small teeth, misshapen teeth, or extensive gaps. They are different to crowns in that they only cover the front surface of the teeth and offer no benefits beyond aesthetics. Veneers can be made for single or multiple teeth. They’re not recommended for those experiencing gum disease or extensive, frequent cavities. While traditional veneers are expensive and take a long time to fit, you can also opt for a newer brand, Lumineers. This innovative brand requires much less tooth surface preparation, reducing the fitting time and overall cost.
Tooth bonding, also known as composite bonding, involves the dentist correcting issues using a soft composite resin to fill in or cover specific areas. The resin is molded and shaped to fit, then cured using a special light. Once set, the resin can be smoothed and polished.
This treatment is used for minor cosmetic issues, such as teeth that are:
Composite bonding is a quick procedure that is typically completed in one session. It requires less preparation than veneers and usually costs less.
Did you know that braces aren’t just for teens? Modern dentistry offers a variety of treatment options suited to individual needs. With Invisalign braces for adults, it’s never too late to straighten your smile. Invisalign are custom-fit plastic trays, made from thin, clear plastic. As they are almost invisible on teeth, they’re the most discreet alignment method.
Other treatments include:
Orthodontic treatments align teeth, with sufficient space between to allow for proper dental hygiene. Removing food residue from between your teeth goes a long way to keeping them healthy and strong.
A missing tooth can cause your other teeth to move out of alignment over time. This affects your bite and can lead to headaches, broken teeth, tooth-clenching, root exposure, and wear. Getting a dental implant involves the dentist inserting a titanium socket into the jawbone. An artificial tooth, or crown, is screwed into the socket as a stand-in for your natural tooth. The dentist may recommend another option if your jawbone is compromised in any way.
If you have a tooth in place that is weak, damaged, or decayed, the dentist may keep it in place but suggest a crown that fits over the compromised tooth to strengthen it. A crown is a cap shaped like your tooth and can be made from porcelain, metal, or resin. If you look after a crown, it can last from 5 to 15 years.
Following your treatment, you’ll get clear aftercare instructions from your dentist that relate to your specific procedure. Along with those instructions, here are some practices that will help keep the glow in your new smile:
Protecting your dental work by including these easy habits in your daily dental care is an investment in your beautiful, new smile!
Your smile makeover may require a combination of treatments for an attractive, long-term solution. At Eriks Dental Group in Fort Lauderdale, our team creates a coordinated treatment plan for you that places each step in an ideal order. Performing techniques in isolation may compromise their effectiveness, while planned sequencing and timing give you the full advantage of each step. As an example, orthodontic alignments are typically done before applying veneers to ensure optimal tooth alignment.
2026 is your year to shine, and our cosmetic dentistry team is ready to help you. With a radiant smile, you can tackle whatever comes your way with confidence and joy. Request an appointment at our Fort Lauderdalelocation, or call (954) 463-5051. Our team is excited to discuss our smile-restoring options with you!
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