Sep
It’s important to take care of all your teeth. After all, our teeth are essential for so many of life’s necessary activities, from chewing to smiling to speaking. However, the teeth in the front of our smiles are the ones most people notice first, so issues with these teeth may be more apparent. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures you can consider to make your front teeth as beautiful as possible.
The most popular veneers are made from very thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth, but they can sometimes also be made with composite resin. Dental veneers are custom-made to perfectly blend with your natural teeth in both color and shape. Dentists use veneers to disguise many cosmetic dental issues, including:
Custom-made dental crowns fit over a patient’s whole tooth. Crowns are often used to cover a tooth after a root canal treatment, but they can also be used for cosmetic purposes. For front teeth, crowns are useful for improving the appearance of discolored teeth or to camouflage a filling.
Cosmetic tooth bonding uses a material colored to the same shade as your natural teeth. This material is then used to cover up dental imperfections like cracked or chipped teeth, gapped teeth, or teeth that are badly stained.
You may have seen store-bought teeth whitening products, but they are a fraction of the strength your dentist has access to. For the brightest smile and whitest teeth, it’s important to work with your dentist to discuss your options.
An in-office teeth whitening treatment gives you instant results, and it’s ideal if you need a fast solution for a special occasion or job interview. Teeth can also be whitened at home using products your dentist provides. This option is perfect for someone who wants more gradual whitening.
This procedure is sometimes called “enamel shaping.” Tooth contouring can correct minor dental issues such as chipped teeth. Your dentist may also use contouring to fix overlapping teeth.
People who have excess gum tissue may seem to have an unbalanced or “gummy” smile. With gum contouring, a dentist can remove excess gum tissue to give your gum line a more balanced, symmetrical appearance.
If you’re missing a front tooth, it has probably had a huge impact on your self-confidence and ability to move comfortably among people. Dental implants work nearly identically to your natural tooth, and they can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or to anchor a dental bridge.
If you have malocclusion or crooked teeth, an orthodontist can use traditional metal braces or clear aligners to give you a straighter, more beautiful smile. Check with your dental insurance plan to see if they cover a portion of orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Kreiner and the staff at D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner, D.D.S., in Bel Air, Maryland, are here to help you have the smile of your dreams. Call us today at (410) 983-6775 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.