Dental Options for Improving Your Smile

A large number of adults are unhappy with their smiles. A poor smile can lead to lowered self confidence. Lowered self confidence can affect relationships, career success, and even your mental health. Adults who are unhappy with the condition of their smiles may feel that they have limited options when it comes to improvement. However, there are actually many unknown cosmetic treatment options to improve the overall smile. These cosmetic dentist procedure options vary in price and invasiveness, making it easy to find something that fits your specific dental needs.

Braces

Braces are the most traditional way to improve the condition of the teeth. They are attached to the teeth and over time, they push the teeth back into their proper places. Braces can take many years, depending on the shape of the teeth. They can also be painful, or minimally, uncomfortable. Braces require frequent visits to the family dentist for tightening and inspections. The cost of braces also varies, depending on the extent of the spacing, the amount of tightening needed, and the length of the braces.

Invisible braces

One of the biggest down falls of braces is that they are very noticeable on the teeth. Although braces are a normal part of a teenager?s look, adults may feel more hesitant about braces. Invisible braces are clear colored braces that work in the same way as traditional braces do. They are a great option for adults who do not want other to know they are wearing braces. However, they may take longer to correct the teeth than traditional braces do. Your family dentist can further discuss the differences between the two types of braces.

Dentures

Dentures are often thought to be a dentistry option for seniors. Dentures are used when most of the teeth have fallen out. The dentures are measured for proper fit in the mouth and look very similar to real teeth. Dentures may require pulling of a few teeth for proper fitting. Dentures also require daily care, including cleaning and using pastes. Dentures look and feel like real teeth, so others may not even be able to tell that you have them. About 15% of the edentulous population has dentures made each year.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a great option for a couple of missing teeth. They can also be used to fill spacing problems. Dental implants are often needed when an adult tooth is lost or when one had to be removed. Dental implant costs may be more affordable than braces or an entire mouth full of dental implants. Dental implants are also a great option for older populations and edentulous patients, who may not want to deal with the daily care of mouth dentures. The number of partially edentulous patients will continue to increase in the next 15 years to more than 200 million individuals. Partial edentulism affects the majority of adult Americans.

Dental bonding

Bonding is similar to when you have a cavity filled. The same material that coats the cavity after it is drilled out can be used to create a smoother looking tooth. Dental bonding may be used to fill in spaces or to create teeth where they have been removed. It can also be used for extending teeth that are chipped or are too small. Dental bonding is a simple procedure, easily completed in your family dentist office. It tends to last for a shorter amount of time than the other procedures.

Regular dental care

Some dental cosmetic problems are simply due to a lack of regular dental care. Dental procedures like teeth whitening and teeth cleaning can significantly improve the look of the smile. Your family dentist can complete many of these procedures. These simple procedures are also much more affordable than cosmetic dentistry costs.

According to an AACD survey, virtually all adults (99.7%) surveyed believe a healthy smile is socially important. Yet, many American adults are unhappy with the condition of their teeth. There are many options for adults who want to improve the look of their smile. The different options vary in price, procedure, and length of time. Most can be completed in your regular dentists office.