Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. It can leave a lasting impression and influence how you are perceived. Unfortunately, not everyone is naturally endowed with perfect teeth, and various aesthetic imperfections can affect the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dental problems such as chipped teeth, minor misalignment, discoloration, and a gummy smile can be a source of self-consciousness. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help address these issues and restore your confidence.
Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth are a common cosmetic dental problem that can occur as a result of accidents, biting hard objects, or general wear and tear. When you have a chipped tooth, it can make your smile appear uneven and detract from its natural beauty.
A cosmetic dentist may offer a few different ways to fix chipped teeth. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area and shaping it to look like a natural part of your tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, providing a more durable way to disguise chips and other aesthetic imperfections.
Minor Misalignment
Some cases of dental misalignment require braces or clear aligners. However, you may not need to visit an orthodontist to fix minor alignment issues!
Instead, you may be a candidate for veneers or Lumineers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to create a uniform and straight appearance. Lumineers are similar to veneers but are thinner and require less preparation of your natural teeth. Either option may be able to hide issues like small gaps between the teeth, a minor open bite, and other minor orthodontic issues that are not threatening your oral health.
Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can result from various factors, including aging, smoking, consuming certain foods and beverages, and poor dental hygiene. Regardless of their cause, discolored teeth can make your smile look dull and unattractive.
A cosmetic dentist can help restore the natural whiteness of your teeth through professional teeth whitening treatments. These treatments use bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration, giving you a brighter and more radiant smile in a short amount of time. In cases where teeth whitening is not sufficient, veneers can also be used to cover discolored teeth and provide a whiter appearance.
A Gummy Smile
A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when you smile. This condition can make your teeth appear smaller and affect the overall aesthetics of your smile.
A cosmetic dentist can perform gum contouring to reshape and remove excess gum tissue. This procedure involves using a laser to precisely trim and sculpt the gumline, resulting in a balanced and proportionate smile.
Is there anything about your smile that you wish to change? Talk to a qualified cosmetic dentist to learn about your treatment options!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ben Sutter has been practicing dentistry for around 20 years now. He is passionate about both the art and science of dentistry, and he loves to help patients find new confidence in their smiles. If you are interested in learning more about him and the services available in our office, contact For Beautiful Smiles in Eugene at 541-484-1955.