We’ve all seen the images of movie stars and other celebrities with what appear to be perfect teeth. I’m talking about straight, white, perfectly aligned teeth that look as if they have been constructed. Well, the secret is that oftentimes they have been constructed.
In this day and age, if you weren’t born with the perfect smile, there’s help for you. Modern dental techniques make it possible to perfect even the most unappealing smile.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are basically thin covers for your teeth, but they’re not just any covers. They’re custom-made to the shape and size of your teeth for the most ideal appearance. In addition, veneers can be colored to give you just the right amount of white in your smile.
There are basically two types of dental veneers: porcelain and those composed of resin composite materials.
Dental issues that veneers can fix include:
- Teeth that are discolored
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that are misaligned
- Teeth with gaps between them
Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement teeth at the root level. They provide a strong foundation for permanent or replaceable teeth and are matched to your tooth structure.
Some advantages of getting implants are that they improve appearance, improve the way you speak, and allow for easier eating. Dental implants have a success rate above 90 percent and can last a lifetime if maintained properly.
If you’re considering this, you just need to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction or oral surgery; If you meet those criteria, you’ll be considered a great recipient for a dental implant.
Ideally, you should have healthy gums and sufficient bone to hold the implant.
Dental Braces
Most of us have heard of braces. And although we might imagine unsightly grey wires and brackets on teeth, they’ve come a long way.
Braces do just what their name implies: they work to move misaligned teeth into the correct position. This can be accomplished through various types of braces.
Types of Braces
- Traditional braces. These are the more obvious metal braces. And although they aren’t the most attractive, they are highly effective
- Ceramic braces. These braces are tooth-colored, so they’re less visible than metal braces. However, they’re also less durable
- Lingual braces. These braces attach to the backside of your teeth, facing your tongue, so they’re not as visible as other types of braces
- Clear aligners. Aligners are clear, plastic trays that fit in your mouth. Growing in popularity, aligners slowly correct your smile over time
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge may be an option for those who are missing teeth. Bridges are made up of two or more dental crowns and are supported by natural teeth or implants. A consequence of missing teeth is that they can cause the face to misshapen.
One benefit of a bridge is that it’s able to give structure to the face. It also prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position and properly distributes bite force.
The more obvious advantages of bridges are that they improve your smile, restore your confidence, and give you the ability to speak properly.
Dentures
Think of dentures as detachable replacement teeth for anyone with missing teeth; denture options can be complete or partial. Complete dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal.
A partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a metal framework that holds the denture in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.
Conclusion
Everyone wants a nice smile. Most people understand that having a pleasing smile boosts self-confidence and even opens professional doors in life. The good news is that if your smile isn’t perfect, there are many ways to fix it.
Dental innovations such as the use of veneers and implants can completely transform a smile. Other methods of improving smiles include the use of braces and bridges. No matter the state of your smile, there is always the ability to perfect it.
