Cosmetic dentistry can do many things to improve a persons smile from closing gaps in the front teeth, straightening with orthodontia for function & esthetics, to gingival contouring to make the gumline more symmetric or even. As restorations such as fillings and crowns age, our natural teeth may not match as they did when they were first placed. Daily habits like drinking coffee, tea and red wine can stain composite (tooth-colored) filling material at a different rate than our natural teeth making them more visible or obvious. There are a few ways to improve the appearance of our smile.
First, you could speak to your dentist about replacing the fillings to match them closer to the shade of your teeth. This is a very simple, easy and moderately fast way to improve your smile. The dental team would ensure your comfort with dental anesthetic, use a shade guide to choose the correct composite material, remove the existing fillings and replace them. The doctor would shape and polish the new material for a natural look.
Porcelain Veneers Ashland, OR
Second, there are porcelain veneers. These are more conservative than a full-coverage porcelain/ceramic crown as they cover approximately 3/4 of the tooth surface. Veneers can be used to cover staining that may have been caused while the teeth were developing, fix chipped teeth or improve the looks of slightly crowded or gapped teeth. This is a little more involved than a filling as the ceramic work is sent to a lab to be custom-made. You would have a second appointment for the veneers to be cemented in place. These can improve a smile greatly!
Porcelain Crowns and Ceramic Crowns Ashland, OR
Finally, full-coverage porcelain/ceramic crowns can be made with the lab and help correct slightly crowded, gapped or chipped teeth. These restorations are great for a patient who may not be a candidate for veneers due to their bite, oral habits or existing restorations. With technologies in the lab, materials and techniques constantly improving, your ideal smile may be just an appointment (or two) away!
Written by: Tishena Ford, Lead Dental Assistant at White Dental Studio in Ashland, OR.
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