What Problems Can a Cosmetic Dentist Fix?

Cosmetic dentistry concerns dental procedures related to preserving the appearance of your teeth. But that does not mean cosmetic procedures are purely superficial. While a cosmetic dentist certainly helps boost your confidence by maintaining your beautiful smile, it can also help maintain your facial structure, preserve the health of your teeth, and make chewing easier for you. In this article, we take a look at some of the many issues cosmetic dentistry can address. 

Missing teeth
Not only does a missing tooth leave a gap in your smile, but it can lead to a chain reaction of dental issues. Your remaining teeth may shift position to fill the space, causing them to become crooked. This can then lead to gum recession. You may also experience bone loss in your jaw because the root of your missing tooth is no longer there to support it. 

A dental implant is a common cosmetic procedure performed by dentists to prevent these issues. This involves implanting an artificial tooth root in your jaw and affixing a custom-made prosthetic tooth on top. The prosthetic tooth is usually constructed to match your existing teeth, leaving you with a natural-looking smile. 

Gaps between teeth
If a gap between your teeth affects your confidence, speak to your dentist about it. There are several cosmetic procedures that can correct visible gaps. Depending on your situation, your dentist may recommend an orthodontic treatment or dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells made from all ceramics or composite resin material designed to match the natural shade of your teeth. Once veneers are in place, they look completely natural.

Decayed teeth
Tooth decay is a health issue as much as it can be a cosmetic issue. Decayed teeth may be cracked or discoloured. To repair a decayed tooth, your cosmetic dentist will usually remove the decay first, then may place a custom crown on top of the remaining tooth. This procedure is common for individuals who have had a root canal, as the crown rebuilds the remaining tooth. 

Crowns can be made from ceramics, metal, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. All ceramic crowns are typically favored for their durability and natural appearance, especially for front teeth. The crown will be custom-made to match your natural tooth colour and maintain consistency in your bite while preventing further tooth decay. 

Chipped teeth
Chipped teeth are not generally a serious issue, but they can affect the confidence you have in your smile. Depending on the size and location of the chip, you might even experience difficulty chewing food effectively. A cosmetic dentist can repair chips using veneers or bonding to fill the gaps, which is typically a simple procedure.  

If bonding is all that is required, your dentist will use a tooth-coloured resin to fill in the chipped part, using a special dental adhesive to bond the resin to your tooth. The repaired section will be molded to match your bite and the resin used will be selected to match the natural colour of your tooth, making it unnoticeable. 

If the chip is larger, dental veneers might cover it more effectively. Before placing a veneer, your dentist may need to file your tooth down so the veneer will match the thickness of the rest of your teeth. Then, dental adhesive will be used to place a custom-made veneer that matches the colour of your natural teeth, making the repair invisible. 

Discoloured teeth
Tooth discolouration is very common, especially as people age. While regular brushing helps keep discolouration at bay, it is not always sufficient. If tooth discolouration is preventing you from showing off your smile, speak to your dentist about the available options. Teeth whitening can effectively correct some cosmetic discolouration, while a veneer might be the best alternative if the discolouration is due to eroded enamel. 

Dentist supervised teeth whitening is the safest way to brighten your smile while protecting your enamel. Speak to your dentist before pursuing this treatment as they will help you determine the safest formula and address any concerns you may have.

Uneven or misaligned teeth
If crooked or uneven teeth are affecting your confidence or ability to chew, a cosmetic procedure can help. Veneers are often an effective way to correct uneven teeth, creating a uniform and perfectly natural looking smile. Often a veneer can be placed with little or no alteration to the tooth, making it a conservative solution for misaligned teeth.  Your dentist can assess the suitability of a veneer for your cosmetic situation. 

In the case of misaligned teeth, your dentist may recommend an orthodontic procedure, such as braces or Invisalign,® which can permanently correct the alignment of your teeth without altering their individual structure.

Gum recession
Gum recession leaves more of your tooth exposed and may affect how you feel about your smile. There are several ways your cosmetic dentist can address gum recession. One common method is using gum grafts.  There are many different types of grafts, each with their own application.  Talk to your dentist and they can help you navigate what solution might be best for you. 

Let our cosmetic dentists help!
As you can see, cosmetic dentistry is able to address a wide range of dental problems, so there is no reason why you should not sport your most confident smile. If there is anything that you wish to change, from chips to discolouration to crooked teeth, book an appointment for a consultation with one of Tuxedo Dental Group’s cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. 

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