What Are Some Common Cosmetic Dental Flaws and How Can I Fix Them?

If you’ve ever been frustrated with a flaw in your teeth, you are far from alone. Almost everyone has at least one defect in their smile that they’d like to correct, but finding an effective way to address these issues isn’t always easy. Luckily, your local cosmetic dentist can provide a variety of treatments to make your teeth prettier. Here’s a brief overview of a few common aesthetic dental flaws as well as how your dentist can help you achieve a more beautiful grin.

Troublesome Chips

Teeth endure a lot of pressure over many years of use, and this strain combined with bad habits like chewing on found objects or using one’s smile to open packages or bottles can leave visible chips in your enamel. While these injuries are rarely dental emergencies, they still leave teeth more vulnerable to infection and further damage, so it’s important to have them assessed and addressed by a dentist.

Your dentist may be able to fix the chips in your teeth through treatments like porcelain veneers, metal-free dental crowns, or cosmetic dental bonding. Veneers and crowns are lifelike dental appliances designed to be irremovably cemented over troubled teeth so they can conceal defects like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains while preventing further injury and infection. While placing these appliances requires teeth to be permanently altered, cosmetic dental bonding can be completed in minutes during a routine dental appointment without any anesthesia or side effects.

Unsightly Stains and Distracting Discoloration

Many people frequently enjoy foods and beverages that are heavy with dyes and pigments such as coffee, cola, tea, red wine, berries, and colorful candies, but exposing your teeth to these items can cause them to develop unsightly stains and discoloration over time. While you can find many purported whitening products at stores and pharmacies, their results are often lackluster or negligible, and they may even cause injuries due to poor manufacturing or user error.

Thankfully, cosmetic dentists can effectively and quickly brighten smiles with professional teeth whitening. One of these treatments can take the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed over about two weeks. In either case, your smile will be left up to eight shades brighter.

A beautiful smile can be an amazing asset at work or in social situations. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to tell you which cosmetic treatments may be right for you.

About the Author

McNew Dental provides stellar oral health services to individuals and families in Rockwall. Led by Drs. Danette McNew and Leeza Stein, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary customer service and genuine compassion in a friendly and comforting office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the office online or dial (972) 771-2213.