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Improving your smile
Can my dentist improve my smile?
From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform
a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many
techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped,
misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close
spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your
teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, caps, crowns,
veneers, and reshaping and contouring.
These improvements are not always cosmetic. Many of these treatments
can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Bleaching
Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten
teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear,
while other just want a whiter shade.
Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication,
coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be caused by
your genetic make-up or simply getting older.
Bleaching can be performed by your dentist in the office or,
under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy bleaching
at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your
dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount
of whitening solution-10 percent to 20 percent carbamide peroxide-is
used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening
at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade
you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for two
to six 45-minute visits to your dentist's office.
Bonding
Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change
the color of teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts
several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping
than other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or slightly
decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice.
Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities
and broken or chipped surfaces. Additionally, it can be used to
close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface
of a tooth to change its color and shape.
Crowns, also known as caps, are used in cases where other procedures
will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy
of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time consuming.
Veneers
Veneers are placed over the front teeth to change color or shape
of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces
or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over
the front of your teeth. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers
are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding.
This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive.
The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your
tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is glued directly onto the
tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate
for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between
the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it.
Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are
fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy
and color stability than bonding.
Contouring and reshaping
Tooth reshaping and contouring, is a procedure to correct crooked
teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth
in a single session. Tooth reshaping and dental contouring, is
commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.
Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite.
It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping.
This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal healthy teeth,
but who want subtle changes to their smile. Your dentist will
take X-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each
tooth to ensure that there's enough bone between the teeth to
support them.
Which procedure is right for me?
Your dentist can answer many of the questions you may have about
techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth
and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure.
If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions
you can ask your dentist before deciding if a particular procedure
is right for you.
- What will the changes look like?
- What should I expect through the course of treatment?
- What type of maintenance will be required?
Your dentist will answer questions you may have about the procedure,
maintenance and price to help you choose the treatment that best
suits you.
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD
Impact), March 2002
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