Are you afraid to smile? Would you rather take a picture then be in it? Are you afraid to yawn for fear of revealing all of those silver fillings? Many of my patients think that their teeth are to dark, too crooked, overcrowded, chipped, or just misshapen. They want that "Hollywood Smile", and they often bring a magazine to my office, point to the cover and say, "I want a smile just like that!" There are a wide range of cosmetic dental enhancements available that can help you achieve the look you want. Though these enhancements are only "skin deep", they can bring you pleasure, and perhaps give your self-confidence a little boost.
Bleaching and Whitening
Extrinsic stains, or stains on outer surfaces of the teeth, can usually be removed during a thorough professional dental cleaning. However, intrinsic stains, which are stains within the tooth itself, must be removed through bleaching. Not everyone is a candidate for bleaching. One reason is that the bleaching product does not work on any fillings, crowns, or any porcelain restorations in your mouth, only on the natural surface of your teeth. Also be careful with over the counter whitening products since these may cause sensitive teeth and irritate the gums. So ask a dental professional for there recommendation on whats best for you.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are alternatives to silver fillings now, which is the composite filling material. Many patients with silver fillings have the option to remove old silver fills and exchange for the white material. Its amazing how much the tooth changes color when there removed. I get more gratification and many more thanks from patients when I use tooth-colored fillings. Plastic fillings are only made for the smaller problems or cavities. Teeth that have a larger problem would need something with a stronger structure. Composite is a very hard plastic material, but its only its best on smaller things.
Porcelain Veneers
I recommend porcelain veneers to the majority of my patients. Its the best alternative in my opinion. If the patient wants to change tooth color, shape, size, if there crooked, have gaps or chips this is going to change there smile 360 degrees. Veneers are very strong pressed ceramic restorations, that are made to look like natural teeth. Its amazing how naturally beautiful they are, and there very strong. You can almost think of false nails to give you an example. Its a thin porcelain shell that fits over your natural teeth. Of course some of your natural tooth structure does have to be removed to accomplish this procedure. There bonded on with very strong permanent cements. With veneers you can always achieve a more consistent result. My patients often don't remember what there old smile looked like. If your trying to achieve that "Hollywood Smile" I suggest you spend the money and do it the right way the first time.
If you have a hankering for a smile overhaul, rest easy. There are many options available, so give us a call 866-76-SMILE and Dr. Rose will help point you in the right direction.
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