Cosmetic dentists go beyond keeping your teeth healthy. They can also help you make your smile look great. Smiles are a very important part of how we interact with other people. If you are feeling good about your smile, then you’ll find it easier to talk and interact. If there is something that is bothering you about your smile, it might be time to look into potential ways to correct the problem so you can be confident again.
Crooked teeth are often more of a cosmetic concern than a medical one. While alignment of teeth in some people’s mouths can cause chewing problems, speech impediments, or other physical issues, you don’t need perfectly straight teeth to have a functional bite. But you might want your teeth to be straight to feel more secure about your smile. If your crooked teeth are a cosmetic concern, then cosmetic dentists have options to fix the appearance of the teeth without having to go through having braces.
Veneers
Veneers are one of the top 3 most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. We can use veneers to give your teeth a straighter look without actually moving them. Veneers provide a false front for your teeth, which will allow us to make it look like you have straight teeth. With quality veneers, nobody will be able to tell the difference between your teeth and the veneers.
Veneers have come a long way as improved dental materials have allowed them to become much thinner than they used to be. Modern teeth veneers are made of very strong porcelain that looks very similar to natural teeth. The strength of this new material has made placing veneers easier and requires little or no preparation of the surface of the current teeth before the veneers are placed. This is where the terms no-prep or low-prep veneers have come from.
Many people worry about veneers falling off and not lasting very long. In general, veneers are expected to last 10-15 years. And while there is an occasional problem with a veneer popping off, as long as they don’t break, the veneer can be reattached. The most common reason we see when veneers fall off is that a lot of pressure was placed on them. This can happen if you grind your teeth or if you bite on something hard like a popcorn kernel or piece of metal. Anything that will break your regular teeth will also either chip or cause a veneer to pop off.
Done correctly, veneers will fit your teeth well and won’t give you any problems. They’ll quickly provide you with a great-looking smile by correcting crooked and misshaped teeth in your mouth. You won’t have to spend months in braces. The porcelain products we use today are the closest match ever for real teeth, so most people will never be able to tell you’ve had veneers put on.
Bonding
Bonding is an alternative to veneers that allows us to reshape the look of your teeth. A plastic resin is applied to the surface of your tooth and shaped to give it the right look. The resin is hardened to the tooth with a special light. Once placed and shaped the bonding looks similar to your natural teeth. Because the cosmetic dentist can shape the material in your mouth, this procedure can be done in one office visit and with a minimal amount of time per tooth.
Bonding is often used to make your teeth look straighter by adding some material to the front of teeth that are pushed back or crooked. The results won’t be as perfect looking as custom veneers, but it is also a cheaper alternative. However, you’ll also have to replace the bonding more often than a veneer. With normal tooth care, bonding is expected to last between 3 and 10 years, depending on where it is placed. Since it is most frequently used for teeth at the front of your smile which have lower bite pressure, you’re likely to get many years of an improved-looking smile from one treatment.
Bonding is one of the top 3 most popular cosmetic dental treatments because it is a fairly inexpensive way to improve the look of your smile and it is minimally invasive. The procedure is generally pain-free without needing an anesthetic. Bonding is also one of the few cosmetic procedures done to your teeth that is considered reversible. This is an important consideration if you have any doubts about changing the looks of your teeth.
Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Fort Mill, SC?
If you are considering Veneers, Bonding, or any other cosmetic dental work in Charlotte or Fort Mill, SC, you can make an appointment or contact our office to learn more about the services we provide at Smiles by Design Dental Spa.
