Your smile can change how you feel when you meet someone, take a photo, or simply look in the mirror. Maybe your teeth have become stained over the years. Perhaps a small chip has always bothered you, or your teeth no longer look as even as they once did.
Cosmetic dentistry can address many of these concerns, but deciding whether treatment is right for you involves more than wanting a brighter smile. Your oral health, expectations, budget, and specific concerns all play a role.
So, how do you know when it is time to consider cosmetic treatment? Which imperfections can be improved? And when should you address an underlying dental problem first?
Cosmetic dentistry Monroe Township can include several treatments designed to improve the appearance of teeth and smiles. Depending on your needs, options may include professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, or other treatments.
Some procedures are primarily cosmetic, while others can improve both appearance and dental function. The right treatment depends on the condition of your teeth and the result you want to achieve.
Before beginning cosmetic treatment, your dentist should evaluate your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy enough for the proposed procedure.
Teeth can become darker or stained due to aging, foods, beverages, tobacco use, and other factors. Professional whitening may help improve certain types of discoloration.
Whitening does not work equally well for every type of stain, though. Some discoloration may be related to medications, trauma, or changes within the tooth and may require a different approach.
A local dentist Monroe Township can evaluate the cause of discoloration before recommending whitening or another cosmetic treatment.
Small chips, worn edges, or slightly irregular teeth can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Dental bonding may be an option for certain minor cosmetic concerns.
During bonding, a tooth-colored composite material is applied and shaped to improve the tooth's appearance. It can often be completed relatively quickly and may require less alteration of natural tooth structure than some other cosmetic restorations.
The optimal approach depends on how much tooth structure is affected and whether there are underlying issues that need attention.
Small gaps between teeth or uneven tooth proportions can sometimes be addressed with cosmetic treatments. Veneers, bonding, orthodontic treatment, or other options may be considered depending on the cause.
A cosmetic procedure should not simply cover a dental problem that needs treatment. For example, active decay or gum disease should generally be addressed before elective cosmetic treatment.