Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Improve the Quality of Your Smile
Your smile is often the first thing another person notices about you and the last thing they remember. Whether you embrace Steve Buscemi-esque choppers or you desire the most polished, Courteney Cox-like pearly whites possible, it’s our job as dentists to make sure you leave our office feeling ready to take on the world with a confident smile.
From tooth coloration to shape, cosmetic concerns run the full gamut. At Davis Gribble Hollowwa, we have the technology and expertise to meet your needs and encourage you to feel comfortable opening up about your dental goals. Through in-house lab work and cutting edge technology, we take molds, photographs, and detailed measurements of your teeth and face shape to ensure that your finished smile looks as natural as possible. We even impose wax over physical molds and edit real photos of your teeth to simulate the final look of potential alterations.
But before you set your heart on a specific procedure, it’s a good idea to understand your options. Below we’ve outlined the six most common cosmetic dental procedures, with the pros and cons of each.
Veneers, For A Sparkling Smile
Technically a partial crown, a veneer is a thin material (often dental porcelain) that permanently adheres directly to the front of the tooth. Frequently used to create a Hollywood-worthy smile that reveals no fractures or discoloration, veneers are convenient because they can preserve your natural tooth structure. That said, not everybody is a candidate for veneers. If your teeth are crowded or severely mal-positioned, your bite can determine whether or not veneers are a realistic solution.
Full Crown, For A More Comprehensive Fix
Like a veneer, a crown is a permanent layer that adheres directly to your teeth. Unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire surface of your teeth, including the backs. Though they hide imperfections and strengthen a weak tooth, crowns do require attention to oral hygiene in the form of regular flossing.
For A Single Missing Tooth, A Simple Bridge Will Do
A bridge is a quick and convenient fix for an awkward gap in your teeth. A bridge works by relying on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as support for the false tooth inserted between. Compared to an implant, a bridge is usually the quicker permanent solution for a missing tooth. That said, if either of the supporting teeth for a bridge has problems, the integrity of the entire bridge is jeopardized.
When In Doubt, Opt For An Implant
Like a bridge, an implant is used to replace a missing tooth. Unlike their permanent counterparts, freestanding implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth and can be managed as individual units. The downside is that it’s a solution that traditionally takes a bit longer to proceed. Candidates must be screened for general health. Also, the bone at the potential implant site must be fully healed before the implant can be placed.
For An Entirely New Smile, Go For Dentures
As unglamorous as they may be, if you have multiple teeth that need to be replaced, dentures may be your best bet. Though they may be the least natural-feeling solution with the longest adjustment period, dentures are the most affordable type of cosmetic dentistry. Plus, like a removable prosthetic, they’re conveniently impermanent and can be used as necessary.
Fillings, For A Natural Look
Tooth-colored fillings can be placed to repair fractures, replace missing tooth structure due to decay, or change the size, shape, or color of your tooth in order to give it the most natural appearance. Though they tend to blend seamlessly with your teeth, due to the nature of the material, it’s not uncommon to experience mild sensitivity following the procedure.
Trusted Cosmetic Dentists in Albuquerque, NM
Are you considering a cosmetic procedure to improve your smile? Visit us at Davis Gribble Hollowwa so that you can learn more about the options available to you before you make any decisions. Schedule a visit with us to have our specialists assess your goals and needs.