Fixing Up Flaws: A Guide to Which Issues Cosmetic Dentistry Can Correct

Do you want to transform your smile? You might look in the mirror and see flaws that bother you, but there are ways you can get rid of them. Cosmetic dentistry is a great option to consider as it’s designed to do just that. However, you might wonder exactly what can be corrected. To help you know what you should expect, here are four issues that can be fixed with your dentist’s help.

1.)  Dental Stains

Over time, you might see that your teeth have developed new stains. Whether from your diet, smoking, or even natural aging, you might feel self-conscious. The good news is that a reliable way to get back your bright grin is with professional teeth whitening. Using high-quality bleaching gel and customized trays, you’ll wear them for a specified amount of time every day for two weeks to give you up to an eight-shade difference!

2.)  Chips and Other Damage

A chip or crack in your enamel can develop from several things. Regardless, your teeth can’t grow back, but you can still get them fixed! Direct bonding is great for minor damage on a single tooth or two, as it uses composite resin that’s sculpted to correct the problem.

Veneers or metal-free restorations may be recommended for either a more dramatic change or to help give back the functionality of your smile. Your provider can talk to you about which would be best for you.

3.)  Gummy Smiles

When showing off your grin, the teeth-to-gum ratio might be off. There may not be enough of the dental structure peaking through for your liking, but you can get this corrected with gum recontouring. Unnecessary pink soft tissue will be removed to give you a more balanced look. This treatment might also be recommended to give your dentist more room when placing veneers or another restoration.

4.)  Crookedness and Misalignment

You might feel self-conscious or have trouble biting if your smile is crooked. Orthodontics, like clear aligners, can give you the straight set of teeth you deserve by wearing custom trays for 22 hours every day. It can take some time, but your results can last a lifetime.

In the end, cosmetic dentistry can fix a wide range of issues. To find out which ones would be best for yours, try reaching out to your provider. That way, they can take a look at your unique case and give you the treatment you need toward a confident grin.

About the Author

Dr. Philip Lisk earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill. He has over 20 years of experience that he uses to give the North Raleigh community the high-quality care they deserve.

Dr. Lisk understands how a less-than-perfect smile can make you feel down, so he is proud to offer cosmetic dentistry as a solution. Using state-of-the-art technology, you can even preview your results before committing to a certain service, so you feel your best when choosing it. If you have flaws you want corrected, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Lisk’s office at (919) 870-6892.