When you have a big, happy grin to show off to the world, it can show so much about you, your mood, and your personality. If, however, your grin is something that looks a little bit like something out of a horror movie, then you may be in desperate need of some cosmetic dentistry work. But what exactly? From having your teeth professionally whitened to getting them straightened, there are three things that may be worth talking to your cosmetic dentist about.
1. Teeth Whitening
It's true that most people don't have naturally white teeth, and if you're a big coffee or red wine drinker, then your chances of having a white smile on your own are even slimmer. Although over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and strips can help remove basic surface stains, they aren't going to be able to give you those long-lasting results that you want. When you go to a professional cosmetic dentist, they may recommend one of two options: laser whitening or professional whitening trays. Depending on your budget and a few other factors, your dentist will help you choose an option that's best for your smile.
2. Veneers
Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry procedures out there because they can do so many different things with just one procedure. But what are veneers? Veneers are typically made of porcelain and are thin shells that are glued to your natural teeth once they have been sanded down. By sanding down your natural teeth, the dentist can make sure your veneers to sit flush with the rest of your teeth and give you a more natural-looking smile.
Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental imperfections, including crooked teeth, discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, small teeth, or just teeth that you don't like.
3. Invisalign
Another popular cosmetic dentistry option that you have to choose from is Invisalign. Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and give you a more glamorous smile without you having to wear traditional metal braces. By wearing customized clear aligners, Invisalign works to move your teeth into the proper position over about a year-long period. The great thing too about Invisalign is that you don't have to deal with some of the hassles that metal braces come with because you can take them out when you want to eat or brush your teeth.
Don't skip a beat and just wait for good things to happen to your smile on their own. To learn more, reach out to a cosmetic dentist in your area.
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.