“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward, American writer
Smiling makes you feel better and makes others feel better about you, according to research. So, why don’t we smile more often? Three reasons often cited by individuals are:
- Not in the mood (right now)
- Not natural (or characteristic in general)
- Self-conscious (about appearance)
Cosmetic dentistry can help the people who fall into the self-conscious group by improving the appearance of teeth. Some procedures are solely aesthetic:
- Teeth whitening
- Gum contouring
- Composite bonding
- Dental veneers
- Tooth reshaping
These procedures can add structural fixes in addition to cosmetic improvement to improve dental functionality:
- Orthodontics
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
Stained or Uneven Teeth, Excessive or Recessive Gums
Tobacco, mineral deficiencies, and certain foods or beverages can discolor teeth. The teeth in your “smile-zone” are your incisors, cuspids and bicuspids. If these are otherwise straight and healthy, teeth whitening might be all you need.
Gum contouring involves removing excess gum tissue or restoring recessed gum tissue around your teeth. This elective procedure is done to cosmetically improve your smile by reshaping your gums.
Composite bonding began as a procedure for the back teeth. The treatment aims to repair chips or to fill in small spaces between the teeth. Technology has advanced to fix front teeth as well. A composite material is added at the edges of the teeth, smoothed and then whitened.
If a larger portion of the tooth needs to be enhanced, a “cover” can be applied to the surface of any teeth in the smile-zone. This veneer can enhance tooth appearance, shape, color, or length to beautify your smile.
Tooth reshaping is also called dental contouring or odontoplasty. This lower-cost cosmetic dentistry procedure is suitable for small imperfections – such as chips, cracks, or slight misalignments.
First, surface enamel is removed. Then, the underlying tooth is filed or lengthened to the desired shape. Finally, the dentin is covered with a color-matched resin.
Crooked, Broken or Missing Teeth
Invisalign® or braces can align teeth to improve smiles. Structurally, any overbite or underbite can be corrected to improve chewing.
A dental crown is a cover used to protect a tooth that has been damaged. This cap serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, especially after a root canal or holding together cracked teeth.
A dental bridge is a permanent replacement for missing teeth. It extends to the gum and is held in place by the surrounding teeth, possibly connected with a crown. A dental implant, often a titanium screw, is inserted below the gum to serve as the tooth root. Dental bridges and dental implants both improve appearances while providing structural functionality.
You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile
The most famous tunes from Annie are “It’s A Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” That said, the little orphans acknowledge in song that the final element to “being fully dressed” was a smile. Do you want to improve that personal accessory that is part of any outfit and your overall appearance?
Psychology tells us many things about smiling. Half of the procedures discussed here help with a brighter smile and straighter teeth. The balance additionally helps with improvement to biting or preventing further damage. Healthier teeth and gums boost confidence and improve oral health.
Ready to discuss your oral health options with a family dentist serving Pleasantville, Chappaqua, Ossining and other adjacent towns? Simply request an appointment or visit us at our office located at 540 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor. If you want to know what it is like working with us, be sure to read our Google reviews.
