A smile is a wondrous expression. It can lighten up a room and put those around us at ease.
When we smile, we show that we are happy and content. Some people do not show their teeth when they smile.
Many others, however, put their teeth on full display when smiling. Among this group of people are those who feel that their smiles are a source of embarrassment.
They may have crooked, missing, or yellowed teeth hiding inside their mouths. The field of cosmetic dentistry, though, offers procedures which can rectify these problems.
Crooked teeth can be straightened by installing braces or another straightening device. In the past, the only devices available were large, obvious braces.
Now, however, there are braces that are the color of teeth. There are also clear molds that gently exert forces on teeth to get them in line.
Braces are still available, but they have been redesigned and improved so as to make them less apparent. With a short treatment using any one of these devices, a person can feel confident that his teeth are straight and his smile beautiful.
Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants that disguise any gaps between teeth. In order to have dental implants installed, a prospective patient must be a good candidate.
Preliminary visits to the dentist will show whether the jaw bone is strong and healthy enough to support an implant. An examination is made by the dentist, and x-rays of the jaw are taken.
If a person is found to be a good candidate for this surgery, he will then undergo a set of procedures that will eventually lead to his having no apparent gaps in his smile. This procedure can increase the self confidence of the patient.
Cosmetic dentistry, like cosmetic surgery, is a field that is concerned with both maintaining the health and function of the body and improving the self confidence and life of the person undergoing the procedure. Having a negative image of oneself can cause a person to suffer in other areas as well.
However, relatively simple procedures, like the ones discussed above, can turn a patient's life around. This is also true for the procedure of tooth whitening.
Over time, the teeth become stained by the things that we take into our body. Dark liquids are some of the worst culprits.
Coffee and wine slowly turn a person's smile more and more yellow. Also, certain antibiotics can also leave strange, discolored streaks in teeth.
The stains caused by liquids are most often superficial, while those caused by prescription medications mostly originate from within the teeth themselves. Either way, they make the teeth less attractive.
To treat both types of stains, dentists can recommend one of two slightly different techniques. The first involves keeping a powerful bleaching agent on the teeth for a short amount of time.
It is possible to purchase the proper equipment to conduct this procedure by yourself at home. First, a form of peroxide is poured into small trays that are then placed over the teeth.
The trays must fit snugly in order to make sure that they stay in place and that the chemical does not leak out. After a period of 15 to 20 minutes, the trays are removed.
This process is generally repeated twice more. A dentist is able to apply a substance to the gums that prevents them from being damaged during the procedure.
The other method used to remove stains is far less intensive. Devices can be purchased over the counter which are applied to or placed around the teeth.
These devices contain an agent similar to that used in the first method, but it is far weaker. The amount of time during which these devices must be worn is far longer as well.
Most often the devices will not keep you from doing what you would do normally during the day. However, you usually cannot and should not eat with the devices in place.
The results gained by those who use this second method are generally not as good as those gained by patients who have undergone the first. Either procedure may not always yield the desired effects.
Some stains can be very deep in the tooth, requiring specialized treatment. This may mean that the first procedure can be repeated until the desired result is achieved.
Or, it may mean that thin coverings should be installed over the tooth that will give it the appearance of being as white as the rest of the patient's smile. Your dentist will be able to decide how best to proceed.
If you feel that your smile is not all it should be, talk to a dentist today. He can help you to start to make the changes you want.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health. He recommends thisKnoxville implant dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 