Aesthetic Flaws That Can Be Treated with Cosmetic Dentistry

There are a number of factors that affect the look of the smile. The color, shape, size, and alignment of the teeth, along with the gum line, can either enhance or mar the overall appearance of the smile. Fortunately, today, just about any dental flaw can be addressed with cosmetic dentistry treatments. Nashville dentist Clint Newman offers a number of aesthetic treatments that are designed to correct or mask specific smile imperfections.

Read on to learn about the types of cosmetic flaws that can be treated with dental care.

Tooth Discoloration

It is common for patients of all ages to develop tooth discoloration. Different types of tooth discoloration require specific types of treatment. For example, yellow or brown stains can be effectively erased with professional teeth whitening treatment. The application of a whitening solution will quickly improve the color of the teeth. Patients can undergo a one-hour, in-office treatment, or use customized trays and an at-home product to gradually lighten the teeth over the course of a few weeks. White stains, such as those caused by excessive exposure to fluoride, and gray stains, such as those caused by the medication tetracycline, do not respond to traditional teeth whitening techniques. To treat these types of tooth stains, patients may be better suited to dental bonding or porcelain veneers, solutions that mask the stains rather than attempting to correct them.

Misshaped, Disproportionately Sized Teeth

When the teeth are misshaped or disproportionately sized, it can cause asymmetry issues and make the teeth appear as though they are out of alignment. The application of porcelain veneers or dental bonding material can extend the length or width of the teeth to treat these aesthetic dental flaws. A veneer is a porcelain fabrication that is custom designed to fit over your tooth and improve its appearance. A single veneer can be applied or a full set of custom veneers can be applied to all of the front facing teeth. With dental bonding, a composite material is applied to the teeth and sculpted to create the ideal shape and size. For our patients in Nashville, porcelain veneers are usually the preferred treatment because they look natural and are long lasting.

Crooked or Gapped Teeth

Many patients have misaligned teeth, even those who wore braces as teens. For patients with gaps between the teeth or minor crowding, porcelain veneers can be placed to make the teeth appear more even and straight. Dental bonding may also be used to treat gaps and mild crookedness; however, porcelain veneers are usually the favored treatment.

Uneven Gum Line or Gummy Smile

An uneven gum line or gummy smile can be a great source of embarrassment. Advances in laser dentistry make it easier than ever to treat these problems. During treatment, small amounts of gum tissue will be carefully removed to produce a proportionate and uniform gum line. The laser tool that is used sterilizes and cauterizes the gum tissue, minimizing pain, bleeding, and other unpleasant side effects.

To schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation, contact our practice today.