Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that involves the improvement of the aesthetic features of teeth. The process involves a variety of procedures which vary depending on what needs to be corrected. Cosmetic dentistry differs in focus from general dentistry in which the focus is on the oral health of the patient. These two however go hand in hand as the dentist is likely to ensure that your teeth are healthy before beginning cosmetic dentistry procedures on you. Here then are some common dental problems that this branch of dentistry can help to fix.
Discolored Teeth
While most of us start off with healthy and gleaming teeth, over time the color of our teeth may change. This is due to a variety of factors such as the food or drinks that we take among many others. Cosmetic dentistry can help us change this by whitening our teeth and thus making them attractive to look at. This is done through a variety of procedures. For example, laser light is used to whiten teeth. Veneers can also be placed over a discolored tooth in order to mask the discoloration.
Gaps Between Teeth
If our teeth are not aligned properly when we are young, there is a chance that some of us may develop gaps between teeth. For others, these gaps are caused by genetic factors. Regardless of the cause, they can cause problems for the victims including breathing complications, speech problems, and so on. The gaps can also ruin the aesthetics of the victim’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry, through a variety of procedures, can help correct some of these problems. Veneers, for example, can be placed over one tooth and shaped in a way that they close the offending gap.
Teeth Alignment
Another common problem that can be fixed through cosmetic dentistry is misaligned teeth. Teeth may become misaligned if some emerging teeth impact existing teeth and thus throw them out of shape. This creates problems such as bite misalignment and may even affect the victim’s speech. Misaligned teeth are also difficult to clean and thus present a higher risk of bacterial infection. procedures such as Invisalign treatment helps to correct many of these problems. Invisalign involves the use of clear plastic trays that gently push misaligned teeth in place.
Missing Teeth
There are many reasons why someone may lose teeth. They may get knocked off or they may be lost to bacterial infection. Missing teeth create aesthetic problems for the victim and may also cause health problems as well. To correct this, dental implants are often used. They involve the surgical insertion of a titanium rod into the jaw bone. When the rod fuses with the bone, a crown is placed on top of the rod in order to act as the surface of the artificial tooth. Dentists can match the color of the implant to the exact color of your tooth, making it impossible to tell the implant from the rest of the teeth. Good dental health starts with finding the right dental expert to care for your teeth. Fortunately, Dr. Alex Rubinov, a highly experienced cosmetic, and general dentist can help keep your teeth in top shape. Our practice deals with all kinds of dental services including dental exams, smile makeovers, and much more. Get in touch with us today to start your journey to a fantastic smile.