Smile Problems Solved with Cosmetic Dentistry

Thie following article appears at: http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/26121

One American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry study has shown that an improved smile impacts how we are perceived by others, and those who have undergone cosmetic dentistry are seen as more attractive, popular, wealthy and successful.

ORTHODONTICS

Alignment issues know no age, and even those who once had picture-perfect teeth can benefit from orthodontics later in life. But orthodontic treatment doesn't necessarily require a mouth full of metal; there are discreet ways to straighten up your smile.

Invisalign corrects crooked teeth with a series of clear plastic removable appliances that look like bleaching trays. Molds of your teeth are taken to create 18 to 30 sets of aligning trays that incrementally move your teeth into the desired position. Each set is worn for about two weeks and removed only for eating, before moving onto the next set over the course of six to 18 months. Although Invisalign takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces, the clear plastic aligners are so discreet that most people won't realize you're wearing them. Results seen: In nine to 24 months, depending on starting position of the teeth

WHITENING

For optimal results, look no further than your cosmetic dentist. Professional whitening treatments -- including custom trays made by a dentist for at-home use --penetrate deeper to whiten the teeth and the results also last longer than those seen with drugstore-bought counterparts. Another reason professional treatments are superior to store-bought strips is because the entire tooth is exposed to the whitening gel. Many strips only bleach the fronts of the teeth, but since teeth are translucent it's important to address both the front and the back, which trays do. But over-the-counter strips can play a role in keeping your smile bright. They can be used to touch up and prolong the effects of in-office whitening or at-home trays. Results seen: Immediately with in-office treatments; a few weeks at home

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain veneers offer a solution for many smile problems, including tooth color, shape, length and even alignment. A smile makeover with these porcelain laminates is a treatment that takes your needs, wants and facial structure into account to create a smile that is designed specifically for you. Over a series of appointments with your dentist, you can arrange to see mock-ups of your proposed smile and even get to test-drive a handful of looks (if necessary) to help you find the ideal color and shape before the veneers are permanently affixed to your teeth. In order to place the veneers, your dentist may need to alter the surface of the natural teeth, which also means that once you get veneers, you'll need to wear them for life. With proper care, the average set of veneers can last anywhere from eight to 15 years, so how old you are when they're first placed will determine how many times you'll need them redone over your lifetime. Results seen: As soon as the temporaries or permanent veneers are placed

BONDING

To fix chips, gaps and other smile imperfections, bonding is often the treatment of choice. This one-appointment procedure involves roughening the tooth's surface and applying an enamel-like, tooth-colored material to the teeth before it is hardened with a special light and polished. Bonding can also be used to add length to the teeth, or to restore and protect areas of decay. With proper care, bonding can last from three to eight years, and although it is not as long-lasting as veneers, it can be more appropriate when your time or budget is more limited. Bonding can also be used for small fillings and temporary veneers, but many cosmetic dentists feel bonding has limitations, especially when it comes to duration of results. Results seen: Instantly