Think about your perfect smile.
Do you see teeth that are straight, white, and without gaps or missing teeth?
When many people think of how to get the perfect smile, they’re only considering cosmetics. But here at Union Dental Center, we believe form follows function. Your perfect smile should be full of healthy teeth, too!
So think again, how does your perfect smile feel? Would your teeth be:
- Less sensitive?
- More resistant to decay?
- Stronger?
- Easier to brush and floss?
Let’s take a look at ways to get the perfect smile and improve your health.
Whitening stained teeth
As we get older, the foods we eat, beverages like coffee, and even some medications can cause our teeth to look darker. Stained teeth can make you look older and feel less confident about your smile. At Union Dental Center, we offer powerful teeth whitening treatments to reduce stains and restore a beautiful white smile.
Be aware however, some stains may be deeply set into the teeth and require another approach. In these cases, we may recommend custom dental veneers.
Veneers “cover up” a variety of imperfections in your teeth. Everything from chips and cracks to stains and even small gaps can be fixed with a set of veneers.
Fixing misaligned or crooked teeth
Crooked teeth aren’t just a cosmetic problem. When teeth aren’t aligned properly they can actually have a negative effect on your dental health:
- Gaps and tight spaces attract bits of food and are hard to clean, leading to decay and gum disease
- Crooked teeth have crooked roots which may make them less stable
SureSmile clear braces are one of the best ways to straighten teeth for cosmetics and for health. They’re easy to use, comfortable to wear, and produce great results faster than old-fashioned metal braces. Best of all, they’re discreet and a great option for adults who don’t want a metal-mouth look.
Sometimes when misaligned teeth are the result of tooth loss, we may take a different approach.
Replacing missing teeth
When you lose a tooth, you might feel self-conscious — especially if an unsightly gap shows when you smile. A missing tooth may also affect your ability to speak and eat, too. But more importantly, if left unrepaired, a missing tooth can have profound effects on your health as well.
Missing teeth lead to:
- Increased risk of decay in neighboring teeth
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Misaligned and crooked teeth
If you’re missing a tooth, ask your dentist about dental implants. Implants prevent bone loss and create a solid and stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Your teeth will be nearly as good as new. And with proper care, your new implant can last a lifetime.
Tip: Take care of your implant by brushing and flossing as instructed by your dentist. And make sure to see your dentist for regular checkups. Nearly 80% of implant failures are the result of peri-implantitis, an infection of the gums common near dental implants. When caught early, it’s very treatable.
Making your teeth stronger
Small chips on the surface of your teeth are surprisingly common. Hard bits of food (often caused by shells and cherry pits) and tooth grinding are common causes of these little chips.
Generally speaking, small chips are mostly a cosmetic issue, although the sharp edge of your tooth can be a little annoying and bothersome. However small chips belie a few bigger problems:
- Frequently chipped teeth may be structurally unsound and prone to more serious cracks and breaks.
- Small chips create a weak spot and may escalate into a bigger problem like a full-on fracture.
- Chips can also create an opening to allow bacteria to enter the inner chamber of the tooth, leading to a painful toothache or serious infection and may necessitate a root canal.
Dental bonding treatments are a non-invasive procedure to “fill in” these weak spots with a strong, durable, and natural resin. Bonding is a great way to protect your teeth and make them look great at the same time. Your dentist will carefully blend the dental bond to match the color of your teeth so it will look completely natural. Dental bonding also provides added protection against decay and cavities, too.
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What does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Cosmetic dentistry costs vary greatly from person to person — and in our opinion, the perfect smile isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in your health, wellness, and confidence.
At Union Dental Center, we’ll talk to you about how to get the perfect smile you dream about at a price you can afford. We offer a variety of convenient and flexible payment options.
Relieving the pain of sensitive teeth
If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or pressure while you chew, talk to your dentist. There are a variety of possible causes and it’s important to identify the root cause before choosing a course of action:
- Gum recession – Receding gums caused by periodontal disease may cause your teeth to appear “longer” as the root of the tooth is exposed. This newly exposed root is very sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Tooth decay – Teeth with cavities are very sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as pressure. A small composite filling may be all that’s needed to relieve the pain.
- Dry mouth – Excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwash, as well as some prescription medications, can make your mouth dry and uncomfortable. You may benefit from sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and relieve the pain you’re feeling.
- Genetics – Some people just have a naturally thin layer of dentin over their teeth. This makes them more sensitive. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a toothpaste containing stannous fluoride. On a microscopic level this harmless chemical creates a protective layer to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Schedule your appointment at Union Dental Center
Looking to learn more about how to improve your smile and your health? Schedule your first appointment at Union Dental Center today! Our friendly dentists and staff are ready to help you.
