Smile Makeover Options from Your General Dentist

There is a lot that a general dentist can do to give you a smile makeover, and while you may want to see a cosmetic dentist, either one can help you. For a lot of people, they see their general dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, and it is at that time they speak with them about the appearance of their smile. Some of the common procedures that a general dentist may perform are listed next.

Teeth whitening

For many of us, we find that our teeth change color over time, and this is just a normal part of life. Drinking tea, red wine, coffee, or smoking tobacco can all stain our teeth, but so can certain sugary foods and even medications. This sends millions of Americans looking for a way to whiten their teeth, and while some use home whitening kits, many see their dentist for better results.

When your dentist whitens your teeth during a makeover, they not only use a special gel for your teeth, but they also use a gel on your gums to create a gingival barrier so that your gums are protected from the bleaching chemicals. Sometimes the dentist will even apply a compound to your teeth if they seem at all sensitive. Once the whitening gel has been applied to your teeth, the dentist may use a high-powered light that speeds up the whitening process, which begins your smile makeover.

Bonding and veneers

If you have spaces between your teeth or if any of them are chipped or misshapen, a general dentist can make them look as good as new with bonding or with veneers. Misshapen teeth often make people feel self-conscious, and this takes away from their confidence in themselves and affects their lives in several ways.

Bonding is one way to fill in the cracks and chips in your teeth. This is also used sometimes as a method to cover up stained teeth. Bonding is a method that lasts for many years, but it does eventually require maintenance.

If you choose veneers, you will find that they last much longer than bonding. Veneers consist of a porcelain or resin composite material shell that covers the front teeth. Your dentist will first take an impression of your teeth so that the veneers can be custom-made to fit snuggly and offer you a natural look. Once the veneers have been applied, your dentist may want to make some slight adjustments to make sure they are comfortable and look perfect for giving you a winning smile makeover.

Crowns and bridges

If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a crown may be the best treatment available. A crown is a terrific solution because it covers the entire tooth and not only looks perfectly natural it is also very strong. Your entire tooth is protected by a sturdy cap, and this allows you to continue chewing your favorite foods with that tooth.

With a bridge, you have a false tooth called a pontic placed where previously there was no tooth. The false tooth stays in place because it is attached to crowns that cover the abutment teeth.  Your dentist can discuss more about this procedure and the recovery. 

Speak with your dentist about your options

As you can see, there are many choices when it comes to a total smile makeover. Many of these procedures are used by themselves or in conjunction with other procedures to help you achieve your ideal smile. Of course, learning which treatments are right for you largely comes down to your needs and the current condition of your mouth.

To learn which procedures are right for you, it's best to discuss it with your dentist. You will need a complete exam so that your dentist can understand the status of your mouth and identify which services will provide the right solutions for you. This is a great time to ask questions about what to expect as a final outcome and to understand the recovery process. Keep in mind, that a total transformation may take some time. 

To get a clear picture of the expectations for your results, contact your dentist today. Learning your status is a critical first step on the journey to a completely new smile. You'll gain confidence and better overall function. Reach out to your dentist to get the ball rolling toward getting the smile you've always wanted. 

Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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