Even the best of teeth are exposed to wear and tear, medical conditions, and injuries that can change our smiles significantly. Ageing, tooth decay, and gum disease are also culprits that most of us cannot ignore. However, irrespective of the actual cause behind a changing smile, your dentist may be able to offer multiple solutions that can restore or even improve your smile and oral health. A quick look at the available options:

Whitening

The dentist will use a bleaching agent to remove the discoloration and stains that build upon the teeth over time. However, the whitening process is not always effective if the stains are due to some other underlying cause that may require a different approach. Teeth whitening can be done at the dental clinic or you may even be given a home kit for application on your teeth for a specific time. Read: Common Teeth Whitening Methods

Orthodontics

Orthodontics that can correct misaligned jaws and crooked teeth are ideal for children and even adults with a long life ahead of them. The braces and aligners fitted by the dentist at a speciality clinic like Dr Pitner Orthodontics and periodically adjusted have the result of making the change enduring and natural, making easier cleaning and improving smiles possible. The length of the treatment can be extended if the extent of correction required is significant and is decided by the dentist.

Veneers

Veneers are typically thin layers of porcelain that are custom-fit over teeth or composite resins, according to webmd. Veneers are a good way of correcting small dental imperfections and changing the shape of your smile. You can choose a veneer color that matches your natural teeth color or a lighter shade.

Crowns

Dental crowns are typically fitted over the existing tooth to strengthen or repair damage or discoloration or after a root canal treatment has been performed or to support a dental bridge. Crowns are generally made out of porcelain or ceramic that is matched to the color of your teeth for a natural look. Certain types have a metal core with an outer layer of alloys or ceramic.

Implants

A missing tooth can have serious ramifications as it can affect your ability to chew and speak besides changing your smile. A tooth implant procedure places a post made of titanium in the jaw, over which a crown is fitted to make an artificial tooth that can be quite durable. An implant may not be recommended for people with persistent oral health conditions or other underlying diseases like diabetes. Read: What are dental implants?

Bridges

Bridges are essentially false teeth that are fixed between the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The two teeth on the sides are fitted with crowns to make them stronger and the bridge is fitted between them. Even though bridges are less durable than implants, they are still a good option for those who have fillings in the teeth on the two sides or would require crowns in due course. Read: 8 Signs That Mean You May Need a Root Canal Treatment

Conclusion

If you have problems with your teeth that is leading to a health issue or affecting your self-confidence, consulting a doctor for the best option is recommended. Your dentist will only be too happy to explain the pros and cons of each course of treatment available.