Are you living with teeth that are broken, discoloured, or compromised in some way? Not only does this impact the appearance of your smile, but damaged teeth can also make chewing and eating difficult.
Many people think of cosmetic dentistry as something expensive and only used to enhance the appearance of your smile. The truth is, cosmetic and restorative dentistry often go hand in hand because when you restore the function of your teeth, it’s likely that you may also be improving their appearance.
Better yet, cosmetic dentistry doesn’t always have to be as costly as you might think, and sometimes all it takes is a simple procedure to give your smile and your confidence a boost.
Here are three affordable dental treatments that can quickly restore your smile.
#1: Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening with your dentist is an efficient and affordable way to improve your smile. Sometimes, you can even do this in the comfort of your own home whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Most dentists offer a couple of options for teeth whitening , and you can discuss with yours which is the best choice for you.
Chairside Teeth Whitening
This procedure takes place in your dental clinic and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. First, your dentist will apply a high strength whitening gel to your teeth that produces results quickly and effectively. Often, they will finish with a fluoride treatment to help reduce any sensitivity you might experience from the whitening gel.
Chairside teeth whitening is an excellent option for patients who might have a special event coming up, like a wedding or family vacation that they want to look their best for.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
The second option for teeth whitening that most dentists offer is a customised take-home bleaching kit.
With impressions they take of your teeth, your dentist creates custom plastic trays that you will use at home to whiten your teeth. In addition, they will provide you with high strength bleaching gel that you will apply to your trays once a day for 30 minutes to brighten your smile. It typically takes 10 to 14 days to achieve the results you want with this teeth whitening method.
You’ll enjoy the added benefit of having your bleaching trays available to whiten your teeth anytime you like. So, if you have an event pop up, you can make sure that your smile is ready.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening Over Drug Store Products
When you visit your local drug or grocery store, you may be inundated with over-the-counter teeth whitening products that may seem easier or more affordable than professional teeth whitening.
The truth is, these products are not as strong as the whitening gel your dentist can provide; so, it may take you longer to achieve the results you want.
Over-the-counter products are not customisable and may be ill-fitting. This could result in discomfort if whitening gel touches your gums or soft tissues.
It’s also a good idea to whiten your teeth under the supervision of your dentist in case you have any issues with tooth sensitivity or excess whitening gel touching your gums.
#2: Dental Bonding
This procedure uses the same composite resin material that your dentist uses to fill cavities to repair minor cosmetic concerns. Dental bonding can fix problems like:
- Tooth size or shape discrepancies
- Covering stubborn stains that you can’t eliminate with teeth whitening
- Fixing small chips or fractures
- Filling in gaps or spaces between teeth
Your dentist will apply the composite material to your tooth, bond it directly, and polish it for a smooth and seamless finish. Because your dentist can customise the shade of the composite resin, it will match your tooth and complement your smile.
Dental bonding is an efficient procedure that your dentist can usually complete during one visit. It also tends to be less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures. Dental bonding can often restore many of the same problems as porcelain veneers for a lesser cost.
Talk to your dentist to determine if dental bonding might be an option for your smile.
#3: Porcelain Crowns
If you’re living with teeth that are more severely decayed, broken, or compromised, your dentist may be able to cover them with a porcelain crown. Porcelain is a durable and aesthetically-pleasing material that your dentist can customise to blend with your smile.
A crown fits over your damaged tooth and reaches the gum line to protect the integrity of your natural tooth and root while giving you the function and support you need for eating and chewing.
You’ll be able to brush and floss a porcelain crown just like you would a natural tooth. With excellent care at home and regular trips to your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleans, your porcelain crown has the potential to last for many years.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another restoration made of porcelain that can repair your smile. A veneer is a thin sliver of porcelain that fits over the front of your tooth to cover imperfections, unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth.
Your dentist bonds the veneer onto your tooth, making it a permanent restoration option. Veneers can repair one or two teeth, or some patients looking for more significant changes might use them to redesign their smile. The difference between dental bonding and veneers is that a veneer can change your tooth’s size, shape, or colour, giving you the option for a complete smile redesign.