You know a great smile when you see one. Bright, white teeth that are perfectly aligned. It seems effortless, but achieving that perfect smile usually takes work. The good news is that modern dentistry has advanced so nearly anyone can attain a red-carpet-ready grin.
For example, Ohio has over 11,000 licensed dentists, making it the 5th largest state for dental professionals, with cities like Columbus offering various dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and general dentistry.
With so many possibilities, how do you decide what’s right for you? This article will explore some of the most popular and effective dental treatments available today to help you achieve the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
The first step is learning about the possibilities, and the second step is to find an experienced cosmetic dentist and map out a treatment plan. So read on!
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring can correct uneven or excess gum tissue and improve your smile. Gum contouring may be a good option if your gums cover too much of your teeth or are inconsistent.
During the procedure, your dentist uses a laser to trim away excess gum tissue. The laser allows for minimally invasive treatment with little bleeding or discomfort. The result is gum tissue that fits the natural shape of your teeth for a balanced, symmetrical smile.
The total treatment time is usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on the amount of gum tissue needing reshaping. Recovery is quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort for a day or two after the procedure.
Braces for Straighter Teeth
Traditional braces use wires and brackets to gradually move teeth into the correct position. The treatment typically lasts 18 to 36 months, depending on how much correction is needed.
If you’re facing issues like overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth, don’t worry; there’s a solution available for every type of dental issue. Look up dental braces Columbus, Ohio, on any popular search engine and schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
On the other hand, Invisalign clear braces are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth. Rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position.
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series. As your teeth move with each aligner, your smile gradually transforms. The treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months, depending on how much correction is needed.
The best part is, since the aligners are transparent and removable, no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign braces are nearly invisible, removable, comfortable, and effective.
Teeth Whitening for Bright White Teeth.
With professional whitening, your dentist will custom-fit trays to your teeth that you fill with a special bleaching gel. You’ll wear the trays for a few hours a day or overnight, and within a week or two, you’ll notice your teeth shades whiter.
Some key things to know:
- Whitening works best on natural teeth. If you have fillings, crowns, or veneers, they won’t change color. You may need to replace them to match your new pearly whites.
- Whitening lasts around 6-12 months before you need a touch-up. To maximize results, avoid consuming staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and berries.
- Sensitivity is common for a few days. Use a fluoride rinse or toothpaste for sensitive teeth to relieve any discomfort.
Porcelain Veneers to Fix Minor Cosmetic Flaws
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They can work wonders for minor cosmetic flaws in your smile, like small chips, cracks, gaps, or stains.
To get veneers, your dentist will first prepare your teeth by lightly buffing the surface to create room for the new veneers. Impressions are then made of your teeth and sent to a lab where your custom veneers are created.
When ready, your dentist will bond the veneers onto your teeth. The result is a bright, flawless smile that looks completely natural.
Veneers require removing a thin layer of enamel from your teeth and are irreversible, so they may not be the best option if you have healthy teeth. The procedure typically takes two visits, and while the price varies, a full set of veneers can cost between $500 to $1500 per tooth.
Tooth Shaping/ Enamel Shaping
Tooth or enamel shaping can improve your smile by subtly reshaping your teeth. This quick and painless cosmetic dentistry procedure uses a special abrasive instrument to gently sand away small amounts of enamel from your teeth. The dentist carefully sculpts your teeth to create a balanced, natural-looking smile.
Tooth shaping may be right for you if you have teeth that are slightly misaligned, uneven, or chipped. It can also help correct minor crowding or spaces between teeth. The dentist will evaluate your teeth and determine which areas need reshaping to create an evenly arched smile.
The process typically only takes 30 minutes to complete and requires no anesthesia.
Conclusion
So there you have it, four options to consider to get the smile of your dreams. From essential treatments like teeth whitening to more complex options like dental implants or braces, you have choices to fit any budget and timeline.
Somake that appointment with your dentist today and start the journey to the perfect smile. You only get one set of permanent teeth, so take good care of them and make sure you love what you see in the mirror daily.
We hope you learned something from this article. If you think we missed something, please tell us in the comments below.
