A Cosmetic Dentist Can Help

Everybody wants a smile that they can be proud to show off. A healthy set of teeth is generally considered to be an important part of projecting self-confidence. Obviously the best way to keep your teeth healthy and shining is performing your routine hygienic cleaning: brushing your teeth after meals (typically one minute devoted to the top and another minute to the bottom), regular flossing, and occasionally rinsing out your mouth with mouthwash. All of these practices are recommended by the professionals in order to keep your teeth and gums in top form. However, even if you regularly keep up with these hygienic practices, you still might suffer from a number of problems that you simply can't fix by yourself. If that's the case, scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist is a good idea.

The most common reason cited for visits to a cosmetic dentist is for teeth whitening. Though our teeth are typically flawlessly white as children, it's only natural that with age they undergo mild staining and lose their shiny, ivory appeal. There have been several over-the-counter solutions developed in the past few years to combat this, including toothpaste and special strips that are designed specifically to whiten teeth, but, for the best results, it's still recommended to visit a professional who can provide expert care and has the resources that you won't be able to obtain at your local pharmacy.

Tooth reshaping is another common procedure that a cosmetic dentist provides patients with on a regular basis. Patients who are looking to repair a chipped tooth, correct crooked or excessively long teeth, or simply alter the shape or position of teeth should look into tooth reshaping options if they want fast results (a single, quick procedure is typically all that is necessary) and want to avoid the cost and hassle of orthopedic braces.

Other routine procedures performed by any professional cosmetic dentist include bonding, dental bridges, veneers, gum lifts, and bite reclamation. All of these options are ultimately designed to make your teeth and your smile look the way you want it to, and enable you to reclaim your self-confidence. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't still stick to your regular habits that you've been attending to since childhood—brushing your teeth, flossing, etc.—but sometimes you simply need some professional assistance to help get you and your teeth where you want to be. Going to your local pharmacy and picking up some over-the-counter materials may help a little; but an appointment with a cosmetic dentist who can provide an expert consultation and detailed work will give you the most effective results.