There are aspects of a healthy smile that you might want to improve. Confidence in your smile can be affected by stains, chipped teeth, gaps, uneven edges and age related changes. If you are considering Cosmetic Dentistry in Katy, TX, it is good to know the options available so that you can find a treatment that fits your concerns and expectations.
At Katy Lakes Dentistry, patients can talk with their dentist about their smile goals to find out what cosmetic options may be right for them.
Start With What You Want to Change
Cosmetic dentistry is a series of procedures, each targeting a particular problem. Rather than selecting a procedure because it is popular, it is better to select what particular feature you want to improve.
Discolored or Stained Teeth
Teeth can be stained or darkened by coffee, tea, certain foods, tobacco use, aging and other factors. If the staining is suitable for this treatment, professional whitening can help make natural teeth brighter.
Small Chips and Minor Imperfections
Even when you smile, a small chip can be glaringly obvious. Dental bonding might be an option to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, worn or uneven.
Bonding involves putting a tooth colored material on the affected area and molding it to a more harmonious look. In limited instances, this might be a somewhat conservative approach to minor cosmetic concerns.
Gaps Between Teeth
Some people don’t like the gaps in their teeth. If the small gap is more for cosmetic reasons, bonding can sometimes be considered.
But gaps can also be related to the positioning of the teeth or bite. In these cases, altering the appearance of the teeth may not correct the underlying problem. A professional assessment can help decide whether a cosmetic treatment or something else is best.
Uneven Tooth Shape
Sometimes it’s not the tooth color that is of concern, but the shape or proportion of the visible teeth.
Veneers can be an option for certain cosmetic concerns like shape, size, color or minor imperfections of teeth. As veneers are a more involved treatment choice, patients should discuss the procedure, maintenance, expected results and suitability of their teeth before they proceed.
When Alignment Is the Concern
Not every smile issue requires cosmetic treatment.
Crowded, rotated or widely spaced teeth can be treated with orthodontics, especially if there is a bite or tooth positioning problem. Patients researching orthodontics in Elyson, TX can speak to their dentist about whether a gradual repositioning of their natural teeth can present a more appropriate solution.
Your Smile Does Not Always Need Multiple Treatments
You don’t need to undergo multiple procedures to improve your smile. A patient who is concerned only about staining may just need professional whitening, whereas a patient with a small chip may benefit from bonding.
When considering Cosmetic Dentistry in Katy, TX, patients should consider what treatment will help them with their actual concern, instead of choosing a procedure just because it’s popular.
Keep Oral Health at the Center
Cosmetic goals should always be weighed against the total health of the mouth. You may need to have decay, gum disease, damaged teeth or other dental problems treated before you can begin any elective cosmetic treatment.
A professional exam can detect these problems and help make sure that any cosmetic plan starts from a healthy base.
If alignment is a concern as well, talking to us about orthodontics in Elyson, TX can help decide whether or not movement of the teeth should be treated first before cosmetic treatment.
Make an Informed Choice
There is no one “best” cosmetic fix for every smile. The right choice depends on your oral health, the feature you want to change, your expectations and the type of result you hope for.
Katy Lakes Dentistry can assist patients in comprehending their cosmetic options and deciding what approach may be right for their individual situation. Taking the time to assess your needs before treatment can help you achieve a smile that looks natural and feels right for you.