If you suffer from uneven teeth, cosmetic dental services can help straighten your bite and improve your confidence in your smile. Straight teeth improve more than just appearance; they can also improve overall dental health as pieces of food get stuck more easily between crooked teeth. In addition, straight teeth are easier to clean with flossing and brushing.
An awkward bite can also lead to more dental issues over time. For example, when teeth are not aligned, they put uneven pressure against each other and cause chips and breaks. An uneven bite can also cause teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
For patients with crooked teeth or other concerns about their smile, it may be time for them to explore their treatment options. Here are a few common cosmetic services that can help patients achieve a straighter smile.
For minor adjustments, a dentist can reshape a patient’s teeth by filing off minute amounts of enamel. The process, also known as contouring or enamel shaping, is quick and painless. Typically, a dentist can complete reshaping in a single visit.
Teeth straightening treatment is a standard option for adjusting an uneven bite without reshaping or covering the teeth. It is ideal for crooked teeth, gaps, or a misaligned bite.
The most common teeth straightening treatment options are braces and clear aligners. Both options work via the principle of applying gentle pressure to the teeth to nudge them into place. They slowly adjust a patient’s natural smile over time.
A common misconception is that orthodontic treatment is only for significant bite issues. However, orthodontic treatment is also a viable option for minor adjustments.
Crowns are caps for teeth that are chipped, broken, or decayed. They can also adjust poor tooth shape or small gaps in the patient’s bite.
Dental laboratories fabricate crowns from acrylic or porcelain, then reinforce them with metal to withstand biting pressure. The dentist will fit and bond the crown over the patient’s damaged tooth. Crowns look like natural teeth and can restore the affected teeth’ strength.
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that a dentist will fit and bond to the fronts of a patient’s natural teeth. The shells cover up any chips, discoloration, or crookedness in the patient’s natural smile.
The dentist will shave the patient’s teeth down during the procedure to make room for the veneers. The process is permanent and can be expensive but results in a straight, white smile.
Dental laboratories fabricate veneers from porcelain or composite resin based on a mold of a patient’s teeth. The material is durable and can last for many years, but patients may have to get veneers rebonded as their gums and teeth change over time.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dental Services in Lakewood, IL
Whether you need major or minor adjustments, cosmetic dental services can straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Your teeth will continue to shift over time, so do not delay treatment. Contact the team at Leix Dental to schedule your consultation.
Request an appointment or call Leix Dental at 815-604-6104 for an appointment in our Lakewood office.
Are you considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile? Some people may think that cosmetic treatments are only about appearances. However, many cosmetic dental services are functional and cosmetic. Having straight teeth and an aligned bite can improve your smile in more than just appearance.Over the years, modern cosmetic dentistry has expanded to include…
Cosmetic dental services often involve using tooth-colored restorations to restore damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. Restorations, like crowns, can be made from materials like gold, silver, and metal alloys, but these materials look nothing like natural teeth. Most patients prefer restorations made from materials that share properties with real teeth, like porcelain, ceramics, and composites.…
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…