There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a mouth. There’s gum disease, genetic disease, accidents, neglect, substance abuse, poor nutrition… any and all of these things by themselves can damage your teeth and wreck your gums — and quite often these causes occur in groups rather than just by themselves (for example, trauma that might not damage a healthy tooth could easily knock out a tooth whose root has been weakened).
But thanks to advances in modern technology and techniques, there is literally no dental problem that can’t be fixed. Discolored teeth, damaged teeth… even completely missing teeth… all can be repaired, strengthened, or replaced, to give you the best smile of your life.
Discoloration. Certain substances — like coffee, tea, and cigarettes — can discolor your enamel, making your teeth less white. Other “diswhitening” culprits include antibiotics and simple aging. But there are many cosmetic dental procedures that can whiten your teeth. Chemical whitening is probably the most popular choice, and it can be done at home or in the dentist’s office (where you can take advantage of laser whitening, whereby the process is accelerated by the use of a low-energy laser).
Decay. The most common result of decay is a cavity, and this should be treated by your general dentist with a standard filling, in order to maintain the strength of your tooth. But decay can also cause unsightly spots, which enters into the realm of cosmetic dental work. Not only that, but if you’ve already had fillings, you might not be a candidate for laser whitening, since the added heat can damage the filling material. Porcelain veneers can be the perfect solution. They are thin shells that are attached to the front of your teeth, giving your smile an immediate face-lift.
Missing Teeth. Even if your tooth (or teeth) have been missing for years, you can still regain your old smile. Dental implants, while admittedly the most complex cosmetic dental surgery on the market, has the miraculous ability to not only fix the look of your teeth, but to provide them with a solid and reliable foundation for biting and chewing, essentially restoring the function of your mouth to the way it was in your prime.
If you’re reluctant to smile, for any reason, talk to your dentist about what you can do about it. And remember: no dental problem is unsolvable. Find out more here.