When you have less than perfect teeth you can become quite self-conscious. As anyone who is embarrassed by the state of their teeth will attest, a lifetime of keeping your mouth closed for fear of revealing the truth behind the smile can become wearing. Fortunately, modern dentistry and preventive methods courtesy of your dental hygienist have come on leaps and bounds from yesteryear, and now adults can improve the appearance of their teeth in a relatively short period of time. If you are considering cosmetic dental procedures, there are some things that are helpful to know before you head off to your nearest dentist in search of the perfect pearly whites. Read on to discover your options including how much different procedures can cost, and just how long it can take to get the teeth of your dreams.
Your Dentist Should Be Your First Stop
This may seem like an obvious step, but many people fail to realise that your first port of call should be your local dental surgery. Your dental practice will hold your records and will therefore know what procedures, if any, will be suitable for your teeth. They will also be able to point you in the right direction for any advice about specific procedures you are interested in. With treatments such as teeth straightening, including braces and other corrective procedures, you will require an orthodontist. Many dental practices have their own orthodontists and if not, they should know the best place to recommend for you to receive the treatment you want.
Do I Need Veneers or Implants?
The Hollywood smile is still very much on the radar of Brits in search of perfect teeth and in order to achieve this many people opt for veneers or even dental implants. Veneers, are an excellent option if you have stained, broken or crooked teeth that are otherwise healthy and the treatment can be completed in one session. Composite veneers involve having tooth-coloured filling material permanently bonded to existing teeth and is a popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Implants are often viewed sceptically by those that aren’t aware of what the procedure precisely entails, but implants can be life-changing for many people and when the procedure is performed by a reputable orthodontist, the benefits are multiple. Implants can be used for single tooth replacement or complete teeth replacement. This treatment can be used by people that have had teeth knocked out during an accident, or by patients that want to noticeably enhance their teeth. Patients that are concerned about pain that could occur as a result of this treatment should be assured that the appropriate sedation, usually a local anaesthetic, will prevent the procedure from being painful.
Simple Cosmetic Procedures
Before you set your sights on veneers or implants, it is worth considering that you may require a much simpler solution to your stained or crooked teeth. Teeth whitening provides impressive results and if your teeth are merely discoloured, this treatment could give you the confidence to flash your sparkling smile. If it is the placement of your teeth that is of concern, short term solutions such as removable braces, Invisalign, or the Six Months Smiles treatment could be all that is needed to align your crooked teeth.
