Almost everyone has something about their smile they’d like to change, whether it’s brightness, symmetry, or general aesthetics. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry has effective solutions for the most common complaints. Here are some of the most frequent issues patients bring up, and the effective solutions dentists use to fix them.
Stained or Discolored Teeth
Solution: Teeth Whitening or Veneers
Many things people consume on a daily basis—coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, candy—create surface stains. Fortunately, these respond well to professional teeth whitening. In-office treatments can brighten teeth significantly in a single appointment, while take-home kits offer more gradual results at your own pace.
However, for deeper or “intrinsic” discoloration that whitening can’t reach, porcelain veneers are a more comprehensive solution. These cover the whole front of your tooth for a consistent and brilliant result.
Chipped, Cracked, or Misshapen Teeth
Solution: Cosmetic Bonding or Veneers
Minor chips and cracks can often be repaired quickly with cosmetic bonding. This is a simple treatment that uses tooth-colored resin applied and sculpted directly onto the tooth. Once it’s hardened, it blends seamlessly into your natural enamel. For more significant reshaping or when multiple teeth are involved, veneers offer a longer-lasting and more uniform result.
Gaps Between Teeth
Solution: Bonding, Veneers, or Clear Aligners
Small gaps can be closed with bonding or veneers, which build out the sides of adjacent teeth to reduce or eliminate the space. However, larger spacing issues or those involving bite alignment are better addressed with clear aligners. These move teeth into a more ideal position over time using discreet plastic trays.
Multiple Concerns at Once
Solution: Smile Makeover
When there are several cosmetic issues to address at once, like staining, chips, gaps, and worn edges, a smile makeover combines the best of all worlds. This is a multi-phase treatment plan that coordinates multiple procedures over time. The result is a transformation that no single treatment could achieve on its own.
Wondering where to start? Call your dentist for a cosmetic consultation. No matter what’s bothering you about your smile, they can take a close look, explain your options, and help you decide the right path forward.
About The Practice
At Rocky River Dental, our team has been recognized as the Best Dentist in Cleveland every year since 1999. That’s because we bring a commitment to excellence to every cosmetic case we take on. From teeth whitening and veneers to BOTOX and full smile makeovers, we have the technology, techniques, and experience to help you love your smile. Call (440) 331-3211 to get started today.