We all want to have a perfect, bright smile, but there are many conditions that affect the appearance of our teeth. Crooked teeth, yellow teeth, and missing or broken teeth can all make us unhappy with the way we look. These issues can affect our self-esteem, making us less confident at work and in social situations. If you are living with any of the conditions listed above, the team at American Dental wants you to know that there are steps you can take to improve the appearance of your smile! Here are 5 ways you can give your smile a makeover:
Braces or Invisalign
Braces have long been used to correct conditions like tooth crowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and more. Not only can corrective orthodontics improve the appearance of your smile, they can also correct bite issues that can damage your teeth and cause other problems. Traditional metal braces and their clear counterparts are proven to be effective, but you may also want to consider Invisalign clear aligners, which can provide faster results and are much less conspicuous.
Teeth Whitening
Lifestyle choices like tobacco use and consumption of staining liquids can cause yellow or stained teeth. Poor oral care can also lead to yellow teeth, and in some cases, genetics is also a factor. No matter what is causing your yellow teeth, your dentist can recommend whitening treatments to help you. If you have made lifestyle changes but your teeth are still yellow or stained, professional teeth whitening treatments may be the best option for you.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or dental resin that is bonded to the outer surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can be used to correct discolored teeth as well as teeth that are worn, chipped, broken, or misaligned. Many of our patients prefer veneers because they can provide a dramatic improvement in your smile in as little as 3 weeks, without the pain and repeat visits associated with orthodontic work.
Dentures, Bridges or Crowns
If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown to stabilize it and prevent further tooth decay. When you are missing one or more teeth, various types of appliances can be fitted to replace them. A bridge can fill in an empty space between healthy teeth, and dentures can be used to replace multiple teeth or an entire mouth full of teeth. The artificial teeth used in these appliances are made from strong dental resin that mimics the feel and function of real teeth. There are a range of dental appliances on the market today, so speaking to your dentist will give you a better idea of your options.
Dental Implants
While dentures or other appliances can replace missing teeth, they do have the potential to fall out or be uncomfortable. For the gold standard of tooth reconstruction, you will want to consider dental implants. In this procedure, a metal post is embedded in the jawbone where it can be used as an attachment point for a brand-new artificial tooth that mimics your original tooth in appearance and function. Once a dental implant is installed, it can last your entire lifetime with proper care, and you won’t have to worry about the implant falling out or having to put it in before you go out.
Restorative Dentistry in the Chicago Area
At American Dental, we have been serving the Chicagoland area since 1996 with a range of dental services including restorative dentistry in Belmont Cragin and surrounding communities. If you need any of the restorative dental treatments listed above or you need a general dentist, we have 8 different locations to serve you. Click the “Make an Appointment” button to find a location near you and call or schedule your appointment online today!