The Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry
There’s nothing wrong with wanting an attractive smile. In fact, looking good is an essential function of your teeth. The social and professional value of a smile cannot be overestimated. It is the first thing people will notice and the last thing they will forget after meeting you for the first time. It can help you make a good first impression at a job interview or on a blind date.
And smiling helps us feel good. The act of smiling can release endorphins in the brain that help us feel good. So having a smile that you feel good about sharing can actually improve your overall mood and quality of life.
What Makes You Unhappy with Your Smile?
There are many common complaints about their smiles that people come to us with, and cosmetic dentistry can fix virtually every one, including:
- Discolored teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Small teeth
- Poorly shaped teeth
- Missing teeth
Discolored Teeth
Tooth discoloration can make you look older and may make your smile look unhealthy. Discolored teeth can result from many potential causes, such as from staining foods and beverages. The most common treatment for discolored teeth is teeth whitening. But if teeth are discolored because of thin enamel, injury to teeth, or development problems with enamel, we may recommend porcelain veneers (also called dental veneers) to cover the stains.
Gapped Teeth
Tooth gaps or spaces between your teeth are most easily treatable with dental bonding, though porcelain veneers are a more attractive and longer-lasting option. Braces can also be used to close gaps in teeth, but it takes longer.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Invisalign is a popular and effective orthodontic treatment that offers a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Using clear, custom-made aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into their ideal positions, providing a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solution for those seeking a straighter smile. The aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to go about your daily life without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.
One of the key benefits of Invisalign is its convenience. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, making oral hygiene easier and preventing food restrictions. With regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist to monitor progress, Invisalign offers a personalized treatment plan that can effectively address issues such as crooked teeth, gaps, or misaligned bites, giving you the smile you’ve always desired without the discomfort or visibility of traditional braces.
Small or Poorly Shaped Teeth
Some people have teeth that grow either small or in an unusual shape. This may be that the adult teeth forms a certain way, or it may be the result of a retained baby tooth. We can build these teeth up to the size and shape of more attractive adult teeth using porcelain veneers or dental crowns in most cases. Sometimes, though, we might recommend that they be removed and replaced if they are not healthy.
Missing Teeth
If you are missing one or more teeth, we have more ways than ever to give you an attractive smile. Dental bridges have long been a great alternative. These fully-anchored restorations allow you to chew, talk, and smile normally without worrying about a loose denture. Dental implants go one step further because they are actually anchored in your jawbone and support themselves without needing to be supported by neighboring teeth.
Designing a Custom Dental Makeover
If you’re not sure what makes you unhappy with your smile or if there are multiple factors, we also offer a smile evaluation that can help you determine which are the best treatments for your smile. Once we have determined the optimum combination of treatments, we will put them together in a custom smile makeover that can give you the smile you desire. We will even use digital imagery to help you envision what your future smile will look like.
T-Scan by Tekscan
We also use neuromuscular dentistry to ensure your new smile creates a healthy, balanced bite. Not only can this reduce or eliminate TMJ symptoms like jaw pain and headaches, but it can also help preserve your restorations so they can achieve their maximum life, and you can enjoy your new beautiful smile for ten years or more.
T-Scan is a vital tool to help us ensure your new smile is balanced. This digital bite registration shows us exactly how much force your restorations experience as you bite down or clench your teeth. This helps us identify when a porcelain veneer or dental implant might be vulnerable to excess bite force.
Choose Cosmetic Dentistry in San Jose
To get started on your dental makeover, please call (408) 354-5600 or email Top Down Dental today for an appointment.
