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.

Cosmetic Dentistry Los Gatos, San Jose

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

Crowded or crooked teeth are best treated with orthodontics in most cases. Orthodontics move your teeth into a straighter configuration that is not only more attractive, but also healthier. For quicker treatment, some people may want instant orthodontics, which uses porcelain veneers and/or dental crowns to give a straighter smile in less than a month.

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

T-Scan by TekscanWe 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.