Do you feel great about the appearance of your smile? Fortunately, we live in a time where you don’t need to settle for teeth that you don’t feel confident showing off. There are all sorts of cosmetic dental treatments out there to help patients feel great about their smile. But what is a beautiful smile anyways? Continue reading to learn some of the smile traits that are commonly seen as attractive and how cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve them.
White Teeth
While it’s natural for teeth to become discolored over time, it is still something that many people find themselves self-conscious of. Teeth can become discolored for a number of different reasons, including tobacco use, consuming pigmented beverages, and aging. The good news is that there’s a solution. You can leave the dental office with a brighter smile after opting for teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.
Healthy-Looking Gums
In most cases, healthy gums appear to be both pink and firm. If you see that your gums are red, swollen, or bloody after you brush or floss, this could mean that you are suffering from gum disease. This is an infection of the soft tissue that holds your teeth into place. You prevent this by brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
Correct Bite
There are all sorts of different bite issues that can occur. They include overbites, crossbites, underbites, and open bites. Generally, these issues aren’t seen as cosmetically appealing and can make it more difficult for you to enjoy your meals. This can be corrected through orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign clear aligners.
Correct Spacing
If your teeth are spaced apart properly, they barely touch each other. When they are too close, they become overcrowded. When they’re too far apart, gaps can emerge. Both of these issues can be resolved with Invisalign clear aligners. If your gaps are small, you may be able to fix them with porcelain veneers or direct bonding.
Gums to Teeth Proportion
To have strong teeth, you need to have healthy, supporting gum tissue. However, many people feel like they have a smile that appears to be too “gummy.” This isn’t usually an oral health issue, but it can take away from one’s confidence. This can be corrected with gum contouring and crown lengthening.
A beautiful smile could mean a world of different things. If you aren’t feeling confident about your teeth, talk to your dentist so you can come up with a plan that is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, he was commissioned by the U.S. Public Service known as the Indian Health Service. During this time, he expanded his knowledge in many facets of dentistry, including restorative, endodontic, surgical, and pediatric dentistry. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Carlisle, visit his website or call (717) 258-5455.