Whether you’ve wanted to update your appearance for some time or have an upcoming event that you want to look your best for, there are numerous ways to achieve a brighter smile. At Woodlawn Dental, our skilled team can provide cosmetic or restorative treatment options, in addition to informing patients of at-home regimens that contribute to more aesthetically-pleasing teeth.
Treatment Options from Your Dentist
Either at your initial consultation or during a follow-up visit, you have ample opportunity to discuss your concerns, both functional and cosmetic, with your dentist. If your main goal is to recapture or enhance your smile’s brilliance, the most common solutions include:
Veneers - Porcelain veneers are often recommended when a patient experiences cosmetic issues that involve their teeth’s shape and brightness. In just a few office visits, their smile can be completely transformed using these thin, yet resilient sheets of porcelain.
Teeth Whitening - One of the quickest and most highly sought after ways to update your smile’s luminosity is teeth whitening. With take-home, in-office, and over-the-counter options available, patients have a myriad of choices to suit their unique goals and expectations. Though store-bought whitening kits may work for minor maintenance, they are not as precise nor offer the lasting results of whitening at your dentist’s office. No matter if you desire immediate improvement at a single visit or steady, tailored enhancement over time, your dentist can provide an appropriate solution.
Crowns - It’s not uncommon for older restorations to deteriorate or lose their luster over time. Dental crowns are traditionally made of porcelain fused to a metal base. Over time, the metal base tends to peek through right at the gumline. Many patients find this material gives their tooth a grey appearance and desire a more naturally brilliant restoration. Modern advances allow dental professionals to offer crowns fabricated from a range of aesthetically-pleasing materials, so patients can achieve the flawless look they seek.
Composite Fillings - Older amalgam fillings also lead to a dull smile. With composite resin, your dental professional can replace amalgam with a biocompatible material that mimics the aesthetic of a naturally healthy tooth.
The Role of At-Home Dental Hygiene
A fact that often goes unrecognized is that taking proper care of natural teeth, as well as restorations, forms the foundation for a bright smile. Regular flossing and twice daily brushing can help maintain the health of your smile in addition to its beauty. If you’re overdue for an exam, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist to review the concerns you have and provide recommendations for improvement.
If you’re seeking professional assistance in brightening the appearance of your smile, Dr. Benjamin Williams and the team at his Birmingham dental practice are here to help. Contact Woodlawn Dental today to schedule a consultation.