When Gaps in Your Teeth Become More Than a Cosmetic Problem
A gap in your smile may seem like a purely cosmetic problem, but wide gaps or missing teeth can cause severe functional problems and even lead to total tooth loss. Here’s what to do.
Your teeth don’t have to be perfect to be healthy, but it’s natural to want a photogenic smile. Even minor adjustments can transform your teeth, boosting your self confidence and improving your first impressions. With cosmetic dentistry, you can correct everything from missing teeth to yellowing and discoloration.
Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili of Fairfax Family Dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, can restore your smile with cosmetic dentistry no matter what aspect you’re unhappy with or what has caused your tooth defects or loss. There are a variety of different procedures that can be mixed and matched to deliver the desired results.
There are many reasons you might be self-conscious about your teeth. Accidents can leave you with chips or cracks, while your favorite drinks can cause yellowing over time. If you find yourself avoiding flashing your teeth during photos, Dr. Yalamanchili can correct aesthetic flaws and renew your confidence in your smile. Her clinic offers a number of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including:
During dental bonding, chips and cracks are repaired using resin color-matched to your surrounding teeth. Once the resin has been cured, it will look, feel, and act like the rest of your tooth.
Your teeth naturally absorb stains over time, especially if you drink a lot of wine, coffee, or soda. If yellowing is a problem for you, regular teeth whitening sessions can keep your smile at an acceptable shade.
If you’ve lost any teeth, replacing them is likely high on your priority list. Dental implants are the most natural and permanent solution, effectively replacing the lost tooth in its entirety. Bridges can also replace missing teeth, but not the root.
Some aesthetic issues are best corrected by overlaying a new smile on top of your existing one. Porcelain veneers are shaped and colored to your preferences, and then adhered to the fronts of your teeth. If cared for properly, they can last for over a decade.
While not technically a cosmetic procedure, Invisalign can correct crowded and crooked teeth without the hassle and appearance of traditional braces, for a straight, even smile.
Depending on what issues you’d like to address, your treatment plan might require one or more procedures. Certain solutions, like Invisalign and implants, can take time to accomplish, but the result will be a smile you can feel confident about.
Ready to begin brainstorming your smile makeover? Consult with Dr. Yalamanchili by calling 703-213-5312, or book an appointment online.
