Would you be surprised to learn that people with dental problems are more likely to report feeling anxious or depressed? Aesthetic issues in your smile can leave you so worried about how others might perceive you that you avoid spending time with them.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide one or more cosmetic dental services to enhance your appearance. But before you can proceed, you need to have an idea of the results you’d like to achieve. If you’re unsure where to start, keep reading to learn about 3 traits of a beautiful smile so you know what to aim for!
Characteristic #1: Tooth Color
One of the first things that people notice about your grin is its color, and if yours look more yellow or brown than pearly-white, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons. Most people perceive white teeth as cleaner and healthier, making them more appealing.
If you’ve tried over-the-counter strips or kits without seeing a change in the tone of your teeth, you’re not alone. These products often contain diluted bleaching agents that aren’t as effective as the ultra-concentrated ones your dentist uses. Plus, your provider will examine your mouth first to ensure they don’t put bleach over any injuries or cavities, which can cause an incredibly painful reaction.
Characteristic #2: Tooth Position
Your smile arc is another easily noticeable feature of your grin, and refers to the curve of your smile where the maxillary (upper) gum line meets your teeth. This should ideally have a relatively straight appearance that curves around each tooth evenly across to create the appearance of a slight upward curve that narrows toward the ends.
If your teeth or bite are misaligned, they might be overcrowded or overlap, creating an uneven profile. Not only can this impact your appearance, but it’s also hard to reach all their surfaces to brush and floss them thoroughly. Unfortunately, this leaves you more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist can use Invisalign clear braces to reposition your teeth and give you a more balanced look.
Characteristic #3: Tooth Visibility
Tooth size is another quality that can improve or detract from your grin. Overly large or small teeth show too much or not enough enamel and can look awkward or uneven in your mouth, which isn’t considered overly attractive.
If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, all the added pressure from constantly clenching your jaw can wear down your enamel unevenly or prematurely. Those with worn-down chompers or excessive gum tissue might worry that their teeth look too small in their mouth. Your dentist can restore your teeth’s appearance and functionality with dental bonding. To do so, they’ll apply a small amount of color-matched resin to your tooth and mold it into the ideal shape. Then, they’ll harden it in place with a special UV light so it bonds with your enamel.
Your dentist is happy to discuss your concerns and suggest appropriate solutions to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
Meet the Author
Dr. Robert Fromuth takes pride in getting to know his patients so he can monitor their oral condition and tailor treatment plans to address any potential problems. He earned his DDS from the University of North Carolina and completed his General Practice Residency at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania. Now, he’s a member of several prestigious organizations, like the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve your comfort while delivering beautiful, long-lasting results. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (603) 644-3368.