Have you recently started hiding your discolored or chipped teeth behind closed lips? You’re not the only one feeling insecure about your teeth! In fact, more than half of America feels the same way.
Today, 70% of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth. About 61% of Americans want to change something about their teeth as a result.
Lack of whiteness, crookedness, and receding gums are among their top concerns.
If these issues sound familiar, you might want to visit your cosmetic dentists in Brentwood, CA. They can develop a customized plan to improve the appearance of your smile.
Not sure when it’s time to see a dentist for cosmetic treatment? Here are a few concerns that indicate it’s time to see a dentist. If these issues sound familiar, schedule your next appointment right away!
Read on to discover the common reasons you should visit a cosmetic dentist in Brentwood today.
1. Missing Teeth
You’ll know when to see a dentist for cosmetic treatment if you’re missing teeth.
Your smile might begin to look lopsided if you’re missing a tooth. In fact, missing teeth can lead to further oral health issues. For example, you might experience facial wrinkling or sagging.
Your jawbone might lack the stimulation it needs, which might lead to bone loss as well.
If there’s a gap in your smile, the surrounding teeth might start to shift, too. You might notice new gaps between your teeth. Some teeth might appear crooked as they lean toward the gap as well.
If you’re missing a tooth, don’t hesitate to contact your local cosmetic dentists. They can determine the best course of treatment.
For example, your dentist might recommend a dental implant if you’re missing one or more teeth. First, they’ll place the implant (which looks like a titanium screw) in your jaw. The screw will replace your previous tooth root.
Over the span of a few months, osseointegration will occur, which ensures the new root will remain in place. Then, your dentist will add a crown over the implant. Your dental implant will look and function like your existing teeth.
They might provide a bridge to “bridge” the gap between your teeth if you’re missing more than one tooth.
Consult your local cosmetic dentist to determine which course of action is best for your smile.
2. Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Accidents happen. Unfortunately, some accidents can impact your smile. For example, a sporting or car accident might cause you to chip or crack a tooth.
About 20% of people around the world suffer from trauma to their teeth at some point in their lives. Cracked or chipped teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue, though. They can also increase your risk of other oral health concerns.
For example, your risk of gum disease or cavities can increase if you leave a cracked tooth unattended.
What do cosmetic dentists do for cracked or chipped teeth?
Your dentist might recommend a crown if you have a chipped tooth. A crown will cover the affection portion of your mouth. Crowns are created using either ceramic or porcelain.
Your cosmetic dentist might recommend porcelain veneers, too. These custom-made shells can restore the damaged area.
Otherwise, a cosmetic dentist might recommend using composite material to improve the tooth’s appearance.
3. Discolored Teeth
One of the top reasons people visit a cosmetic dentist is to improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
Beverages like coffee, wine, and tea can all cause teeth stains. You might begin hiding your smile behind closed lips as a result.
Poor oral hygiene can cause discoloration, too.
You don’t have to waste time and money on tooth whitening products or kits. Instead, visit your cosmetic dentist. They can complete a professional tooth whitening procedure.
Professional teeth whitening is safe, fast, and effective.
Your dentist might also have recommendations you can follow to further improve the appearance of your teeth.
4. Digestive Issues
When is it time to see a dentist for cosmetic treatment? Ask your stomach.
If you’ve developed an issue with your bite, it might lead to digestive issues.
It’s important to thoroughly chew your food. Otherwise, your stomach will have to work even harder to digest the food you eat. You might experience acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcers, too.
Signs of ulcers can include bloating, heartburn, or burning stomach pains.
If you’ve recently developed digestive issues, schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. They can improve your bite, which could help you avoid digestive issues in the future.
5. Chronic Headaches
If you recently started experiencing chronic headaches, it could mean your teeth aren’t properly aligned. A misalignment can cause head or jaw pain. Temporomandibular pain (TMJ) occurs when there are issues with your bite or jaw.
Your muscles will have to work harder to bring your teeth together, which can cause aching around the ears or jaw pain. If these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your cosmetic dentist.
They might recommend orthodontic treatment to fix your bite.
6. Crooked or Uneven Teeth
Crooked teeth could impact your ability to chew. You might find it’s harder to brush and floss as well. Severely crooked teeth might even impact your self-esteem.
Your cosmetic dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign.
Study your smile in the mirror. Do some of your teeth look uneven? You might notice some extend further than others.
If your teeth are uneven, it can cause chewing difficulties. Uneven teeth can impact the appearance of your smile, too. Your dentist might recommend dental veneers instead.
7. Lowered Self-Esteem
If you’re unsatisfied with your smile, it could impact your self-esteem. You might begin hiding your teeth behind closed lips. Instead, visit your local cosmetic dentists.
They can help by developing a customized treatment plan. With their cosmetic dentistry services, you can improve the appearance of your smile.
Sparkling Smiles: 7 Signs It’s Time to See Cosmetic Dentists in Brentwood, CA
Don’t let the appearance of your smile impact your self-confidence. Instead, consider these signs it’s time to see your Brentwood, CA cosmetic dentists. If these issues sound familiar, schedule an appointment right away.
You can develop a customized treatment plan to improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Eager to get started? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.