3 Common Cosmetic Dental Flaws and How to Fix Them

Just about everyone has something they don’t love about their smile. It can be big or small, but a single aesthetic flaw can make people insecure about their teeth. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry has advanced so far that most issues can now be solved. If you’re unhappy with something about your teeth, your dentist can almost certainly do something to address the issue. Here are some of the most common cosmetic dental “flaws,” along with what can be done to fix them.

Stained Teeth

Yellow teeth aren’t a health hazard in themselves, but most people want their smile to be as white as possible. Unfortunately, some of the most common foods can cause your teeth to become discolored over time. Coffee, berries, red wine, soy sauce, the list goes on.

If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, your dentist might recommend teeth whitening. This is one of the most cost-effective and easiest cosmetic procedures there is. Your dentist carefully applies a whitening solution to your teeth. Within just a single appointment, your smile can be made several shades whiter. Many providers also offer take-home whitening kits, so if you aren’t a fan of the dentist’s office you can make your teeth whiter from the comfort of your home.

Crooked Teeth

Your smile can become crooked as a result of the natural shape of your teeth, the way you hold your mouth, or having lost a tooth in the past. Whatever the case, it’s understandable to want to straighten your smile. Traditional wire braces are the most obvious choice, but Invisalign is another great option. This transparent aligner fits snugly over your teeth, applying pressure while you wear it. As is the case with traditional braces, your teeth will be gently nudged into place over the course of about 12 months.

Chipped Teeth

Whether through an accident, eating hard foods, or using your teeth as tools, it’s easier than you’d think to chip a tooth. Some people go years without repairing the chip, while others feel the need to get it fixed immediately. Whatever the case, direct bonding is a great way to repair the damage. Your dentist will craft a resin with the same color as your natural tooth and will adhere it to the chipped area. They’ll then sculpt it to match the shape of your tooth as closely as possible. The procedure is easy, painless, and usually completed within a single session.

If something about your smile has been bothering you for a long time, you can get it fixed. And of course, you can always schedule a consultation with a dentist if you have a problem that hasn’t been listed here.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is an experienced family and cosmetic dentist who loves guiding his patients to their perfect smiles. He knows everyone has different needs, so he takes the time to get to know all his patients one-on-one as he works with them to develop a treatment plan. Dr. Aguilar is a graduate of the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has worked both in non-profit public health clinics and private dental offices. If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (940) 566-5332.