Are You Proud to Show (Off) Your Teeth?

When someone asks you to smile, do you grin broadly, showing off your pearly whites or do you bare your teeth (snarl) at the thought?

If you don’t like your smile, you have options to change it!

Crooked or uneven teeth can be moved with dental braces (orthodontics) even in adults. Today, you have several options: traditional braces, more cosmetic options, or even clear plastic aligners. (Orthodontic FAQs)

Don’t want braces? Cosmetic restorations such as veneers or caps might be an option for you. A veneer is a thin piece that is bonded to your tooth. It is similar to the fake fingernails that are put over your own nails. Caps (sometimes called crowns) cover the whole tooth. Both of these can be used to change the shape and color of your teeth. Learn more at Porcelain Veneers or Crowns & Bridgework

Discolored teeth are sometimes the result of dental diseases like dental cavities or tooth decay. Some discolorations happen during tooth formation (some medications like tetracycline antibiotics are absorbed by the developing tooth or significant medical events like a high fever can disrupt the tooth formation process). Teeth also get darker as we age. If you have healthy teeth, but just don’t like the color, tooth whitening might be your choice for brightening your smile. Whitening materials do not change the color of veneers, crowns or fillings, so discuss with your dentist before starting a whitening process so that you know what you’re getting into. If you are going to whiten, it is best to do so before doing veneers or crowns—it’s much easier to match the veneer or crown to your teeth than it is to get your teeth to match the color you picked off the shade guide (because let’s face it—all of us want to pick the whitest shade option if we’re given a choice—but if you do, and then try to whiten your teeth, you may find that you have a two-toned smile because your natural tooth color is not as white as the lab shades, leaving you disappointed!) Learn more at Teeth Whitening

If you have many tooth colored fillings or crowns, it doesn’t mean you can’t whiten your teeth. It just means that you need to be prepared to replace the dental work once you get your teeth to a color you like. Your dentist will be able to help you determine what will be needed for your mouth.

If you do not have a dentist and are interested in improving your smile, please call Dr. Robb at 440-960-1940!

NOTE: This information is not intended to replace the clinical judgement of your healthcare professional.

Dr. Jennifer Robb is a general dentist located at 1612 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Lorain, OH. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrJenniferRobb or on the web at www.drjrobb.com