Most people want a great smile, and with modern dentistry, it's now easier than ever to achieve. Cosmetic dentistry can help fix a range of dental imperfections that may be affecting your self-esteem or overall oral health. But not everyone is aware of the diversity of dental imperfections that a cosmetic dentist can help fix.

This article outlines two dental imperfections that a cosmetic dentist can remedy.

Gummy Smiles

Many people are self-conscious about gummy smiles, which is where a significant part of their gums is visible when they smile. This issue can make your teeth look short and affect the overall appearance of your smile. In some cases, your gums can look so excessive that it covers up a large part of your teeth.

Cosmetic dentists can correct a gummy smile with a gum contouring or gum reshaping procedure. During this procedure, the dentist uses either a laser or a scalpel to precisely remove any surplus gum tissue, unveiling a greater portion of the tooth's crown. The process creates a more balanced smile where the teeth and gums are more properly proportioned.

Keep in mind that gum contouring is typically a painless procedure performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel discomfort during the process. After the procedure, your gums might feel a bit tender, but this usually subsides within a few days.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Teeth can become chipped or cracked due to many reasons, including biting down on hard food or objects, accidents or falls, tooth decay, or even grinding your teeth when you sleep. Sometimes, the damage is merely cosmetic, but if the crack or chip extends into the inner layers of your tooth, it can cause discomfort or sensitivity.

Thankfully, a cosmetic dentist can help rectify chipped or cracked teeth using several restorative techniques, depending on the severity and location of the damage. One common method is dental bonding, where the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area and molds it to seamlessly blend with your natural tooth.

Once the resin is in place, the dentist uses a special light to harden it, effectively bonding the material to your tooth. This process can be done in a single visit and significantly improves the appearance and function of the tooth.

Another method for more severe cases is using a dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the damaged tooth. This not only improves the appearance of the tooth but also provides strength and protection.

Getting a dental crown usually requires at least two visits –– one to prepare the tooth and take an impression for the custom-made crown and a second one to fit the permanent crown once it's ready. 

For more information, reach out to a local cosmetic dentist, such as Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS.

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