A team of researchers at Princeton performed studies that found it takes just a tenth of a second to form an opinion of someone. This opinion is based solely on looks. It’s backed up by a survey of 2,000 Americans who reported that 76% admit a smile is the first thing they feel that impacts a first impression.

When you don’t have what you feel is a perfect smile, it impacts your self-confidence. Stop hiding and feeling unworthy. You deserve the very best in life, and cosmetic dentistry gives you the smile you want, which boosts your confidence. Take a closer look at what cosmetic dentistry does to help you get the best smile.

Dental Services That Improve Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry services are only one way to get the best possible smile. There are three ways dentists ensure you have the perfect smile. Restorative and orthodontic services help replace missing teeth and straighten them. That may not be enough. Cosmetic dentistry services correct issues that other dental services cannot address.

Cosmetic Dentistry:

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry targeting the appearance of a smile. It includes many common treatments, and some can be done at home. However, you may find it detrimental to do things like teeth whitening at home as results can be disappointing. A cosmetic dentist has the training to perform these services.

• ClearCorrect: Some people worry about how they look when they have metal or clear brackets and wires on their teeth. ClearCorrect is a great option. Clear dental trays fit over the teeth to help them achieve proper alignment. As teeth move, you switch to the next plate in the alignment process. 
• Dental veneers: Dental veneers are lab-made shells, often porcelain, that fit over the front surface of teeth to fill gaps or hide stains, chips, or cracks. They’re not a permanent solution and need to be replaced about every 10 years. They can last up to 30 years with proper care.
• Porcelain crowns: 
• Teeth whitening: A chemical solution, typically carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, whitens teeth to the desired shade. Only natural teeth can be whitened. Teeth that have veneers or crowns cannot be whitened. Teeth whitening may take several visits to achieve the desired results.

Orthodontic Services:

Orthodontics is a dental practice where appliances like braces or retainers are used to straighten and keep teeth straight.

• Braces: Brackets are affixed to the front or back surfaces of the teeth and hold a wire that is tightened gradually to force the teeth into proper alignment.
• Retainers: Retainers follow braces to ensure teeth retain the position they’ve reached once braces are removed.

Restorative Dentistry:

Finally, restorative dentistry helps get your teeth repaired. It includes these dental services.

• Bridges: Dental appliances that add a false tooth to a space where a tooth or teeth are missing.
• Filling: A composite material that’s inserted into a section of a tooth that’s affected by a cavity. It’s a process that happens within one visit.
• Implants: A metal post that’s affixed to the jawbone and topped with a false tooth. It’s a permanent tooth replacement that’s as strong and durable as a normal tooth.
• Inlays: When a filling is too large for a traditional filling, an inlay is crafted within a lab and designed to perfectly fit a space within the cusps of a tooth. It’s usually made of gold, porcelain, or resin that fills a cavity. It usually requires a couple of appointments. 
• Onlays: These are similar to inlays only they cover the top of the tooth but are smaller than a crown.

While cosmetic dentistry may be enough to get the smile you desire, you might need an all-encompassing approach. It depends on the issues you have with your teeth. One in four adults don’t smile because of the condition of their teeth, and one in five have anxiety about their oral health. Almost a quarter of adults are embarrassed by the way their teeth look. What are the biggest issues?

• Having discolored or stained teeth
• Having crooked or crowded teeth
• Having gaps between teeth
• Having misshapen or unusually sized teeth

In the 1970s, it was very common for sick children to be prescribed a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. However, tetracyclines discolor teeth, making them appear gray, yellow, or even grown. Children who were on this drug regularly developed permanent discoloration and teeth whitening doesn’t always help. Asking a dentist for options to help with 

Intrinsic stains can help you find the best way to get white teeth.

Are crooked or crowded teeth embarrassing you? Do you find your front teeth are twisted or moving behind other teeth? Not only does that make it hard to properly clean them, but it also impacts your bite, which makes it hard to eat certain foods. You might need traditional braces, but clear brackets or brackets on the back of the teeth make them less noticeable. ClearCorrect is another option, and they’re removable, so you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth. It’s so much easier than it used to be.

You can fix gaps, cracks, or chips by having veneers applied to your front teeth. It gives the appearance of normal, healthy teeth, which helps you feel proud of your smile. You definitely gain self-esteem, and it all starts with a conversation with a dentist. 

Keep Your Smile By Keeping Up With Routine Dental Care

After your smile is perfect, keep it by making sure you see your dentist regularly. Twice-yearly cleanings and exams prevent problems and catch any potential cavities before they do lasting damage. It’s a good way to keep your cosmetic dentistry in prime condition.

A dentist relies on restorative and orthodontic services, which are usually covered in part by dental insurance, and cosmetic dentistry to restore or improve a smile. Cosmetic dentistry is rarely covered by insurance as it’s viewed as being unnecessary for your dental health. Unfortunately, lack of self-esteem and mental health issues are ignored by the majority of dental insurers. Don’t let that stop you. 

It’s important to talk to a dentist about the cost of cosmetic dental treatments that give you the smile of your dreams. It’s often more reachable than you’d imagine. Dr. Jody Jones goes over your options with you and works with you to make sure you feel and look great when you smile. If you’re nervous, let us know. Our Nashville cosmetic dentistry practice specializes in dental care for anxious patients.

Jody Jones DDS is Nashville’s #1 cosmetic dentistry practice. He and his team provide a spa-like experience while providing the results you desire. Reach Dr. Jones and his team by phone or through the online appointment scheduler.