We all want a bright white smile, but as we get older, it’s normal for our teeth to wear down. Eating and drinking can cause stains, and health problems can lead to chipped teeth or even teeth loss. If you’re not happy with the way your teeth look, it can really affect your confidence. You may not want to smile or get close to people. Luckily, there are solutions that can help you get the smile you want. Mill Dam Dental is a leading dentist in Virginia Beach, and we offer a wide range of services to help you brighten up your smile. Here are some of the most effective ways to make your teeth great again.
Teeth Cleaning
Don’t underestimate the power of a good teeth cleaning. If your teeth are starting to look dull or yellow, regular teeth cleanings can get them looking healthy again. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally also reduces your chances of developing cavities or gum issues, which can also affect the way your smile looks. Even if you clean your teeth well at home, you won’t get the same results as you will get at the dentist. When you get your teeth professionally cleaned, they’ll remove the tartar that builds up on your teeth, which you cannot remove with floss or with normal toothpaste. When tartar builds up, it can cause tooth discoloration and eventually tooth decay. Ideally, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year to prevent tartar from building up. Your dentist can also perform an essential X-ray during this time. Dental X-rays can identify any structural problems with your teeth and jaw, so you can get the appropriate treatment before the condition progresses.
Veneers
Even if your teeth are healthy, they may not have the bright, even look that you want. Having gaps between your teeth is normal, but it isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing look. Injuries can sometimes result in chipped teeth, which also make your smile look uneven. Additionally, many of the foods we eat cause staining or discoloration that’s difficult to treat. If you’re struggling with any of these problems, you may want to consider getting veneers.
Veneers are thin layers of material that are placed over the top of your teeth to get the look you want. They are typically made out of a composite material that is similar to ceramic or porcelain. Dental veneers can restore your teeth to their original color, for a bright smile that still looks natural. We can also use veneers to make your teeth look more even, by closing any gaps and adjusting the shape of the teeth to make them more symmetrical. Your veneers will be custom made to fit your teeth and look natural. Your dentist will assess your smile and work with you to choose the color and shape of your veneers. It’s important to note that you will need to have all other dental issues addressed before you get veneers.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, it’s normal for our teeth to become stained or discolored. Drinks like coffee, soda, and red wine leave stubborn stains on the teeth that are very difficult to remove on your own. Fruits and vegetables can also leave pesky stains on your teeth if you aren’t diligent about brushing on a regular basis. While stained or discolored teeth usually don’t cause any health issues, they can affect your confidence. Professional teeth whitening services can help you get your teeth back to the bright white color that you are looking for.
At Mill Dam Dental Care, we offer a five day teeth whitening treatment called Sheer White! These treatments are medical grade whitening strips that stay on your teeth for up to two hours, and deliver much stronger results than over-the-counter whitening products. They contain a 20 percent carbamide peroxide solution. This ingredient is extremely effective and stays on your teeth for up to eight hours, even after you’ve removed the strips. Not only are these strips more effective than the over-the-counter version, but they also are much more comfortable. They form to the shape of your teeth, so you won’t notice them during the day. They also have a strong adhesive, so you won’t have to worry about them falling off or leaking before the treatment is over. After just five days of treatment, clients enjoy a much brighter, more vibrant smile.
After a professional tooth whitening treatment, you can keep your teeth looking white by practicing good dental hygeine. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth after your meal and flossing every day to prevent food buildup. A whitening toothpaste and mouthwash can also help you maintain the results of your whitening treatment. Your dentist can recommend appropriate over-the-counter tooth whitening products to help you fight stains. You should also make sure you’re avoiding drinks and foods that can stain your teeth, most notably red wine and coffee.
Root Canal
Every tooth has a root, and over time these root canals can become infected to cause uncomfortable swelling and pain. When left untreated for a long time, these root infections can also affect the way your teeth look, and the infection can even spread to other parts of your mouth. If you have a root canal infection, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. During a root canal treatment, your dentist will remove all of the infected nerves and tissue to keep the infection from spreading. After all of the infected tissue has been removed, we will solidify the tooth to prevent future infections, and add a dental crown on top for extra protection as well as a uniform look. While root canals can be very uncomfortable, they are absolutely necessary to ensure that your tooth continues to function well.
Dental Implants and Bridges
Tooth loss is a very common problem – many people lose a tooth at some point in life due to a serious injury or long-term health problem. Luckily, there are plenty of treatments we can use when your “bad teeth” need to be removed. These solutions can help you get a nice, even smile without having to get dentures. Getting replacements for your missing teeth can prevent you from developing further dental issues, and they’ll also make it much easier to bite and chew. If your existing teeth are strong, your dentist can apply a bridge, using your existing teeth as anchors. A prosthetic tooth is fit into the gap where you are missing teeth, and your other teeth will serve as a base to keep everything stable. Your dentist will work with you to make sure your prosthetic teeth look natural and match the rest of your smile. We will take impressions of your other teeth to create the molds for the prosthetics. In addition to filling in the gaps of any missing teeth, bridges also make your teeth and gums look much healthier and more even.
If your existing teeth aren’t stable, you may not be able to get a dental bridge. In this case, dental implants may be a better option. Dental implants require a more invasive procedure, but they are very stable and durable. You will need a strong bone structure to get dental implants – if you have issues with the structure of your jaw, it won’t be stable enough for the implant procedure. In this case, talk to your dentist about potential other options, like a set of full dentures. With a tooth implant, your dentist will assess your existing teeth and create an implant that matches the shape and structure of the original tooth. Then, they will remove any existing tissue to place the implant into your gums. It can take several months for dental implants to heal, as they need to integrate with the bone and tissue surrounding them. They will require regular checkups to ensure that the implants heal properly and do not cause any future problems. Once your implants are healed, they can actually be used as an anchor for bridges or even full dentures. Although getting bridges and implants is an involved process, they will get your smile looking much healthier, so you can feel like your normal self again.
If you’re unhappy with your smile, contact Mill Dam Dental Care today. We offer expert dental services in Virginia Beach to help you get a healthy and happy mouth. No matter what your dental situation, we’ll be able to help you get your teeth looking great again. Our caring team takes your health and comfort very seriously. We always prioritize the well-being and happiness of our patients, and are here to answer any questions you may have. Nervous about your dental procedure? Don’t worry – we also specialize in sedation dentistry! Sedation dentistry is the easiest way to manage any tension or anxiety surrounding your dental treatment, so you can get a beautiful smile without any stress. We offer a number of different sedation treatments, so you can choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.