When it comes to body language, your smile says it all. But does it convey the message that you’re hoping for? Countless studies have shown that an attractive smile helps you come across as more intelligent, attractive and confident. Of course, those are just the qualities that we all hope to present, whether at a job interview, first date or a high school reunion! But if you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your pearly-whites, your personality won’t be able to shine the way you’d like it to. Thankfully, your dentist in Medina has some great solutions that can give you a smile you feel good about!
Whitening
Staining or discoloration is one of the most common cosmetic complaints among patients. With a professional, at-home whitening treatment you can see around 10 shades difference in a matter of weeks.
The first step of the process is taking molds of your teeth so that custom-made trays can be made. You’ll return for a second visit to pick them up, along with a professional-strength whitening gel and instructions.
It’s generally recommended to wear the trays for anywhere from 1-4 hours a day. Typically you’ll have your result within two weeks but this can vary depending on your initial shade.
Most people need to touch up about once a year to maintain their result, which simply involves wearing the trays again for at least a few days. Since you’ll be able to use your trays for many years, you can always pick up a refill of gel so you can do touch-ups whenever needed.
Veneers
Veneers are strong, wafer-thin shells that are adhered to the front portion of the teeth. Since they’re so thin, veneers are a minimally invasive cosmetic option because they allow most of your tooth structure to remain intact.
Veneers are excellent for gaps, misshapen teeth, large chips and cracks, or discoloration that doesn’t respond to regular whitening treatments. The end result will be matched to the color and shape of your teeth so that it will look perfectly natural. With regular care and maintenance, you can expect to enjoy many years from your veneers.
Tooth-colored Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which white filling material is used to conceal small imperfections in your front teeth. If you have minor cracks, chips or gaps in your smile, bonding offers a faster and more affordable solution than veneers. While it can be done in one visit, it may not last as long as other options.
Scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Medina is the best way to determine which treatments will work the best for you. After taking your goals, lifestyle and budget into account, they’ll review the pros and cons of each treatment so that you can make an informed decision that will best suit you.
About the Author
Dr. Allan J. Milewski is a native of northeastern Ohio and has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for 35 years. From continually pursuing advanced education, being active in several professional dental groups, and also teaching dentistry at the university level, he always makes professional excellence a priority. He can be reached through his website, or at (330) 725-2242.