The New Year is a time of new beginnings so why not use this time to reinvent yourself with cosmetic dentistry in 2017? If the condition of your smile has kept you from living the life you wanted, then a cosmetic dentist can help. Crooked, chipped or missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and sometimes even depressed, but luckily you don’t have to be stuck with the situation. There are many different cosmetic procedures like veneers and teeth whitening that are not really invasive, but can have a big impact on your life. This is the year to reinvent yourself with cosmetic dentistry.

The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures include crowns, veneers, reshaping, contouring and dental implants. A cosmetic dentist can also close the spaces between your teeth. If you need implants there are both single and multiple tooth replacements. If you need dentures, you have the option between partial and full. Besides making your smile more beautiful, these procedures will also improve your overall oral health. Do something for yourself for a change.

Keep in mind though that if you have tooth decay or periodontal disease, then you will need to take care of that before you can even consider any cosmetic dentistry. If you can any concerns about the health of your teeth, then talk to your regular dentist about that first.

Once you are ready for cosmetic dentistry, make sure you do research first to pick the best cosmetic dentist. Remember though that not all cosmetic dentists are equal. Here are some important questions you should ask: cost, of course, and if any maintenance is required and what treatment will be like. Be sure to also ask what your smile will look like so you don’t have any false expectations.

If you have a big fear of dentists, don’t worry. With today’s technology, most procedures are pain-free and don’t take a long time to implement. Here is a more detailed description of what each procedure can do for you.

Teeth Whitening

The simplest procedure is teeth whitening. Most of us wish for a whiter smile. Teeth unfortunately discolor with age even with proper care. Even if you are always diligent with brushing, flossing and mouthwash and avoiding food and drinks that cause discoloration like red wine and coffee, you might see some yellowness. Not only is it quick and easy, it is also affordable. While you might be tempted to try one of those at-home whitening kits, for best results you should only trust your oral health to a cosmetic dentist. He or she will only use the safest ingredients, whereas if you try to do it yourself, you might do damage to your teeth. Don’t rely on the tooth-whitening toothpaste because they are not as effective and take a long time for even the smallest result to appear.

Veneers

Veneers are basically a thin layer of porcelain that the cosmetic dentist will put on your teeth to strengthen them. You will be impressed at how veneers can change the appearance of your teeth. They can change the shape, size, even length, and even improve the color.  They look like all the rest of your teeth. The veneers can easily be bonded to your teeth. A small part of your natural tooth, however, will have to be removed to fit the veneer. It is a minor procedure though and can easily be done with just a mild anesthetic. It is a less complicated procedure than implants. The one thing you need to be careful of is though, like with your natural teeth, veneers can be stained by certain foods and drinks.

Implants

Implants are great if you are only missing one or two teeth. Having a gap in your smile can make you feel self-conscious and want to hide your smile away from everyone. Luckily though with today’s advancement in technology you can do something about it. Unlike dentures, implants are permanent and can help not only the appearance but also the health of your mouth. Even better, the nearby teeth don’t have to be modified in the process. What happens is that the dentist will surgically insert a titanium post into your jawbone below the gum line as a substitution for the tooth root. The he or she can either add fake teeth or a bridge. Remember though that in order to be eligible for implants, your gums must be healthy and there must be enough bone to support the post.

Dentures

Implants can be expensive so if you have a lot missing teeth, dentures may be a more practical option. Dentures are available as full and partial depending on your need. The most common causes of tooth loss are gum disease, tooth decay and injury. Without your teeth, your gums will get worse and your facial muscles start to droop. It becomes a health issue not just an aesthetic one. Without your teeth, it is very difficult to eat or speak and you may become embarrassed to be around other people.

Conventional dentures are typically a full set of teeth that you will be able to use after any remaining teeth are removed and your mouth is healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that can be inserted into your mouth right after the teeth have been pulled. If you choose this route though, your dentures might have to be modified later.

When choosing the right cosmetic dentist, make sure that he or she has the years of experience in the procedure you are interested in getting. Also ask to see before and after photos and ask for references.  You want to make sure they have the cutting edge technology to give you the beautiful smile you desire.

Look into the possible cosmetic dentistry in Philadelphia. A more beautiful smile will give you better self-confidence. You will no longer be afraid to try new things. The sky’s the limit when you are feeling good about yourself, and you will have a new you in no time.