THE IMPACT OF A COSMETIC DENTIST: IMPROVE YOUR SMILE

Do you struggle with feeling insecure because of your smile? Do you deal with misaligned teeth that not only cause mental discomfort but physical pain in your neck, mouth or ears? Perhaps your teeth have been crooked or chipped for a long time, and you’re tired of experiencing all sorts of periodontal problems as a result, such as pressure headaches or jaw pain. No matter the reason you are frustrated with your smile, it could be time to make a change.

Different smile problems require different treatments, however, so it’s important to talk to a cosmetic dentist or cosmetic professional and understand exactly what is causing your discomfort, pain and lack of confidence. Below are the main reasons people are having trouble with their smile and the health reasons why these issues should be fixed:

CROOKED TEETH WITH A COSMETIC DENTIST

Many people have crooked teeth naturally. Teeth will grow in whichever ways they choose. When children are getting their adult teeth, diet and hygiene habits do have something to do with the way these teeth begin to appear, but sometimes, crooked teeth just occur. Crooked teeth can cause many people to feel bad about their smile; especially in severe cases, crooked teeth are a common cause of insecurity.

Crooked teeth can also lead to health problems. Crooked teeth can lead to unnecessary pressure on your other teeth and gums. Pressure can lead to chipping, wearing and other problems such as physical head pain. Strain can also lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome), which causes restrained jaw movement and speech and eating issues. However, there are many options for fixing crooked teeth, such as Invisalign or porcelain veneers. If TMJ is an issue, that is a disorder that needs to be addressed immediately. If left untreated, TMJ can cause severe pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder or back; it can cause the inability to open the mouth comfortably; it can cause tooth sensitivity, dizziness, earaches, headaches and different types of painful jaw strains that vary per person. It is essential that if you have crooked teeth or TMJ, contact a professional to learn how an individualized treatment program can benefit you.

SENSITIVE TEETH AND YOUR COSMETIC DENTIST

Tooth sensitivity isn’t necessarily an issue other people can see regarding your smile, but it does tend to be a result of cosmetic issues such as decay or chipping. This is why a cosmetic dentist is best. Sensitive teeth is when there has been damage to the tooth’s enamel and dentin layer, allowing the nerves below the dentin to be irritated or damaged, which can cause pain when hot or cold liquids or acidic foods come in contact with the tooth. This can lead to discomfort when brushing or flossing and while eating, making these necessary steps become burdens in your life.

Damage to the tooth’s enamel and dentin layer can occur from tooth decay or trauma. Tooth decay generally occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. It’s important for regular brushing, flossing and other dental habits to begin early on, so that teeth remain strong throughout the years. Tooth trauma can occur from accidents, mouth injury, hard food or tooth grinding. Damage to teeth enamel and the dentin layer can also be from erosion, which can be as a result of the following:

Soft drinks
Fruit Drinks
Acid Reflux
Medications
Gastrointestinal Issues
Genetics
Dry Mouth
Stress
Stomach Acids (People who suffer from eating disorders often experience this issue).
Environmental Causes (nail biting, bruxism, fractures, etc.)

There are many options for fixing sensitive teeth, from better hygiene habits to dental implants if teeth are thoroughly decayed. Speak with a cosmetic dental professional to see what may have caused your tooth sensitivity and not only how to fix it, but how to reverse any habits that may be causing it in the first place.

DAMAGED TEETH AND A COSMETIC DENTIST’S SUGGESTION

A cosmetic dentist knows that tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in your body, but it can get damaged easily. Ever remember how your dentist always told you not to chew on ice chips? They tell you this for a reason. Ice chips, hard candy, nuts or seed shells – these are just a few things you can chew that can cause a chipped or broken tooth. A few other things that can cause tooth chipping or breakage are car accidents (or the impact of the air bag), falling down, getting punched or hit or biting down on anything with a lot of force. If a tooth already has some decay and has weakened, tooth damage can occur even more easily.

It’s easy to panic when you chip or fracture a tooth. Not only does it make you feel like you look awkward, but it makes you worry as to what other problems might stem from an exposed tooth. If you break, chip or fracture your tooth, contact a dental professional right away. Not only do you want to improve your appearance, but you don’t want your tooth to be damaged further or get infected. Before you visit the dentist, try these tips to help eliminate any pain or discomfort:

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Cover any sharp edges with wax paraffin or sugarless gum to prevent cuts in your mouth.
Eat soft foods and do not bite down on the chipped tooth.

A cosmetic dentist and their treatment options for broken teeth can vary. It depends on the severity of the damage. Composite bonding, fillings, crowns, veneers or implants may be necessary. Before taking any measures to fix your smile, whether for cosmetic or health reasons, talk to a Phoenix dental professional who specializes in all of these areas.