Whether you are standing at the front of the classroom, sitting behind a desk, or getting your study on in the comfort of your own home, there is always time to focus on your oral health. Getting prepared for another year of learning often comes with purchasing new school supplies, fresh pieces for your wardrobe, and updated equipment, but you might be surprised to know just how big of an impact a new smile can have on your education. Boost your confidence, self-worth, and educational pursuits with a smile makeover. Here is your cheat sheet to Cosmetic Dentistry 101.
What is the fastest way to improve my smile?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures for a variety of reasons. Not only is a professional teeth whitening fast – it can be completed in about an hour in your Manhattan dentist’s office – it alters your smile tremendously. Even if your teeth are a little crooked, gapped, or overlap, a whitening treatment makes your smile look outstanding, and helps you make a good first impression on your colleagues, students, or instructors.
Bonus lesson: At-home teeth whitening is also an option, but it takes two weeks to complete on your time. Your Manhattan dentist will provide you with professional teeth whitening gel and custom-made trays so that your smile will be just as white as can be.
Is there one cosmetic dentistry procedure that will just fix everything?
Yes! Porcelain veneers are considered one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry procedures. If you have stains, chips, surface cracks, misalignment, short teeth, uneven teeth, or gaps between your teeth, veneers can repair all of these complaints at once. It usually takes only two visits to your Manhattan cosmetic dentist for veneer treatment to be completed. When it’s done, you’ll look like a celebrity with your amazing yet natural smile.
Bonus lesson: There is an alternative to porcelain veneers that is ideal for people who want a less-invasive cosmetic dentistry option. Cerinate Lumineers are just as strong, just as thin, and just as revolutionary when it comes to improving your smile.
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How can I repair my chipped tooth?
Depending on the tooth you’ve chipped, there are a few options for repairs. Porcelain veneers are able to be matched to your natural teeth for a completely authentic look, and they are able to easily cover a chipped tooth. In some situations, a porcelain tooth crown will be the best option, strengthening your chipped tooth, restoring the functionality of your smile, and preventing nearby teeth from also being damaged.
Bonus lesson: If you got your chipped tooth because you were chewing on pencils or trying to open packages with your teeth – stop doing that! Your writing instruments are meant for writing alone. Your teeth are meant for chewing food and that’s it.
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What’s the worst thing I can do to my teeth?
There are any number of bad habits that can ruin teeth. But one of the worst things you can do is neglect your teeth. At-home preventive care – brushing and flossing daily – is essential to keeping tooth decay at bay and avoiding the need for tooth-colored fillings. But it’s also so important to visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning. Even the most diligent at-home care is not enough to keep your teeth completely healthy. A dentist’s tools will remove the plaque that you can’t get to or see, plus any potential oral health problems will be identified early by a professional eye rather than having time to fester and grow into a serious issue, like gum disease or cavities.
Bonus lesson: The quality of your oral health impacts the quality of your overall health. Your mouth, after all, is the gateway to your body. If your teeth aren’t strong enough to chew the right nutritious foods, your well-being will suffer.
Learn more about all your cosmetic dentistry and oral health concerns and questions. Contact the Manhattan dental office of Dr. Michael J. Wei to make an appointment.
