Best Protection for the Biting Surfaces of Teeth

Many of us have had the unpleasant experience at one time or another of experiencing dental problems. Often, that generally means tooth decay leading to cavities that must be filled. However accidents are part of life as well. Teeth can get chipped or broken and need repair. Foods and drinks among other things can leave stains behind on your teeth. After all of this, your smile is not so bright anymore. Dental problems, particularly if the they affect the visible teeth, can impact how we feel about ourselves. It’s hard to feel confident if you need dental repair. For some, dental issues impacting the front teeth make it difficult, if not impossible to smile at all, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening in Anthem, we can help you reclaim your bright, confident smile with the many options that we have available. When it comes to making dental corrections to teeth, the biting surfaces of your teeth can be of particular concern. This is where all of the action takes place. Any corrections to this part of the tooth need to be a durable, lasting solution. Tooth Whitening If your teeth are stained, then one of the simplest ways to correct an otherwise healthy smile is through the use of a teeth whitening procedure. While there are some good over the counter options available, there are times when a chairside whitening is preferred. If you have never had your teeth whitened, or if it’s been awhile since your last whitening, then a professional whitening at your dental office would be your best choice. Retail whiteners can be a great option when you are between professional teeth whitening sessions. However, they are generally not powerful enough for the level of whitening that can be achieved at your dental office. Think of a professional whitening session as a way to power clean your teeth. This should ideally be done every six months to maintain a bright smile. Fillings Cavities happen. Overall, we tend to have a lot of sugary, acidic foods in our diet and the combination can overwhelm the enamel if not brushed away effectively. Sugary and acidic foods are not the only culprits that can lead to tooth decay though. Sometimes, it is our genes that make us more prone to decay and other dental problems. Other times it is improper oral hygiene. Once decay has occurred and left you with a fissure, or an open hole in the biting surface of your tooth, now your problem becomes more noticeable to you in the form of pain, temperature sensitivities, and the familiar dark marks on the surface of your tooth. Dental fillings can solve this problem. Amalgam fillings (the silvery fillings) have been used for over 150 years now and provide a durable solution to the problem. However, some have concerns with amalgam fillings because they do contain a small amount of mercury. While they are still approved for use in dentistry, there is another option available today that can be used instead. Composite fillings are made from a type of resin and can closely match the color of your teeth. They serve as a good alternative to the amalgam fillings. Veneers If you have teeth that have been chipped, broken, or have other similar issues, then a veneer may be a good option for you. However, veneers can be used to correct other types of cosmetic dental issues as well like teeth that have been stained from tetracycline or root canal to name couple. While teeth whitening can correct many stains on your teeth, it is not always effective on certain kinds of hard to remove stains. In these cases, a veneer can correct the problem and brighten your smile. Regardless of what kind of dental repair that you need to restore your smile and the biting surface of one or more of your teeth, contact your dentist for more information or to schedule an exam. A dentist well-versed in cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening in Anthem can help you choose the best option for your smile.