Discoloured or misaligned teeth can affect your esteem immensely. You dread speaking in front of new people for the first time. You can’t even enjoy a joke; you only laugh with a hand over your mouth. Don’t even mention those group photos where you’re supposed to say, what is it again; cheese?
If you’ve been bearing such embarrassment every single day, you’ll be glad to know that cosmetic dentistry is now gaining ground in Kenya. It is no longer only for celebrities and the high-end society; you too can find a procedure that suits your teeth and budget. Here are some procedures that you can benefit from:
- Whitening – Your teeth naturally turn yellowish or brown due to food, beverages, water, alcohol or cigarettes. Here you can opt for whitening to eliminate the stain. Whitening agents range from toothpaste, gel, strips, trays and bleaches. Your dentist will select the one most suited for you depending on the extent of your stain. Teeth lightening goes beyond the surface, brightening the teeth with several shades over a period of time. Do note that whitened teeth are prone to staining yet again. Practice dental hygiene and avoid the staining elements where you can.
- Veneers – These are custom-made shells formulated from porcelain or even plastic. Your dentist may recommend veneers when your teeth are worn, chipped, permanently stained or have spaces between them. The shells cover the front side of your teeth and mask your imperfections. If the veneers will only cover a number of teeth, their colour is made to match the surrounding ones for a natural appearance. Fixing of veneers require just 2 or 3 dental visits, and the process has minimal interference with the original teeth. With proper care, veneers can give you decades of a beautiful smile.
- Crown/Cap – Unlike veneers that cover the front side alone, a crown covers the entire tooth in instances where it is more damaged. The damage here could range from teeth that are broken, weak, misshapen or worn. Crowns can be used in conjunction with other dental procedures such as to cover a tooth after filling/root canal/implant or even a dental bridge. A bridge here refers to an instance where an artificial tooth is used to fill a gap and is anchored to the neighboring teeth. If you’re more adventurous, you can go for gold/silver crowns.
- Braces – You might be more familiar with this one; metal wires and brackets that straighten and align teeth. They also correct underbites and overbites. Braces are mostly associated with children and teenagers, but adults can benefit from them too. However, the earlier you put them, the faster they will work since the bones are still forming. Braces are uncomfortable at first since they exert pressure on the jaws, but the uneasiness is all worth it in the long run.
These are just some of the procedures that can correct your teeth; am sure your dentist can mention more. Any day is brighter with a smile in it; restore yours today.