If you’re stuck for a conversation starter, then you’re bound to get the whole room involved when you begin talking about teeth. It seems that no one is happy with their teeth’s appearance or how they function and feel. Often, people know they don’t like their teeth, but they’re not sure how to change them. Here are four of the more common dental complaints and how to fix them:
Gaps, Cracks, and Chips
Cosmetic imperfections can take their toll on your self-esteem. Chips can have you covering your mouth when you laugh, and gaps feel like they are impossible to hide. Cracks can be a pain as well, for they open the door wide open for staining and other dental problems. That’s why more and more people are beginning to see the value in composite veneers.
Composite veneers are thin, porcelain shells that sit over the top of your natural teeth. They hide cracks, imperfections, and even those impossible-to-remove stains. It might be time to see your dentist about this fantastic cosmetic dental service. The best part is, veneers are relatively non-invasive and custom-fit to your exact teeth.
Yellowing and Stains
Some staining and discoloration are natural, but some also relate to dental disease, poor dental hygiene, smoking, food, beverages, aging, trauma, and lifestyle choices. Regardless of how or why your teeth are yellow, the more important question to ask is: how do you make them white again? You don’t have to put up with yellow teeth forever.
Talk to your dentist about your cosmetic dental options for getting that coveted set of pearly whites once more. They may recommend in-chair whitening, take-home whitening trays, or veneers for permanent staining. You’ll be on the fast track to sparkling teeth in no time.
Sensitivity
One of the most common complaints among people who aren’t happy with their teeth is sensitivity. Sensitivity is the pain and discomfort you feel when you eat acidic or sweet food or eat or drink something hot or cold.
The best way to solve the problem of sensitivity is first to determine its cause. Sometimes, a tooth flaw is to blame, and other times it’s your enamel, cavities, gum recession, root erosion, or cracked teeth.
Once your dentist highlights the problem, they can suggest the best course of action. Your dentist may also recommend desensitizing toothpaste, the avoidance of acidic and sweet food, and using fluoridated mouthwash.
Cavities
Over 90 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity in their lifetime, which makes them a common dental complaint amongst most people. If you’re suffering from the pain associated with a cavity, then talk to your dentist about the next step.
Dental professionals may recommend different treatment methods, depending on the cause and severity of the cavity. Your options could include fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, root canals, and full extraction if the cavity is large and severe enough.
Cavities can turn from something small and affordable to fix into something quite large and expensive. The faster you see your dentist for a check-up, the more comfortable your dental experience.
Whether you’ve got chips, cracks, gaps, cavities, sensitive teeth, or yellowing, you’ll quickly realize you’re not alone. A considerable number of Americans are not happy with their teeth but aren’t sure what to do. If the time has come to feel more confident in your smile, then act fast. See your dentist for a check-up and learn about your options for that healthy set of pearly whites you’ve always wanted.
