Teeth play a vital role in a person’s overall appearance. That is why a lot of people are obsessed with the idea of picture-perfect teeth. But they have all the reason to — first impressions always count in professional and social environments, after all. And a smile that shows off a beautiful set of teeth can mean a new connection or a long-awaited opportunity.
Tooth decay, discoloration, and a crooked appearance are some of the primary factors that describe imperfect teeth. These problems can take a toll on your confidence and oral health, so it is crucial to address them as soon as possible. Most of these concerns can easily be mitigated by visiting a dentist or an orthodontist, and getting the appropriate procedures done, such as fillings and Invisible Aligners.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to do against common oral problems.
Straighten Crooked Teeth With Invisible Aligners
Crooked teeth are, for the most part, genetic and unavoidable. This problem has plagued people since ancient times. Today, about 20% of the population does not have the perfect bite, which means that they will have to undergo a teeth straightening procedure or live with crooked teeth forever.
A popular solution is braces, which you may have remembered most of your friends getting during your middle school years. It is excellent for children and teens as their teeth are still easy to mold. However, for adolescents and adults whose teeth have hardened and matured, Invisible Aligners are a fantastic modern-day solution. These will allow you to fix bites, crooked or overcrowded teeth, and problems with your jaw function without ugly pieces of metal stuck in your teeth for months.
Invisible Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are, as its name suggests, invisible. You can remove them when you are eating or drinking, just like retainers, but they are strong enough to realign your teeth. They are a great option if you do not like the look and cost of braces, and would prefer a dental straightening method that would not interfere with a professional setting.
The length of time that you are required to have them entirely depends on the condition of your teeth and your orthodontist’s opinion. However, as they require little maintenance, they are more enjoyable and less painful on your teeth.
Stop Tooth Decay With Good Oral Hygiene
Tooth decay or dental caries are more commonly known as cavities. Often, they hide on the inside or back of your teeth, so they can be difficult to spot from a mirror. However, it is crucial to address them immediately, as cavities spread quickly and can kill your teeth. If you leave caries alone, then the infection can spread to your gums and skull, which can be fatal in rare cases.
The easiest way to prevent tooth decay is to do routine check-ups with your dentist and practice good oral hygiene. That can be as simple as brushing your teeth thrice a day and flossing regularly. But when you already have cavities, then you have no choice but to visit a dentist and get a filling done. This procedure mainly involves scraping off the decayed section of the teeth and filling them in with a hardening substance, with the most popular being dental amalgams.
When the infection spreads to your gums and nerves, then you may need to get a root canal treatment or extract the problematic tooth. The former kills the infected nerve, which will stop you from feeling any pain in that area. Meanwhile, the latter pulls the entire tooth off — the last resort for when the infection has eaten most of the bone.
Fight Discoloration With Tooth Whitening
Yellowing teeth can be a cause of bad diet, an underlying disease, or genetics. Regardless, you may feel self-conscious about not having a clean and bright smile. You can try teeth whitening toothpaste to help fix the problem at home. However, when your teeth discolored, then you might want to consider a teeth whitening procedure. It involves placing a whitening solution on your teeth and setting it with UV light. Three or so sessions should be enough to lighten the color of your teeth significantly.
Consult with your dentist or orthodontist before deciding to undergo a procedure. As dental professionals, they understand the desire for perfect teeth and are more than happy to help you figure out solutions that would work best for you.