They may not be mirrors to our souls, but our teeth are definitely a reflection of how we’re perceived in the world. Damaged or stained teeth can make us look older, while healthy, whiter teeth can make us look happier, younger and studies have shown, more attractive and confident. Conversely, damaged or missing teeth have been found to hurt applicants’ chances at jobs.
Thankfully, there are solutions at every budget point to address the look of our teeth. From whitening treatments to full-mouth rehabilitation, the options for each individual mouth can vary greatly, but make a big impact. Here are just a few options for a smile makeover at every price point.
Whitening
For those who do not want to commit to veneers for financial or other reasons, Zoom whitening treatments are a budget-friendly option. Zoom can be done right in Dr. Mingus’ office and can lighten the teeth several shades in just one treatment. Best of all, as long as you avoid staining foods and smoking, the results are permanent.
Veneers
Veneers are micro-thin sheets of porcelain that cover the teeth and can mask imperfections such as stains and discoloration, chips and cracks. They are permanently adhered to the surface of the teeth and are resistant to staining, so you can still enjoy your cup of coffee without worrying about staining your teeth.
Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays
Sometimes our teeth need a little more intervention. In these cases, a filling may be required, whether to refill a cavity or to repair a chip or crack. For those times, inlays, onlays, or crowns may be used to restore the teeth.
Dental Implants
Dentures used to be the best way to replace missing teeth, but today there is a more permanent solution. Dental implants anchor to your jaw with a metal screw. A crown is adhered to the top of the screw that looks just like your natural tooth.
Orthodontics
More and more adult patients are getting orthodontic work done, whether to correct bite issues or to redo old orthodontic work that has shifted with time. Orthodontic work doesn’t just improve the aesthetics of your smile, it can help align your bite in a way that reduces discomfort while chewing and from conditions such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
If you are interested in learning more about your full or partial mouth rehabilitation options, contact Dr. Mingus at 541-382-6565.