Common Cosmetic Dental Problems

    OAKTON, VA, January 31, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- If you are unhappy about one or more aspects of your smile, cosmetic dentistry has the solution for you. Whether you desire a whiter smile or want to replace a missing tooth, cosmetic dentistry can fix virtually any problem you have with your teeth, gums or bite.

Some of the more common cosmetic dental problems include:

Stained or Worn Teeth
Your teeth naturally darken as you age. Staining influences like red wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco will discolor your teeth with time. Discolorations can make you appear older and your smile more dull. With today's advances in tooth whitening, you can enjoy a brighter, whiter smile and a more youthful appearance.

Crooked Teeth
If you are bothered by teeth that are crooked or uneven, you do not have to wait months, even years for traditional metal braces to move your teeth into position. With "instant orthodontics" like porcelain veneers, your teeth can appear straight and dazzling in just two dentist visits. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over your natural teeth and provide a quick, pain-free fix for crooked or misaligned teeth.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth
If your teeth are chipped, cracked or pitted, there are several cosmetic dental treatments for you to choose from. If the damage is very mild, dental bonding may be performed. This procedure utilizes a tooth-colored material to fix minor defects. For more severe damage, porcelain inlays or onlays can be used to fit in and over the cusps of your teeth. These restorations are ideal for molars. For your front, most visible teeth that are chipped or cracked and too severe for bonding, porcelain veneers are often recommended.

Gaps Between Your Teeth
If your teeth contain unsightly gaps, you also have several options. If the gaps are small, dental bonding may be used to fill the empty space between your teeth. Porcelain veneers can effectively fill small and large spaces, and also create a straight and brighter smile.

Damaged or Missing Teeth
If you suffer from a severely damaged or missing tooth, this can create problems down the road. A damaged tooth, if not protected, can expose your tooth's pulp (where the nerves are located) and create significant pain. This will require root canal therapy to save your tooth, or a total tooth extraction may be necessary. If your tooth is removed or falls out, the other teeth in your mouth will slowly gravitate toward the empty space. This can create problems with your bite which can lead to migraines and difficulty chewing.

If most of your damage is to the visible portion of your tooth and some of your tooth is salvageable, inlays or onlays may correct the problem. Dental crowns protect the entire surface of your tooth if you have extensive damage. If your tooth is missing completely, a dental bridge or can dental implant can anchor an artificial tooth in place.

Misaligned Bite
If you suffer from a bad or misaligned bite (called a malocclusion), this can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). This disorder is caused by a misaligned jaw joint and can cause a number of painful symptoms, from headaches to jaw popping to difficulty eating. Treatment can include dental restorations such as crowns to reshape and reposition your teeth so your jaw aligns as it should. Physical therapy can also be helpful to relax your facial muscles, and special orthotic can be created to retrain your jaw muscles.

If you live in northern Virginia or the surrounding area and have a common cosmetic dental problem, please visit the website for Softouch Dental Care of northern Virginia to learn about your treatment options.

Website: http://www.softouchdentalcare.com

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