Studies have shown that people make snap judgments of those they encounter for the first time, whether at a job interview or introduced by mutual friends casually on the street. Not surprisingly, a lot of the first impression relies on an attractive, friendly smile.
Of course, no one has a naturally perfect set of teeth. As our adult teeth grow in, many of us find they are too crowded for our mouths, so they become misaligned. As teens, we may have refused to wear ugly orthodontic braces out of embarrassment or our parents may not have been able to afford them. Some teeth may appear too small or too large compared with others. While playing sports we might have cracked a tooth or more. These problems might even interfere with our ability to chew well or be understood when we speak.
And by early adulthood we probably have stained teeth with lots of coffee, tea, red wine, and other beverages and foods, failed to brush right after consuming them, then found the discoloration very hard to remove.
In addition, stress can cause us to unconsciously grind our teeth when we sleep, wearing them down gradually.
All of these issues can be improved with dental crowns. A crown is a cap that fits on the top of the natural tooth (or whatever of it remains). It can raise the surface for a healthier and more functional bite and ability to speak clearly. It can cover teeth that are misshapen, the wrong size, chipped, fractured, discolored, have had the enamel damaged, have visible fillings for cavities, or are in a position that leaves gaps on either side.
Dental ceramics like porcelain are the best materials for crowns because they are strong, and can be crafted to look like your natural teeth. In collaboration with a top dental laboratory, our cosmetic dentist can exactly match them to the shade of the adjacent teeth. No one will even know that you have one or more crowns, they look so natural.
Dental porcelain has other advantages beyond its cosmetic crown benefits, compared with other materials. It needs less of the tooth removed to be placed. It is a better fit, sealing the tooth and gum around it so that food is less likely to be trapped, preventing bacteria from flourishing, which would otherwise lead to periodontal disease (infection of the gums and jawbone). Porcelain is also more resistant to chipping and wear and can last over 10 years with proper care.
Talk to Dr. Gruita about your cosmetic dentistry options for an enhanced smile and the better life it will bring.
Additional Resources to Read About Cosmetic Dentistry: