Modern dentistry has evolved to such an extent that it is now nearly always possible to restore the appearance of a patient’s teeth and smile. However, if your natural teeth are badly damaged, you will need to have restorative treatment beforehand. There is no point in trying to correct the appearance of teeth that are damaged and are potentially at risk of needing an extraction or falling out. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you have to put up with a less than attractive smile.
 

Restoring your oral health

As we know, it’s not advisable to spend money on cosmetic dental procedures when the teeth require treatment to ensure that they are healthy. When your teeth are examined as part of the consultation process, your dentist will be able to advise you exactly which issues need to be addressed. This could be exposed to areas of decay, gum disease, cracks, chips, or more. This information will help them to decide which treatments you will need to restore your teeth before you can undergo cosmetic dental procedures.

What if some of my teeth need an extraction or have already fallen out?

While every effort will be made to save your natural teeth, there are cases of severe damage or decay where the only solution is to remove them. However, you don’t need to worry. Even if you do need to have teeth removed, it will still be possible to restore the appearance of your smile.
 

Restorative (and cosmetic) dentistry treatments

The good news is that some dentistry treatments that are designed to restore the strength of the teeth also have the added benefit of restoring their appearance. Some great examples of this include:

Dental implants. Probably the most well-known restorative solution, dental implants are designed to replace teeth that have been extracted or fallen out of their own accord, leaving you with a gap in your smile. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, meaning that they aren’t reliant on healthy teeth for support. They are also more stable and secure than other tooth replacements. However, the visible part of the structure is a porcelain crown which is custom-designed specifically for the space in your mouth, and this is also color-matched to your existing teeth for ultimate discretion. This makes it a solution that is both functional and cosmetic.

Porcelain crown. A porcelain crown is a popular treatment for covering teeth that are badly decayed or damaged. Just liked crowns used in dental implants, a standalone porcelain crown is also designed to imitate the natural tooth which it is to cover, including being glazed in a shade that makes the restoration impossible to detect.  

White fillings. Fillings are one of the most common restorations for small to moderate-sized areas of decay. Once the decay has been removed, the hole is then filled. In the past, fillings were only made of silver amalgam which is very noticeable. However, now patients can choose to get new or replace existing fillings with white varieties which are much more discreet and don’t impact the appearance of your smile.
 

Other effective cosmetic treatments

Once your dentist is satisfied that your teeth and mouth are healthy and in good condition, you could be eligible for a whole variety of other cosmetic dental treatments, including but not limited to:
 

-       Porcelain veneers

-       Dental bonding

-       Teeth whitening

-       Gum reshaping

-       Braces/Invisalign

Your dentist will be able to advise you which dental treatments will be most effective in helping you to achieve the smile transformation that you desire.

If you are concerned that your teeth are too damaged for cosmetic dentistry treatment, don’t despair. Make an appointment with our experienced dentistry team today to find out how we can help you to rediscover your smile.