As Verywell Health pointed out, smiling delivers at least ten benefits. From elevating your mood to boosting the immune system and reducing pain, these are just some of what smiling can do for you. It also noted how this simple act can enhance your attractiveness.



However, some people may be overly conscious of how their teeth look, so they hide their smiles. If you're one of these individuals, it may be time to consider getting a smile makeover with cosmetic dental procedures.

In this guide, our team at A+ Family Dentistry in San Diego, Poway, and Sorrento Valley, CA, will explore different smile makeover services and the cosmetic dentistry benefits they bring. Read on to discover what they are and how they can improve the appearance and function of your pearly whites. 

Teeth Whitening

While the naked eye can't see them, the teeth have many microscopic holes, making them porous. Because of this, they trap pigments, leading to discoloration and staining over time.

Among the top causes of teeth staining are the most commonly consumed drinks in the U.S.: caffeinated beverages. According to the Sleep Foundation, nearly all surveyed U.S. adults (94%) drink them, with over half preferring coffee, 28% liking soda, and 10% drinking tea. Over time, the continued consumption of these drinks can cause the teeth to turn yellow, even brown.

If your teeth also look dull or have become stained, you'll be happy to know you can still improve their appearance with teeth whitening. Although products with bleaching agents are available, the best and quickest solutions are professional in-office teeth whitening options.

With professional teeth whitening, your dentist can make your teeth several shades brighter within an hour! So, you can leave the office with a much more dazzling smile, giving your confidence a much-needed, immediate boost. 

Porcelain Veneers

Sometimes, even in-office teeth whitening may not work as well as desired, especially if the stains are intrinsic. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), intrinsic stains occur in the dentin. It's the layer beneath the enamel, the tooth's outermost surface.

Intrinsic stains can result from aging or a previous tooth injury. Regardless of the cause, don't worry; your dentist can fix them with a porcelain dental veneertransformation. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of porcelain covering the front surfaces of teeth. They can camouflage even the most stubborn stains and intrinsic discoloration.

Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, making it the preferred veneer material of experienced cosmetic dentists. So, with porcelain veneers, you can enjoy your confidence-boosting smile for many years.

In addition to stains, veneers can correct minor damages like tooth chips or cracks. Because they cover the entire front surface, they can also help strengthen the teeth. 

Dental Veneers vs. Bonding

You may have heard that dental bonding can also fix tooth chops and cracks, and it's true. However, one of the primary differences between dental veneers and bonding is longevity. 

Veneers provide longer-lasting results, while bonding often requires replacement sooner. While veneers can be more expensive than bonding, their longevity makes up for the higher cost. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants, which are teeth replacements, are another way to transform your smile.

Unlike traditional removable dentures, a dental implant is permanent. The implant itself, which acts as a replacement tooth root, goes into and fuses with the jawbone. Dentists call this fusion "osseointegration."

Once the implant fuses with the bone, your dentist attaches an abutment. The abutment connects the implant and the fixed artificial (but natural-looking!) tooth.

In addition to providing a more natural-looking smile, dental implants offer other pros and perks. Let's examine some of them. 

Improved Chewing and Speech

Losing a tooth (or several) affects your smile and diminishes your mouth's ability to bite, chew, and speak properly. While removable dentures can help, they can become loose over time since they're not affixed. When this happens, they can make it more challenging to eat or talk.

Dental implants address this problem because your San Diego, Sorrento Valley, or Poway dentist secures all their parts together.

So, with dental implants, you can say goodbye to embarrassing denture slips and falls and say hello to your favorite foods again. And with a complete set of teeth, you can feel more confident while talking and smiling. 

Healthier Jawbone

Another reason to consider getting dental implants from your Sorrento Valley, Poway, or San Diego dentist is to preserve your jawbone. Since dental implants replace lost tooth roots, they also function like one, stimulating the jawbone.

The jawbone needs stimulation to stay healthy and intact. Otherwise, it can deteriorate and cause changes to the bite and facial structure. 

Invisalign

Teeth and jaw misalignment can cause uneven teeth positions and bite problems. Luckily, your San Diego, Poway, or Sorrento Valley dentist experienced in orthodontics can fix them. Some of these common problems they can treat are:

• Crossbites
• Open bites
• Overbites
• Crowding
• Spacing

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, your dentist can now offer other teeth straightening options that don't involve metal brackets and wires. 

You can now get a smile makeover with clear, nearly invisible orthodontic appliances. Several options are available, one of which is the Invisalign system.

Invisalign treatment involves wearing removable clear aligners or trays that fit snugly on your teeth. Your dentist will ask you to replace them with the next set of aligners every two weeks. They'll also ask you to visit them every six weeks to check your treatment's progress.

You'd have to wear the trays for most of the day. However, you can remove them when eating, brushing, flossing, or during special occasions (e.g., a photo shoot or a wedding). 

Dazzle Everyone With a Smile Makeover

From teeth whitening to dental veneers, implants, and Invisalign, these are your top cosmetic dentistry options for a smile makeover. They can all help enhance your smile, give you more confidence, and even improve your oral health and well-being.

If you're ready for a smile transformation, the highly experienced dentists and caring staff at A+ Family Dentistry are ready to help! We have San Diego, Poway, and Sorrento Valley, CA offices. For over twenty years, we've been transforming smiles and caring for our many patients' oral health, and we'll do the same for you.

Connect with us today to schedule an appointment!