Your smile says a lot about you and has a significant impact on your self-confidence. According to one study of 2,000 Americans, 60% of respondents were unhappy with their smile. But luckily, there are solutions for every smile imperfection and it’s easier than you might think. A cosmetic dentist specializes in dental treatments designed to improve the look and function of your smile with the use of their technical skills, state-of-the-art technology, and quality dental materials. Find out four of the most common dental problems and how our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, can help.

Common Dental Problems

Chipped or broken teeth: You may be hesitant to flash a smile if you have chipped or broken teeth, especially if the affected tooth is in the front of your mouth. Our award-winning dentist in Okemos offers cosmetic dental bonding and porcelain veneers to fix this issue. Both materials are chosen in a shade that matches your natural teeth for a seamless look with natural results. Dental bonding can be completed in a single office visit, while veneers may take a two to three weeks. For severe tooth damage, a porcelain dental crown may be needed to strengthen the tooth and create an aesthetic match with the rest of your smile.

Tooth discoloration: Teeth lose their luster and become stained and dingy over time. Food and certain beverages can be the culprit as can tobacco usage, certain medications or medical conditions, and age. One of the easiest ways to brighten your smile is with professional teeth whitening, although maintaining good oral hygiene can help extend your results. Dr. Tenaglia offers in-office and take-home whitening options, depending on your needs and preference.

Older dental work: Amalgam fillings or all metal crowns can make a person feel self-conscious about their smile, as well as make teeth look gray or discolored. Old metal fillings made from Amalgam expand and contract at a different rate than the tooth, which could lead to fractures or cause the tooth to break. Plus, metal dental work often contains some mercury, which could pose health risks that could be serious for some individuals. Dr. Tenaglia can safely remove and replace old metal dental work by placing tooth-colored restorations or all porcelain crowns. Not only is this a safer and healthier alternative, but your smile will look more natural.

Missing teeth: Having just one missing tooth could compromise your ability to chew, or you may grin with your lips closed so that others do not notice the that you have missing teeth. Thankfully, our implant dentist in Okemos offers dental implants that can restore your smile and bite so that you can chew any food that you like. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or used to anchor a dental bridge, dentures, or a full arch of replacement teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan

Whether you’re ready for teeth whitening or want to upgrade your smile with other cosmetic dental treatments, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 to find out which procedure is right for you.