Modern cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to enhance your smile. Often times teeth whitening is the first thing that pops into 
people’s minds when thinking or talking about cosmetic dentistry.
However there are numerous procedures available to help beautify your smile. These include veneers, bonding to fill spaces or repair chips, fillings and inlays, bridges or implants, porcelain crowns and orthodontics or teeth realignment.
A bright, beautiful smile is important. Studies have conclusively shown that a great smile not only makes you have more self-confidence but other people feel that you are more attractive, intelligent and successful.
Yes, creating a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry can be a positive life changing experience. But there are more things to consider besides aesthetics. You also want your “smile” to function properly. Malocclusion (bad bite) is many times the main contributing factor towards needing cosmetic dentistry.
Correcting your bite as part of any dental treatment plan is paramount towards insuring proper jaw function as well as the longevity and durability of your cosmetic procedures.
Restoring or realigning your bite and a cosmetic procedure together will most likely require a more complex treatment plan. This could include major reconstruction of your teeth, orthodontics or even both.
Proper correction of your smile and your bite will depend on many factors that your dentist will evaluate and consider. Many times these factors are signs and symptoms of underlying problems with the way that your teeth fit together. Your dentist must conduct a thorough evaluation of your dental history, examine your mouth thoroughly and carefully and may even perform one or more tests.
It is of vital importance that your dentist determine the status of your occlusion (bite) before designing and going forward with a treatment plan.
For best results you and your dentist should consider tooth shade (color) as well as tooth width and length. Your treatment plan may also include non-tooth concerns about the appearance of your gums and lips. These will be taken under consideration in the overall creation and implementation of your treatment plan.
For example, if too much gum shows in your smile, a simple process called crown lengthening may be used. Bonding or reconstruction procedures can make the lips more full and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Begin by discussing your concerns and overall goals with your dentist. Simple problems or procedures can most often be quickly resolved. If more comprehensive work is needed your dentist will schedule a full evaluation and diagnosis.
Ready to get started creating a beautiful, functional and healthy smile? Call Dr. Riley today – 520-297-9069. General dentistry with a cosmetic flair!