After Braces, How Can I Further Improve My Smile?
Orthodontics correct the position of the teeth and jaw to improve the bite and straighten the smile. Braces treatment takes an average of 12-18 months, so it is a big time commitment for patients. After undergoing so many months of treatment, patients are rewarded with a straightener smile.
Unfortunately, when malocclusion problems are no longer a concern, sometimes other cosmetic flaws become more prominent. When individuals are looking to further improve the smile after braces treatment with Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky, there are many treatments to consider. Here we discuss some of the best options for our Edmonton, AB, braces patients.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common cosmetic complaints following braces treatment is tooth color. Braces are made up of brackets that are bonded to the facial surface of the teeth. These brackets make it difficult to brush the teeth thoroughly, particularly the front of the teeth. When braces finally come off it is not unusual to find that the teeth are discolored, or that parts of the teeth are blemished by dental stains.
Teeth whitening treatment lifts and removes dental stains and brightens the overall color of the teeth by several shades. Teeth whitening treatment is non-invasive and usually completed in under one hour. Additionally, teeth whitening is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments, making it a fast and convenient way for our Edmonton patients to enhance their smile after braces.
Gum Contouring
Braces correct the position of the teeth to give patients a straighter smile, but sometimes the bite may still look uneven after braces are removed. One potential reason for this is an uneven gum line. If the gum line is uneven it can make the teeth look out of line, even when they are in the proper location and position. An uneven gum line can also make the teeth look disproportionate. If the gums extend further down on some teeth than others, some teeth will appear smaller, which gives the smile an imbalanced appearance.
Gum contouring reshapes the gum line so that it runs straight across the teeth. Gum contouring not only makes the smile appear straighter, but it removes excess tissues so that smaller teeth look larger. Gum contouring is an effective way to improve the symmetry of the smile following braces treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal cosmetic blemishes, including discoloration, dental stains, chips, cracks, and fractures. Often, any imperfections that are present after braces treatment can be addressed with teeth whitening, gum contouring, or more minor cosmetic treatments. However, if a tooth has minor structural or cosmetic damage, porcelain veneers may be the best way to enhance the appearance of the smile while preserving the teeth straightening results provided by braces.
Continual Orthodontic Aftercare
Cosmetic dentistry treatments allow our Edmonton patients to improve their smile after braces so that they fully enjoy the results of treatment. However, it is essential that patients don’t neglect orthodontic aftercare once they have the smile they desire. Patients must wear their retainer exactly as directed, continue to practice good oral hygiene habits, and schedule necessary orthodontic follow-up appointments (as well as routine dental exams and cleanings) to preserve the straight, healthy smile provided by braces.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Visit
Orthodontic treatment is highly beneficial, but if you aren’t completely satisfied with your smile after braces, there are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help. To learn how Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky can help you improve your smile after braces, contact us online at your earliest convenience, or call (780) 428-6846.
