If you want your smile to look straighter and more symmetrical, where do you turn: an orthodontist or a cosmetic dentist in Sandwich?
The answer depends on your oral health issues and your specific goals. Both specialties use different techniques to improve your smile. To help you choose, the team at Sandwich Dentistry has put together this guide to your options, highlighting how each can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
What an Orthodontist Does: Structural Tweaks
Orthodontists are like the engineers of the dental world. They specialize in correcting the position of your teeth and jaw. If you have bite issues (like overbite, underbite, or crossbite), crowding, or spacing that affects your oral health or function, an orthodontist is your go-to.
How Orthodontics Can Improve Smile Symmetry
Orthodontists use various teeth straightening methods that apply pressure to your teeth, pushing them into a new position.
- Braces: Metal brackets are glued to your teeth and connected by wires. The orthodontist adjusts these wires periodically to slowly move your teeth into the desired position. While braces are highly effective, they require a long-term commitment and regular visits to the orthodontist.
- Clear Aligners: Options like SureSmile® consist of transparent, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is in a slightly new alignment, gently pushing your teeth. They offer a more discreet option for teeth straightening and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.
What a Sandwich Cosmetic Dentist Does: Aesthetic Upgrades
Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, concentrate on the appearance of your smile. They tackle gaps and unevenness without changing your jaw or bite issues. In other words, the primary focus is on aesthetics, rather than structural changes. Procedures commonly performed by cosmetic dentists include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Smile Symmetry
- Porcelain Veneers: These thin shells are made of porcelain and cover the front surface of your teeth. They make your smile more symmetrical by covering gaps and making your tooth shape more uniform. Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
- Dental Bonding: Bonding is a lower-commitment solution that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to give you a straight, even smile. Bonding can be used to close smaller gaps between teeth or change their shape. It’s a quick and cost-effective way to improve your smile’s appearance.
When to See an Orthodontist
- Your bite feels “off” or uncomfortable.
- Your teeth are significantly crowded or overlapping.
- You have jaw pain or clicking.
- You’re concerned about how your teeth function—not just how they look.
When to See a Cosmetic Dentist
- Your teeth are mildly crooked or gapped, but you’re not having bite issues.
- You want faster, more aesthetic solutions.
- You’ve completed orthodontic treatment, but you want to further improve your appearance.
- You’re looking to brighten, reshape, or even out your smile.
Our Sandwich Cosmetic Dentist Can Combine Options
Sometimes, the best results come from a personalized combo of orthodontic and cosmetic care. That’s why Sandwich Dentistry offers both SureSmile aligners and other aesthetic options. We can start with orthodontic treatment and then complement it with other cosmetic care to achieve optimal symmetry and a radiant appearance.
We even offer additional services to fill in gaps and provide a more uniform look, like dental implants and teeth whitening. The bottom line is that you have options, and our team is here to explore and create the best plan for achieving the ultimate look.
Which Is Right for You? Find Out Today
There’s a path to the symmetrical smile you’ve always wanted. Book a visit to Sandwich Dentistry today to meet with our cosmetic dentist in Sandwich. Together, we can determine the right path and its destination, whether through orthodontic or cosmetic care. We can’t wait to go on the journey with you.