Have you ever wondered if there’s a fix to your imperfect smile? If you’re tired of going through life embarrassed to show your mouth, Kenai, AK’s leading cosmetic dentistry provider, James Julien DDS, says there are several dental surgical procedures that can help improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you the confidence you need to smile without hesitation.

Cosmetic dental surgical procedures are not to be taken lightly, as they often require sedation—and in some cases, a painful recovery period—but many patients feel they pose several advantages. While performed mostly for aesthetic purposes, some cosmetic dentistry procedures can also help improve the functionality of your teeth and mouth, giving you a boost of self-confidence and improving your overall oral health.

Experienced dentist Dr. Julien says the following three surgical procedures are most commonly performed for cosmetic dental reasons:

• Dental Implants: Performed on patients with missing teeth, dental implants are a highly recommended dental surgical procedure. Dental implant surgery entails having a metal post or screw permanently fixed into the jawbone, after which an artificial tooth is then attached. Dental implants not only help create a seamless smile, but they also help improve a patient’s eating and speaking abilities.

• Corrective Jaw Surgery: Corrective jaw surgery is often performed to correct functionality problems, but it’s also used to help improve a patient’s overall facial appearance. A misaligned jaw can alter the look of a person’s face and can create a lop-sided appearance. Additionally, if an orthodontist is unable to correct a patient’s bite with braces, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary.
• Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery: Cleft lip and palate surgery is considered a type of reconstructive oral surgery that improves both the function and the appearance of the mouth. A team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons usually performs this type of surgery, working to correct the oral and facial tissues associated with this type of birth defect.

Dental surgery may be performed to improve a range of medical conditions, including sleep apnea, facial and mouth injuries, impacted teeth, and even infections of the mouth. If you think you are a candidate for cosmetic dental surgery, consult your dentist.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry surgical procedures, consult Dr. Julien by calling (907) 283-4857. You can also visit the dentist’s website, where you can read more about his practice and the dental procedures he performs.