The teeth are hidden assets that can boost your self-confidence if well taken care of. When we smile, we often show our pearly whites, but they sometimes have flaws that we badly need to correct. Thanks to modern dental technology, achieving a perfect smile is no longer impossible, even if you are genetically predisposed to have crooked teeth.
A beautiful smile can positively influence the perception and impression of other people about you. When you beam a confident smile, you exude trustworthiness, professionalism, sincerity, and success. To get these benefits and more, read further to know how to get that perfect smile you have always wanted.
Try teeth whitening
If your dental problem involves stains and discolourations on your teeth that are hard to remove by brushing or rinsing with mouthwash, you can try applying teeth-whitening products or ask your dentist to have your teeth whitened. While there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products available, Scottsdale orthodontist groups and other groups of dental care professionals in the US and the world advise using OTC with caution. These products can cause irritation, swelling, and bleeding of the gums when improperly used or if the recommended amount or application is not followed. If these adverse reactions occur even with proper use of the product, discontinue its use immediately. To be safe, have your dentist perform the whitening treatment to avoid problems and see immediate whitening results.
Use metal braces
Metal braces might take a while to remove and may not be aesthetically pleasing, but it is an effective treatment for misaligned teeth and getting your teeth straightened and lined nicely to give you a smile you can be proud of. Your dentist will make a brace that is tailor-made for your current teeth alignment and the length of time it stays on your teeth depends on how much adjustment your teeth need to get straightened out.
You can also consult your dentist if a ceramic brace is a viable alternative to a metal brace if you are worried about the appearance of metal braces on your teeth. Ceramic braces can be customised to be coloured like your teeth to make them less noticeable than metal braces.
Both types of braces use brackets that are connected to each one of your teeth and archwires that are passed through the brackets and tightened. Typically, braces stay on for two years to complete the treatment. Other patients may need just one year to put braces on, but there are also patients requiring three years of wearing braces to have their teeth moved to the desired location. Still, this is worth the wait and is a wise investment for improving your self-esteem and image. Also, do not think that this treatment works only for kids. While teeth adjustments can be easier at a young age, adults can also benefit from the effective alignment treatment of braces.
Use veneers
If you want a quick and affordable treatment for your teeth, you might want to consider a cosmetic dentistry treatment using veneers. Veneers are artificial coverings for your existing teeth that are made of porcelain or composite teeth. These coverings can help protect and whiten your teeth without the need for surgery.
Veneers are long-term cosmetic enhancements to your teeth that involve shaving down the front part of your existing teeth to accommodate the veneers. The treatment results in natural-looking teeth that are whiter. Veneers are strong and highly resistant to staining, which means you don’t need to hold back on eating the foods you like after a veneer treatment. Veneers need to be replaced every 8–10 years or every 15 years (for porcelain veneers) to keep your teeth looking white and shiny while also protecting your natural enamel.
Use Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the more revolutionary cosmetic dentistry treatments that is becoming increasingly popular among dental patients. Also called clear aligners, Invisalign works in the same way as braces to correct the alignment and positioning of your existing teeth. It is also a permanent treatment and is less painful and conspicuous than braces. Invisalign uses a sequence of aligner trays, just like the brackets in braces, to push the teeth gradually in the desired direction and correct misalignments in your existing teeth. The treatment process involves several monitoring appointments with your dentist to make sure that the treatment progress is on track while providing you with new sets of trays with minimal adjustment settings to exert gentle force on your teeth and make progressive adjustments to achieve the desired alignment. The aligner trays are invisible and need to be worn for 22 hours per day, but can be removed when you eat, drink, and brush.
Use crowns and implants
Chipped and missing teeth can ruin your smile and make you want to hide them as much as you can. Consult your dentist about getting a crown or implant for your chipped or missing teeth. These are permanent treatments that can help restore your teeth to their former glory and help you gain back your confidence and brilliant smile. The tooth replacements and covers can also help you with eating and bite problems that may be troubling you.
Practise good oral hygiene regularly
The key to a perfect smile rests on what you do to take care of your oral health at home. The cheapest and easiest things you can do daily are brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing your teeth once a day. Make it a habit or routine to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and use an ADA-recommended toothpaste and a proper toothbrush.
Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three months for the best cleaning function and for safeguarding your oral health. Flossing once a day helps remove plaque stuck between your teeth and under the gum line, which is hard to remove with brushing only. Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to give your teeth, gums, and mouth additional protection from germs that cause gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath. Maintaining these oral care routines can give long-term benefits to your teeth by keeping them clean and healthy.
Takeaway
Achieving and maintaining a perfect smile needs cooperation between you and your dentist. For your part, you need to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will perform examinations and recommend the best Invisalign braces that can keep your teeth white and healthy. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly, and visit your dentist to talk about how you can get a perfect smile.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
