Your teeth are often one of the first features that people notice about you. It’s no secret that a healthy, attractive set of chompers will help you make a great impression, while discolored or uneven teeth can severely impact your self-esteem and confidence in public. Luckily, if you fall into the latter group, there are numerous things you can do to improve your situation. Here are five ways you can transform your smile this Summer.
Reclaim Your Smile With Composite Veneers
You shouldn’t have to feel self-conscious of something as natural as laughing or talking. If an accident or any kind of tooth damage or breakage has left you hiding your smile, then dental veneers are definitely worth considering. A form of cosmetic dentistry, veneers are sculpted over your existing teeth but are shaped, cured with light and polished to look and feel like a natural tooth. There are porcelain veneers which are typically permanent and composite veneers which are preferred for being quicker, less invasive and a reversible procedure.
Professional Teeth Whitening
If your teeth are discolored because of your past lifestyle habits or due to a dental health condition, you will never be able to reverse the damage entirely on your own. Even if you’ve perfected your dental care routine and now avoid consuming foods and beverages that taint your smile, discolored teeth are permanently stained. That is until you carry out a teeth whitening procedure at the dentist or at home. For the best and safest results, visit a dental professional to discuss in-chair LED teeth whitening and your home gel treatment options.
Don’t Dismiss Braces or Aligners
A common misconception is that at a certain age, one becomes ‘too old for braces’ but the reality is many adults seek orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign to correct crooked teeth or an uneven bite. In fact, for some people, it is required before the placement of veneers or dental implants. Your teeth and your bite truly can shift at any age, so make sure that after your braces are removed, you continue wearing your retainer occasionally for lasting results.
Floss Every Single Day
The importance of brushing twice a day is usually drilled into your routine from a young age by your family, school and dentists while flossing sometimes gets a secondary mention and a lot less emphasis. Flossing is hugely underrated as it reaches the spots your toothbrush cannot which in turn, helps further prevent plaque build-up, bad breath, and gum disease. So, for a brighter smile, make flossing a daily habit to complement your brushing routine.
Lead a Healthier Lifestyle
The best way to sustain a healthy smile, maintain the results of any of the items mentioned above and prevent the need for future corrective work is to make long-term changes to your lifestyle. There is no time like the present to stop smoking or cut down on coffee, soft drinks, alcohol and sugar which stain and damage your teeth and impact your general health. Stay on top of your dental and oral health and schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.
You cannot get away with neglecting your teeth and dental care. The signs of neglect will impact your smile, and minor tooth and gum damage will only deteriorate, making the necessary treatment more specialized and expensive. So, if it’s been six months or longer, be sure to pay a visit to your dentist soon and keep these five tips in mind for a consistently brighter smile this summer!