Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you feel like your teeth are stained, crooked, or otherwise unattractive? If so, you’re not alone. Many adults feel their smile is their most important social asset, and as a result, it’s important to take care of it. The good news is that there are ways to fix your smile and keep it looking natural. If you think your smile could use an update, below are just a few methods to try.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular (and effective) ways to improve the look of your smile is to whiten your teeth. This can be done at home using over-the-counter whitening products or in-office at a dentist’s office. Many people find that in-office treatments are more effective because they use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than what’s available over the counter. Plus, in-office treatments are overseen by a professional who can ensure that the bleaching agents don’t damage your teeth or gums.
Orthodontics
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you may want to consider orthodontics. This can include traditional braces, which are metal brackets that are glued to your teeth, or clear aligners, which are invisible and removable. Orthodontics can take several months or even years to complete, but the results are often worth the wait.
Dental Veneers
Another option for fixing your smile is to get dental veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over your existing teeth. They can be used to correct misshapen teeth, close gaps between teeth, or cover up stains or other discoloration. However, veneers are not right for everyone; they’re usually only recommended for people who have healthy teeth and gums and who do not have any cavities or other dental problems.
Crowns
Crowns (also known as caps) are another option for correcting misshapen or discolored teeth. Unlike veneers, crowns encase the entire tooth; they’re made from porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. As with veneers, crowns aren’t right for everyone; they’re usually only recommended for people who have healthy teeth and gums and who do not have any cavities or other dental problems.
Implants
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be an option for you. Implants involve surgically placing a metal post in your jawbone; once the post has healed, an artificial tooth (or crown) is attached to it. Implants look and function just like natural teeth. In fact, when done by a professional, such as Signature Dental, they’re often indistinguishable from real teeth! If you’re considering implants, be sure to talk to your dentist first so that he or she can determine if they’re right for you.
There are many ways to fix your smile and keep it looking natural—it just depends on what’s best for you and your individual needs! Be sure to talk to your dentist about all of your options before making a decision so that you can find the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams.
