5 Ways You Can Have a Smile Makeover

#1 Straighten

To address malocclusion or crooked teeth, Invisalign and braces are treatment options that will give you not only a straighter smile but a healthier one too! There are many good reasons to get your misaligned teeth fixed. Besides giving you your dream smile, it also benefits your health such as your digestive system.

If you’re between the options of Invisalign or braces, here’s a brief description to help you understand the unique features of each option.

Traditional metal braces are a common option that needs little to no introduction. As the name suggests, this orthodontic option uses metal wires and brackets to help realign your teeth. As much as metal braces are highly visible, it is a cost-effective option as compared to Invisalign. Therefore, making it a popular choice among many until this day.

Invisalign on the other hand, is a newer orthodontic treatment option. Invisalign are clear aligners that will give you a more comfortable orthodontic experience. You need not have to worry about abrasions in your mouth as all Invisalign clear aligners are customised and will fit perfectly on your teeth. This is also why it’s virtually invisible. It’s clear and fits so well that some individuals might not realise that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment!

#2 Conceal

You have an almost perfect smile but a minor chip on your front tooth, a mishappen tooth or badly stained teeth can make you feel displeased about it. The good news is, there are quick and effective ways to conceal your concerns.

Veneers or teeth bonding are options available that can conceal these minor concerns.

Veneers are tooth-coloured thin porcelain or composite shells that are designed to cover your tooth and improve its appearance. Veneers are customised for you and this advantage gives it a more natural look. Teeth bonding on the other hand, uses a tooth-coloured composite resin material that is moulded and adhered to your teeth to conceal chips and gaps. Teeth bonding is a quicker way to conceal an imperfect tooth as it does not involve the process of customisation. Plus, typically, it can be done in one sitting!

However, do take note that both options do not last a lifetime. Veneers are permanently applied on your teeth and can last for about 10 to 20 years whereas teeth bonding lasts about 5 to 10 years on average.

#3 Replace

If the concerns about your smile are major such as badly decayed teeth, broken or missing, it is still possible to have these concerns addressed. Instead of concealing (as it’s not a viable option in such cases), your dentist might advise you to have the affected tooth replaced.

Dental crown or dental implants are permanent solutions that can help with the situation. The former involves protecting the damaged tooth with a cap to help strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth. Dental crown is especially helpful for a cracked or vulnerable tooth that has decayed.

Dental implant on the other hand, is an option to replace missing teeth. Dental implant involves surgery to help firmly position the artificial teeth.

#4 Whiten

Teeth staining can happen to just about everyone and the severity of it depends very much on your lifestyle such as the type of food and drinks that you consume. Your teeth are stained when pigmented residue from food and drinks buildup and get absorbed by your teeth’s enamel. When this happens, merely brushing your teeth may not be helpful with removing the stains. You may even have the tendency to brush your teeth vigorously in the hopes that the stain will be removed. Unfortunately, this technique will only cause further damage.

If teeth staining is your concern, there are options such as scaling and polishing and teeth whitening. The type of procedure depends on the cause of the stains. For example, scaling and polishing is a great option to remove enamel discolouration that regular brushing cannot.

Teeth whitening is an option that generally helps to lighten the natural colour of your teeth. This option is highly effective and should be done by your dentist (for chairside dental whitening treatment) or under supervision by your dentist if you’re opting for the take-home whitening kit. This is because, an ingredient known as hydrogen peroxide is used to effectively whiten your teeth and if misused, it can damage your teeth’s enamel as well as cause gum irritation.

#5 Contour

The shape of your teeth is beyond your control. Some individuals may have teeth that are too large or have an uneven appearance. A dental procedure known as teeth reshaping can help to fix the situation.

Teeth reshaping contours the length and shape of your teeth. For some individuals with chipped, crooked or cracked teeth, this procedure may be beneficial too. As tooth reshaping is a permanent procedure that sculpts your teeth and removes its enamel, it is therefore important to entrust this procedure to a qualified dentist.

Besides your teeth, another contouring procedure is gum contouring. This procedure helps to reshape your gumline by trimming excess gum tissue around your teeth. By doing so, it will create a more balanced look for your gums and teeth. This procedure works well especially for those with uneven gum lines.