Did you know that over half of Americans do not feel comfortable with their smile? Whether they have issues with tooth decay, crowding, or stained teeth, there are many dental problems that can keep people from showing their teeth.
Have you ever wondered how to improve your smile? Here are some tips that you can use so that you can go back to smiling with your teeth in no time.
1. Visit the Dentist Regularly
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It is important that you go to the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. This will ensure that you catch any problems, such as cavities before they become worse. You will also be able to avoid costly procedures such as deep cleanings that may not be covered by insurance.
Your dentist will do a set of x-rays to see if they can diagnose anything wrong with your teeth and gums. They will also do a quick exam and check your gums to see if they are healthy.
The cleaning usually lasts about an hour and involves scraping plaque off of your teeth, polishing them, and removing food particles from your gums. You may also get a fluoride rinse at the end to preserve the cleanliness and protect your teeth.
If you have had a bad experience at the dentist in the past, you should think about gentle dentistry. These types of dentists specialize in making the patient s comfortable as possible to avoid even more dental anxiety.
You can also look online for recommendations and read reviews from other patients. Make sure to check that you have insurance coverage before you switch dentists, so you will not have to pay a huge sum out of pocket.
The biggest benefit of regular cleanings is that it is preventive dentistry. Your local dentist office will be able to spot issues early and keep your teeth in the best shape possible.
2. Straighten Your Teeth
Orthodontics used to be a luxury, but they are more affordable than ever thanks to modern dentistry. Many insurance plans cover part or all of your orthodontic treatment, so you can have straight teeth.
Not only do straight teeth improve your smile, but they also prevent cavities from forming. It is easier to floss and food does not get stuck as easily in between straight teeth, so you can keep them cleaner.
Braces
One of the most popular options is a set of traditional braces. Your orthodontist will put metal brackets on your teeth, connected to bands on your molars to support them.
Every few weeks, you go to the orthodontist and get the braces tightened. Treatment plans range from around one to three years, depending on how crooked your teeth are. The braces can also correct bite problems.
When you go to get your braces tightened, you can pick out the color of the rubber bands on your brackets. Sometimes you can even coordinate for different holidays or color schemes that you would like to try.
Invisalign
Clear aligners are a great way to start improving a smile without the hassle of metal braces. Invisalign is a common treatment that involves sets of aligners that you change every month or so, similar to getting your braces tightened.
The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that you do not have to worry about people seeing brackets on your teeth. In addition, you can take out your aligners to eat and drink, so you can eat anything that you want.
Treatment times for Invisalign vary, but they are usually shorter than those of traditional braces. However, not all insurance plans cover clear aligners, so you should check with your insurance carrier before you get an Invisalign consult.
3. Take Care of Your Teeth at Home
Going to the dentist is a good plan for preventive teeth care, but there is also a lot that you can do at home to maintain beautiful teeth. Practicing oral hygiene can go a long way and save you a lot of money on dental procedures in the future.
Make sure to brush your teeth every day, twice a day. The best time is right after you wake up, to get rid of the bacteria in your mouth that accumulated overnight, and before you go to bed.
You should also floss regularly to get tiny food particles in between your teeth that your toothbrush misses. This is where cavities are most likely to form, so you shouldn’t skip this vital step.
Avoid habits like consuming too much coffee and smoking cigarettes, which can turn your teeth yellow and stain them. You can also buy teeth whitening kits that you can use at home.
4. Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures you can get if you want to bring your smile to the next level. These range in price, but they can make a dramatic difference in your self-esteem.
Teeth whitening is a procedure that you can get at your dentist or do at home. Your dentist can bleach your teeth every few months to keep them looking healthy and white.
If you want more extreme cosmetic procedures, you should consider veneers. Veneers are essentially caps for your teeth in the size, shape, and shade that you desire so you can have a uniform smile.
Veneers are usually not covered by insurance, but they can last many years if you take good care of them. Try to avoid eating food that will stain or chip your veneers so you don’t have to constantly get them replaced.
Learn How to Improve Your Smile
If you want to know how to improve your smile, you should not have to worry about taking drastic measures. With these tips, you can feel confident in how you look every day.
Want to learn more about how you can keep your mind and body healthy? Check out our site for more tips and tricks so that you can look and feel your best.
