Your smile can make a big first impression and show people a lot about your level of confidence and overall personality. But if you struggle with crooked or stained teeth, you may be tempted to keep your genuine smile hidden as much as possible. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to remedy these problems.
Straighten Crooked Teeth
If you have a noticeable gap or long for perfectly straight teeth, you do have some options to help you improve the look of your smile. Childhood and adolescence are the ideal times to address this issue, simply because it can be less painful and faster to achieve the desired result when your permanent teeth have just come in. However, adults have options too and can still see great success when taking action to straighten their teeth.
Braces are a traditional choice, but may not be ideal for a busy adult lifestyle. In addition, traditional brackets and wires can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Several companies have created a clear aligner tray option that allows adults to address crooked teeth without scheduling appointments and while keeping the process more discreet. Whichever option you choose, remember it’s never too late to straighten your teeth! Just be sure to follow your dentist’s or specialist’s instructions during and after the process to keep your teeth from shifting back.
Whiten Stained Teeth
Another problem that can cause you to want to hide your smile is unsightly stains. There are many ways to whiten your teeth that are appropriate for virtually any budget. One of the cheapest options is to create your own whitening treatment using a combination of baking soda and peroxide. You can search online for a recipe that suits your needs and tastes. Many people love these inexpensive and more natural options. You can also purchase a high-quality whitening toothpaste.
For a slightly more expensive option, a more intense treatment, such as a gel or whitening strips, can help remove stains and make your teeth appear whiter. Just be aware that all of these over-the-counter options may cause tooth sensitivity. A professional whitening treatment could come with a hefty price tag but may help you achieve more drastic and lasting results. Be sure to discuss your options with your dentist before you start your preferred method.
Improve Your Preventative Care
Clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath can go a long way in boosting your confidence to flash a happy smile. Many dentists recommend electronic toothbrushes to keep your mouth healthier with less effort. These devices may also help your teeth appear whiter by removing more surface stains and helping achieve a deeper, more thorough clean. Flossing not only helps stop and prevent bad breath; it also keeps your gums healthy, tight, and pink. Adding a mouthwash as the final step in your daily preventative care habits can help keep your breath fresh by killing germs and flushing out more food particles. And of course, make sure you’re seeing a dentist at least once every six months.
If you’re struggling to share your smile with others, you have several options to improve it. You could soon have teeth that you’re proud to show off!
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