The smile is often cited as the most attractive aspect of a person’s face, and the first thing that people notice when they meet someone for the first time. But when you hate the way your smile looks, showing off your teeth is often embarrassing and uncomfortable. Don’t resign yourself to living with this discomfort – take a look at the options below to determine which course of action is right for you.
Orthodontic Options
Many common complaints about an ugly smile center on the fact that the teeth aren’t straight. As an adult, braces typically become a less popular option than they were when you were in 7th grade. However, there is an “invisible” alternative to metal braces called Invisalign. Your dentist can get you started with Invisalign, which is a series of removable custom-molded trays that slowly move teeth back into alignment. Invisalign works just the same as regular braces but allows you to move your teeth in a subtle manner, unlike metal braces.
Brighten Your Smile
Discoloration happens, no matter how careful you are. Whitening treatments like the KöR Whitening System offer a fast, relatively inexpensive way to rid yourself of those coffee stains and the telltale yellowing of cigarettes. These treatments are done in-office and at home after your dentist evaluates the discoloration and your overall dental health. The best part of the KöR Whitening System is that it is perfect for those with sensitive teeth, as it leaves little to no sensation during treatment.
Veneers
Uneven teeth may seem impossible to ignore, but they’re not impossible to fix. Veneers create that perfect, pearly white smile that completely conceals uneven gum lines, patchy enamel, and other factors that have a major impact on the aesthetics of your smile. Once in place, veneers look and feel no different than natural teeth.
Alternatively, snap-in veneers completely transform your smile as needed, but don’t require permanent alteration to your teeth. They’re often recommended for relatively minor fixes, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a camera and need to look your best. It’s important to get snap-in veneers that are custom-molded to your teeth for a more natural look, not the cheesy mail-order ones that will rarely fit quite right.
Dental Implants
Cracks, chips and lost teeth are common occurrences over time. Once present, there’s no amount of whitening or concealing that’s going to fix these problems. However, it is possible to replace part or all of a tooth. Breaks and cracks can be filled with composite materials that look virtually identical to your natural teeth and then covered with a protective layer that’s indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Missing teeth never grow back, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. You don’t have to deal with partial dentures or a massive hole in your smile – consider implants instead. A dental implant roots inside your gums just like a natural tooth. Whenever possible, the crown – the visible part of the implant – is made from a mold of the lost tooth. It looks, feels and functions the same as your own teeth with none of the limitations of dentures. Even you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Treat your smile as you do so many other parts of life: Never settle unless you’re totally in love. One or more of these solutions can give you the confidence and ease of having a smile that you’re proud to show off anywhere. Cosmetics aren’t frivolous; they’re an all-important part of your self-image. Discuss your concerns with your dentist and start on the path to making your smile perfect for you
