The 4 Best Ways To Improve Your Smile

At our Maroubra dentist, many of the procedures we perform are cosmetic dental procedures. People are constantly looking for new ways to improve their smile confidence. A smile can be beautiful, and maximising your visual appearance can help you smile more freely and often.

So, how can you improve your smile, and what procedures are available? Read on as we dive into the best cosmetic dental procedures and what each process involves!

Invisalign

Many adults are unhappy with their smiles and wish they had gotten braces early. However, they also feel that having braces in adulthood is ‘embarrassing’ or unsightly. Invisalign allows adults to improve the shape of their teeth and realign their teeth without wearing braces.

Invisalign involves a series of clear dental aligners used over several months to shift the teeth into the correct alignment. To have an Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to have an imprint made from your teeth using a mould or putty. This putty is then used to create dental aligners that gradually realign your teeth for the straight smile you’ve always wanted.

You can take out your Invisalign aligners when you brush your teeth or eat, which makes them far more convenient than braces – and you won’t need to restrict your diet as much. You can also clean your aligners often to keep them fresh.

Since you get a replacement pair and move on to new aligners every few weeks, you don’t need to worry about their condition too much. It is recommended that you only take your aligners out for an hour or two daily, as the more you wear them, the more effective they will be.

The whole Invisalign process generally takes between 12 and 18 months – or even shorter if your dental alignment needs are relatively minor.

Teeth Whitening

In addition to having a straight and well-aligned smile, many people desire white teeth and a clean-looking smile. The least invasive way to improve the colouring of your teeth is to have teeth whitening performed at your Maroubra dentist.

When you go for a teeth whitening procedure, you can generally expect the following things:

Your dentist will use a brush to apply a gel to the surface of your teeth. Generally, they will only do this for the teeth visible when you smile.
Your dentist will place you under a UV lamp that will activate the gel and slowly whiten the teeth over 20 minutes.

Sometimes, your dentist will give you an at-home whitening kit that you can use to remove minor stains on the teeth. Your at-home whitening kit will include a whitening gel that you can apply to the teeth daily. Sometimes, they will give you a retainer or mouthguard to keep the whitening gel on your teeth for the duration of the treatment.

Although you can drastically improve your smile with teeth whitening, you will not be able to get your teeth perfectly white if they are severely stained.

Veneers

Veneers are a prevalent treatment for those who wish to get that celebrity smile. Veneers can do the following things for your smile:

Correct the texture on the tooth’s surface, providing an even, smooth surface.
Correct the tooth’s shape, eliminating the appearance of cracks and dents.
Improve the colouring of the teeth.

Veneers are like ‘fake nails’ for the teeth. During a veneer installation procedure, your dentist will file down your regular teeth and then use a UV light-activated gel to attach veneers to your teeth. Veneers are typically made of porcelain, and they cover the teeth and create the appearance of a perfect smile.

Consider installing veneers to get a perfect smile if your teeth are incredibly yellow, cracked, or chipped.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a relatively new dental procedure, and it improves the texture of the teeth, along with any ridges or dents at the bottom. If your teeth are chipped or uneven, your dentist can correct this with composite bonding.

During the procedure, your dentist will place a composite putty or gel on your teeth and use it to craft a new layer or surface of the tooth. Then, once they have shaped it perfectly, they will harden the gel using UV light. Once your procedure finishes, you will have more even teeth, and you will vastly improve the colour of your teeth.

You do not need to file the teeth down for composite bonding; the procedure is more like painting your nails with a layer of shellac. The bonding can protect your natural teeth. It is considered a less invasive alternative to veneers.

Which Is The Best Cosmetic Dental Procedure For You?

The best cosmetic dental procedure for you will help you correct an area of your smile that bothers you. If you have cracked or chipped teeth, your dentist might recommend composite bonding or veneers. If you have misaligned teeth, your dentist recommends braces or Invisalign. If your teeth are discoloured, your dentist recommends veneers, composite bonding, or teeth whitening.

To determine which course of action is best and better understand your options, you should visit your local Maroubra dentist for a consultation. Your dentist will examine your mouth and suggest areas for improvement. Your dentist will also discuss the pros and cons of each treatment to ensure you’re aware of the maintenance and shelf life of each treatment.

Final Thoughts

Improving your smile can boost your confidence, and you’ll smile freely and brightly. If you want to improve your smile, consider which of the treatments listed above apply to your particular concerns, and reach out to your dentist to discuss treatments.

Getting ready to invest in a new smile? Why not contact our brilliant team of friendly dental experts here at Maroubra Dental Avenue? We’d love to get you smiling again.

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