Your ultimate guide to achieving the perfect smile

First things first. Before you start your smile makeover journey or venture into the world of cosmetic dentistry, making sure your natural teeth are as healthy as possible will help your final results. Here are some tips for a healthy smile that you can work into your everyday routine: 

• Flossing or using interdental brushes can help to dislodge food particles from between your teeth and allow more effective cleaning when you brush. 

• After flossing, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Using a fluoride toothpaste will help to maintain your oral health by protecting your teeth and strengthening your enamel. 

• Spit out any excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing, as you’ll wash the fluoride from your teeth. Even if your mouthwash contains fluoride, it isn’t as strong as your toothpaste.

• A fluoride mouthwash is a great addition to your routine and can be used for freshening your mouth and providing protection between brushing and after meals. 

• Try to limit snacking as much as possible, or have a snack immediately following your meal. This limits the amount of time your teeth are exposed to cavity-causing acids.

Routine oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, practising daily interdental cleaning and eating healthy foods will all have a positive effect on your oral health. But what if you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry solutions for your smile? Your dentist can suggest a combination of aesthetic treatments to achieve your smile makeover. This can involve some of the treatments below:

Getting a white smile at home is possible with home teeth whitening kits. These days, there are many methods to choose from, including whitening pens, at-home LED kits, whitening strips and gels. Remember to talk to your dentist before using any of these products to make sure that they’re the right choice for you and your teeth. If you experience any pain while using home teeth whitening kits, stop using the product immediately and contact a dental professional.

If you have discoloured teeth and haven’t had any luck with home teeth whitening kits, in-practice whitening may be a good option for you. Professional teeth whitening gel uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and can be accelerated with lasers or LED lights. A professional treatment typically only requires one or two appointments, and you may be prescribed take-home whitening trays to make sure you get lasting results.

Clear teeth aligners, or invisible braces, may be what your smile needs if you want straight teeth without the aesthetic of metal braces. Many people are now choosing this method to straighten teeth, as invisible braces are removable and also very discreet. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and have your aligners made. Aligners look like a mouthguard or a retainer and fit snugly around your teeth. Each set is slightly straighter than the last, and changing them every week or two slowly moves your teeth into place and creates a straight smile. The length of your treatment with clear aligners will vary depending on how crooked your teeth are, but the results can last a lifetime.

One way to fix broken, chipped and stained teeth is with veneers. Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain that can be attached to the front of misshapen teeth to improve your smile. Veneers look natural and can last for over ten years. They’re an alternative to removing teeth, and the procedure doesn’t require anaesthesia.

Dental bonding is another popular aesthetic solution. Your dentist can apply a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of your teeth to reshape your teeth and cover imperfections. Dental bonding is best used to fix minor cosmetic problems like chips or gaps, whereas veneers will cover the full surface of your tooth. Bonding also tends to be a cheaper treatment and can last a long time with proper oral care.

A natural smile is a fantastic way to boost your confidence. It’s a powerful tool for good first impressions, and you’ll love the photos you take. Keep these tips on how to smile confidently in mind the next time you find yourself dialling into a video call or posing for a picture:

• Think of something that makes you smile or laugh.

• Find good lighting.

• Position the camera at eye level.

• Relax and have fun!

As video conferencing becomes more of the norm, all that matters is that you feel confident with the smile you have. No matter what your perfect smile looks like, there are plenty of affordable and effective options available. Talk to a dental professional to see the best options to give you a smile that you can feel good about flashing on camera.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about cosmetic dentistry and getting a smile makeover: