What do we do if we aren’t comfortable with our smile?

Though we might try our hardest to be confident with our smile, we sometimes tend to keep it hidden. This isn’t much of a surprise, considering that our smile is one of the first things a stranger notices about us.

But what do we do if we aren’t confident with the smile we have?

When your smile needs that little pick-me-up, a smile makeover might just be the answer. Whether the insecurity comes from damage from a previous lifestyle, stress, an accident, or even our natural smile, there are solutions just for you!

Step 1: Assessing the Smile

With our smile being one of the first things a stranger notices about our appearance, it’s not a surprise that it can greatly impact our day-to-day lives. Sure, we try to be comfortable in the skin we’re in, but improving ourselves can go a long way to boosting our self-confidence.

If you feel as though your smile needs a little TLC, take the time to learn what you are uncomfortable with. Whether it is yellowing or crooked teeth, pinpointing the areas you’d like to improve will help you start that conversation with the dentist.

Step 2: Understanding Your Goals

Now that you’ve identified what you’re unhappy with, you can start to imagine what your ideal smile will look like. Are you wanting to straighten your teeth? Or, perhaps, lighten them a few shades with the help of bridges or veneers, you could even restore your smile after losing a tooth or two. A smile makeover can also help with worn enamel!

Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist any questions you may have. And let them know if there are specific aspects of your smile you love and do want to preserve—perhaps that gap between your front teeth is part of your signature smile. Your dentist will take the time to design the perfect smile makeover option for you. 

Step 3: Choose Your Smile Makeover

If you are considering treating yourself to a smile makeover, you might be wondering what the options are. While a smile makeover may use one or more treatments, the combination will be unique to your situation and your smile goals. Some of the most effective treatments include:

Teeth Whitening

Did you know that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in the United States? It’s no wonder, considering so many things can alter those pearly whites. There are multiple different kinds of teeth whitening. Some are done in-office, while others are done at home.

Here at Palmer Lane Family Dentistry, we offer Zoom! Whitening treatments in our office. These can be done after a thorough dental cleaning and can whiten the teeth in a mere 45 minutes. The treatment is done by applying a gel to your teeth, then letting it work its magic under a special light.

Over-the-counter whitening is also an option. It’s not as effective as the in-office treatments, but they can help in a pinch. 

Veneers

Veneers are often used to solve the problem of cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth. These custom-made shells are molded to adhere perfectly to your natural tooth, blending in seamlessly with your natural smile. Here at Palmer Lane Family Dentistry, we use porcelain veneers due to their durability. If you take care of that new smile, it should last you for years!

Dental Crowns

Just as the name might suggest, dental crowns are covers that fit on top of your natural teeth after they have been prepared for the crown. These are sometimes used to repair the tooth after severe decay and to repair cracks, chips, and otherwise damaged teeth.

We offer both gold, porcelain, and zirconia crowns, and will help you choose the perfect option for you and your lifestyle. 

Orthodontics

You might think of orthodontics as the classic wire and rubber band combination that many teenagers sport. But did you know there are other options? Invisalign is a great alternative, easily concealed and often without the discomfort of traditional braces.

Invisalign is a process where you wear specially fitted trays, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth—it’s recommended to wear them for a total of 22 hours a day. These trays put a slight amount of pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. 

Step 4: Maintaining Your New Smile

Once you are home with your new and improved smile, it is important to take care of it. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, and don’t forget to floss! To ensure your smile lasts as long as possible, be sure to keep your bi-anual cleanings with your dentist. In addition to keeping your teeth shining bright, your dentist will be able to take care of any potential problems before they can settle in. 

Ready to get started?

Are you ready for your new and improved smile? We offer many different kinds of cosmetic dentistry, just waiting to help you smile with confidence. An appointment is only a few clicks away! We look forward to helping your smile shine bright!