When people look at you, the first thing they’ll notice will most likely be your smile – and if you’re not happy with the way it is, that might make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. It’s also one of the first impressions that could lead to new relationships, networking opportunities, and even business deals. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve the healthy, attractive smile you want! Read on to learn how to improve your smile with these five simple techniques.
1) Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned
No matter how old you are, visiting a dentist for regular check-ups is important to your overall health. As you age, your dental needs change and can affect how often you go, the types of treatments you require, and more. If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, you should visit your dentist every six months and have regular cleanings. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, check in with your dentist annually. If you’re 60 or older, see your dentist twice a year for a checkup and teeth cleaning—and ask about dental fillings if tooth decay is starting to show through. Many dentists are happy to meet with patients on an as-needed basis even after their initial checkup. It might be easiest for you to make that first appointment by asking your current dentist how long he or she thinks it will take before follow-up visits are necessary.
2) Limit Coffee, Tea, and Other Dark Food and Beverages
Drinking dark beverages can dull your teeth and stain them, making your smile look less than fresh. If you want to keep your teeth looking healthy, limit the amount of coffee and other dark beverages you drink or stay away from them altogether. Drinking from a straw is one method you can try that may help prevent staining on the front teeth where it is most obvious. You can also try brushing immediately after consuming these beverages for better results. A natural-bristle toothbrush is recommended for removing the buildup of stains on teeth. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help brighten teeth and make them look whiter.
3) Consider Clear Aligners
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to improve your smile, clear aligners might be a good fit. Clear aligners are removable and almost invisible—you wear them at all times except for while you are eating or brushing your teeth. They shift teeth into place gradually over time, so there’s no need for painful visits to an orthodontist or even invasive braces. If you want to straighten teeth without braces, consider clear aligners as an option. They can make it easier than ever before to achieve a straighter smile.
4) Whiten Your Teeth at Home
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars at a dentist’s office, you can whiten your teeth at home using over-the-counter whitening strips or trays. You simply apply them to your teeth for the recommended amount of time and watch as stains fade away. It may take a few treatments to really begin seeing the results. While these products may not get your teeth as white as a professional teeth whitening service, they are considerably cheaper and easier to use.
5) Seek Help If You are Self-Conscious About Your Smile
According to one study, many patients think their teeth are worse than others actually perceive them. However, if you are very self-conscious about your smile to the point where you avoid talking with other people or worry so much about how your teeth look that it affects your self-esteem, it may be time to talk to a professional about your options. They can recommend ways to fix chips, fill in cracks, or straighten teeth so you can get back to feeling confident.
