Making a better smile

It is easy to forget that one of the major benefits in going to a dentist is that they can improve your smile. Whether it is your regularly scheduled deep clean, a bleaching or porcelain veneers there are a lot of things that a dentist can do to make a better smile.

Why is this important?

Smiling is an outward sign of confidence. Being able to smile often then makes people around you feel more at ease and this in turn increases self confidence.

Furthermore having clean teeth, fresh breath and so forth are signs of good oral health.

What can I do to improve my smile?

It is not just the dentist who looks after your teeth! There are various things you can do to reduce stains on teeth, keep them clean and maintain the quality of your smile.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and as thoroughly as possible. Avoid brushing too hard but do it for at least two minutes. This will allow you to keep your teeth clean.
Cut down on fruit juices and sugary snacks- These can cause damage to your teeth. With kids encourage them to use straws and dilute juices with water to reduce damage to their developing teeth.
Quit smoking- Amongst other health problems (including an increased risk of mouth cancer) smoking causes discolouration of the teeth.
Cut down on coffee and red wine as these can also cause discolouration.
Chew sugar free whitening gum after snacks and meals.

What can my dentist do?

A dentist can improve your smile with various treatments including (but not limited to)

Deep cleans (often this will be part of your regular half yearly appointment)
Dentures
Braces
Porcelain veneers
Whitening

It is worth remembering that not all dentists can do these procedures so it is vital to check this before you book an appointment.
How can I be sure the dentist is qualified for a cosmetic procedure?

During an initial consultation a dentist ought to be willing to discuss their professional background and allow you to look into their qualifications. As well as academic qualifications there is also the importance of how they act towards you.

Ideally they should also have testimonials from previous clients or some form of reference that you can check. In some respects it is also an instinct- a professional ought to make you feel comfortable before a procedure and any consultation should not come with feelings of obligation.

What can I do to keep my smile looking good?

Looking after your teeth is just one aspect of a good smile. For example if you have a job interview coming up maintaining eye contact and smiling will often show someone who is confident. This often has the psychological effect of boosting your own confidence (a kind of “virtuous circle”)

In terms of cosmetic procedures a dentist ought to explain any aftercare procedures. For example with some adult braces there may be a period where you can’t eat harder solid foods.

With the right dentist you can be sure of a good smile! Call us on 01375481000 for a FREE Consultation!