5 Steps to a Better Smile

While there is a lot to be said for simply feeling confident in your own skin, this is often easier said than done. Sometimes, addressing the imperfections that are holding you back would be far more beneficial than to try to ignore them.

A bright white smile can make you appear younger and more attractive. Your smile is often the first thing a new person will notice when you meet. Therefore, making sure that your teeth are in the best possible condition has never been more important.

Looking after your teeth and gums can not only improve other people’s perception of you but can also improve your confidence and your overall health and wellbeing. In this guide, we’re looking at some of the simple steps you might consider to help improve your smile – and your confidence.

What are the traits of a good smile?

When we talk about a good smile, there are a few traits that we look for. First, it should be healthy. Your oral health is far more important than any cosmetic imperfection. So there’s little sense in investing in your smile until you have managed to get your oral health under control.

A good smile is also white and free from stains and discolouration. It should also be straight, with no twisted or misaligned teeth. Gaps can be beautiful, but these need to be balanced. Finally, the bite also needs to be well-aligned and provide facial harmony.

The most common reason individuals will be self-conscious about their smile will be related to colour, alignment and dental hygiene. Let’s look at some of the most common ways you can improve your smile.

How can you improve your smile?

If you are worried about your smile and don’t feel like it is the best representation of you, then there are plenty of things you can do. Consider the following steps to help improve your smile and boost your confidence.

Develop a good oral care routine

It is important to ensure that you have in place a good oral hygiene routine. There is no point spending money on improving the appearance of your teeth if you are not then able to look after them.

You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Whether you use a manual or an electric toothbrush does not matter. What is important is that you brush all of your teeth and gums. It is a good idea to follow a set routine when brushing your teeth to ensure that you do not miss areas.

Brushing alone will only clean 60% of your teeth’s surface, you also need to use interdental cleaning aids such as floss, tape, interdental brushes or floss picks to clean in between your teeth where brushing misses. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best interdental cleaning aids to meet your needs.

Consider teeth whitening

There are two main forms of tooth whitening, either at home or in-surgery tooth whitening.

With in surgery tooth whitening, you’ll visit the practice and your dentist will manage the treatment, which can be more reassuring. This treatment involves applying the whitening gel to your teeth and then activating it with a blue light to help speed up the whitening process.

This process may be repeated 4 or 5 times in an appointment and you should see instant results. You would normally be advised to complete a course of at home tooth whitening afterwards for the best results.

With at-home tooth whitening, your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth and these will be used to make custom whitening trays. You will be shown how to load the whitening gel into the trays in surgery but the rest of the treatment will be carried out in your own time in the comfort of your home.

The trays will need to be worn for between 30 minutes and overnight, depending on the strength of the gel and how quickly you are looking to get results.

Tooth whitening is a non-invasive treatment and does not damage the natural teeth. Tooth whitening can help to improve your self-confidence and improve your appearance quickly and with minimal investment.

Visit the dental hygienist regularly

The hygienist is able to remove plaque and calculus that builds up on teeth, helping to improve the appearance of your smile. This also helps to reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss which can all have a detrimental effect on your smile.

The hygienist is also able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine, demonstrating proper brushing techniques and advising on the best interdental cleaning aids. They can also recommend further treatments to consider that could help to boost your confidence.

Explore facial aesthetics

Botox and Dermal fillers are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the UK. Botox is effective in treating lines around the eyes commonly known as crow’s feet and lines on the forehead.

Dermal fillers help to plump up lines on the face such as those between the nose and the corner of the mouth. By using a combination of the two treatments it is possible to help make your face look more youthful.

Once started, it is recommended that Botox injections are repeated every 3-4 months in the first year and every six months after that. For Dermal fillers treatment is required every 6-9 months.

If your self-consciousness is related to lines that appear around your mouth and eyes when you smile, then this treatment could help.

Think about a smile makeover

For those people who would like to completely rejuvenate their smile, a smile makeover may be the treatment for you. The dentist will complete a detailed assessment of your mouth and will come up with a treatment plan.

This may involve replacing old restorations with new crowns, implants, bridges, veneers, tooth whitening and aesthetic treatments to help create a younger and brighter smile. You might even consider orthodontics to help create a straighter and more symmetrical smile. Every smile makeover is unique to the patient, and will be designed to address your concerns.

Final thoughts on improving your smile

As you can see, there are plenty of options available for improving your smile and boosting your confidence. The first step is to visit our practice to learn more about the treatments available.

Remember that we also offer interest-free credit on the majority of treatments, so you can access the treatments you want without the wait. Spreading the cost of your treatment will allow you to make a smarter decision about your desired treatment plan.

Call today on 01702 557766 to book your appointment at Benfleet Dental Centre and let our highly trained team of dentists create your perfect smile.