Start Your New Year with a New Smile

The dawn of the new year brings about a slew of promises that we make to ourselves. We resolve to be kinder people, to finally use that gym membership that has gotten dusty over the holidays or to volunteer at the local hospital. All admirable and lofty goals to have but, unfortunately, resolutions have a tendency to be forgotten about after a few weeks. This year, make a resolution that will continue throughout the year and beyond. Resolve to start your new year with a new smile!

 

If you have a smile that you are self-conscious about, those insecurities can hold you back in your everyday interactions and relationships. The way we feel about our smile is directly reflected in how open we are to new people and situations. If you are hesitant to reveal your happiness because you are doubtful about how your smile looks, then your hesitancy can be misinterpreted as coldness or disinterest. This can be a hindrance when applying for jobs, meeting new friends and even just buying your daily coffee. By taking the steps to make your smile one that increases your confidence, you can be sure to see a difference in the way you approach the world. There are a variety of choices, from subtle to major, that you can do to increase the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Here are a few options to discuss with your cosmetic dentist.

 

 Whitening

Achieving a whiter smile is one of the easiest ways to make a major difference in your smile. Yellowed teeth show the stains of years of eating and drinking, which ages your appearance. With healthy white teeth you can erase those years from your appearance. There are over the counter options for getting a whiter smile but your cosmetic dentist is the only one who can offer you the tailored look you want, quickly and safely. You can decide on the best shade for your teeth and within an hour you can get your desired results, which can take weeks to do with drugstore teeth whitening kits.

 

 Invisalign

If your teeth have gaps or are crooked, you may think that braces are your only option to a straighter smile. Many adults do not want to wear braces because of how they look. With Invisalign you can correct your teeth's imperfections and no one will need to know about the work that is being done. As the name suggests, the device is nearly invisible. It is removable and comfortable. Invisalign is a great option for someone who wants to discreetly correct the misalignments in their teeth.

 

 Veneers

For people who have healthy teeth and gums but are unhappy with the way they look, porcelain veneers can be a viable option. They will mask permanent stains on teeth, close slight gaps and hide chipped teeth. They are bonded to the existing tooth structure, that is shaved down, for permanent fixation. Another option is Lumineers, which are as thin as a contact and are permanently placed over existing teeth, without removing any tooth structure.

 

 Laser Contouring

Gummy smiles are an insecurity that many people face. If you feel like you have too much “gum” showing when you smile, you may be a candidate for laser contouring, also known as a Smile Lift. A smile lift is an immediate change that will reduce the amount of gums showing in your smile, creating a more desirable appearance with proper proportions. The process is painless and will be sure to change the way you look at yourself, for the better.