Top 8 Ways to Enhance Your Smile
At Seaside Family Dentistry, many of our patients deal with dental imperfections, including misaligned, discolored teeth, tooth loss and gum disease. Fortunately, there are many ways that Dr. Santos and the rest of our team can help you achieve a bright, healthy smile. Ready to learn more? From improving daily habits to cosmetic treatments, the following eight tips can help you upgrade your smile.
Consider regular checkups
One of the most important ways to ensure the health of your smile is with regular dental checkups. There are two parts to every checkup: a cleaning and an exam. During the cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove stains and tartar from your teeth. Then Dr. Santos will examine your teeth for cavities and any oral issues, such as gum disease. Preventing or catching any issues early will result in a healthier smile.
Nervous about visiting the dentist? Not to worry. We’ll explain the procedure in advance, and we will not proceed until you feel comfortable and ready to go. If at any point you need a break, please say so and we will be happy to give you the time you need.
Do brush and floss everyday
Your habits at home are also vital tools for improving your oral health. Brushing removes plaque (a sticky biofilm made up of bacteria and leftover food particles) from your teeth before it can calcify into tartar. Flossing cleans in between teeth and under the gum lines where a toothbrush can’t reach. When you don’t floss, plaque and tartar can build up under the surface of your gum line. This can cause gingivitis and if left untreated, periodontal disease (aka gum disease).
Limit acidic beverages
There are many factors that contribute to yellow and stained teeth besides age. Certain beverages like coffee, soda and red wine can stain your teeth as well as cause tooth decay. Fortunately, your dentist or hygienist can polish off most superficial staining during a routine cleaning. Another strategy to limit staining is to drink through a straw. Rinsing your mouth with water can also help so that any dark, acidic liquid does not sit on your teeth for long periods of time.
Stop smoking
Smoking can also stain your teeth. Along with staining teeth, smoking damages your gums, causing them to recede and develop large pockets around the teeth. This makes teeth appear longer and creates dark spaces between them. On top of that, smoking is also a common cause of oral cancer and gum disease.
Ask us about teeth whitening
Do you feel self-conscious about any discolored or stained teeth? You may want to consider teeth whitening. While at-home products are available, Dr. Santos highly recommends coming in for a consultation. At our office, Dr. Santos offers patients KöR whitening treatments, which are widely considered the most effective whitening treatments available today, and our patients usually notice a difference in the complexion of their teeth after just one treatment.
If you do decide to do an at-home treatment, look for products that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Straighten your teeth with clear aligners
If you’re an adult with crooked or crowded teeth, clear aligners may be the way to go. Also known as invisible braces, clear aligners are a series of tight-fitting, custom-made mouthpieces crafted from 3-D imaging technology. They are also much more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces.
Bond with your smile
Another great way to improve your smile is through dental bonding. This procedure uses a tooth-colored resin that’s applied to either the front or back of your teeth to repair decay, straighten crooked teeth, eliminate minor gaps or lighten stains that cannot be removed with a whitening treatment. After the tooth is prepped, a bonding resin is applied to the surface. The tooth is then treated to change the shape and color to improve its appearance and function.
Restore your smile
Dental veneers are designed to improve your smile by covering the front surface of damaged or decaying teeth with a custom-crafted shell of tooth-colored material. Veneers are made with a variety of materials, such as porcelain or resin composite. Dr. Santos can help you decide which veneers are right for you.
Want to learn more about how you can achieve the smile of your dreams? Contact Seaside Family Dentistry today for a consultation.