Upgrade your smile in 2022: Here’s how

Studies have shown that having a better smile not only increases how much you smile, but also improves your self esteem and can lower your stress levels. So, it’s never been a better time to give your mouth the makeover it needs! Whether you’re after whiter teeth, straighter teeth or want to fix a chipped tooth, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your grin. From dental implants to teeth whitening, here are five things you can do to get a more confident smile, according to the Smilefocus team.

#1 Brighten up!

Sick of stained teeth? Brighter, whiter teeth can be an instant confidence booster. And, with all that extra coffee and wine consumed lately (thanks, COVID), it’s likely that a little sparkle could be just the thing to get you back to feeling like your old self! There are different teeth whitening options that can be done in-clinic or at home – Smilefocus offers both.

For in-office whitening, the Orchard-based clinic uses a light-activated teeth whitening method that’s super quick and garners instant results. In fact, the process takes just two hours or less. It’s also been clinically proven to lighten teeth up to eight shades in a single visit!

Or, if you prefer, you can opt for dentist-supervised teeth whitening in the comfort of your own home. With this technique, you’ll receive a take-home kit that includes custom-made mouth guards and whitening gel. If worn as directed by your dentist (usually once a day for an hour, or overnight), you can expect to see results in just a few days, says the team at Smilefocus.

#2 Get in alignment!

Like whiter teeth, straight teeth can definitely be a plus in the self-esteem department. And, straight teeth bring plenty of health benefits! For instance, when teeth are properly aligned, gums and teeth can be cleaned more easily. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease and other bacterial infections.

Additionally, gums can best fit around straight teeth, says DR THUSHALA UBAYA from Smilefocus. This, in turn, creates the strongest possible protection against periodontal problems, which can range from mild redness, swelling of the gums (gingivitis) and bleeding when you brush to complete damage to the support structure of a tooth, and eventual tooth loss.

Fortunately, clear aligners like Invisalign can allow you to be discreet during the straightening process – no metal brackets or wires needed! The removable aligners are effective, comfortable, easy to clean and virtually invisible, making them a great alternative to fixed braces, says Dr Ubaya.

#3 Fill in the gaps – dental implants, fillings and more

Missing or chipped teeth can certainly make a person feel self-conscious. Luckily, there are many different types of restorative dental treatments that can be done to fix these issues.

These days, dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth because they look and feel natural. The implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. A protective cover screw is placed temporarily on the implant until it fuses with the jawbone.

Alternatives to dental implants include dentures and bridges. When it come to choosing between the three restorative dental treatment options, it’s a good idea to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist.

Additionally, fillings can be used to “fill” the gaps of missing teeth. And the good news is that fillings can be tooth-coloured! The team at Smilefocus says they can match fillings to the shade of a patient’s teeth to create a very natural appearance.

For broken or chipped teeth, veneers can be a good option, says DR BERNARD SIEW. Made of thin porcelain or resin shells, veneers are affixed to the front surface of the teeth to improve appearance. In fact, they allow you to change the shape, size, position and colour of your teeth – making them a popular choice for adult patients who want the appearance of straighter, whiter teeth without the use of braces. The best candidates for all veneers, he says, are people with healthy teeth, free of decay or gum disease.

#4 Make oral hygiene a priority

If you haven’t been taking care of your oral hygiene, you may experience dental problems including tooth sensitivity, explains DR DIANNE SAINSBURY. And, the longer you haven’t been caring for your mouth properly, the worse these problems may be. So, changing your oral hygiene habits as soon as possible can help you start improving your smile for the long run.

To do this, it’ll take some twice-daily dedication, says Dr Sainsbury. Brushing twice a day, with at least one time for a thorough two minutes, is the best way to look after your mouth and prevent cavities, she says. Flossing at least once a day is also a must. Committing to a strict brushing and flossing routine will help prevent cavities and decay. This can even help negate the need for dental implants and other restorative work down the line!

#5 Go for regular checkups

This is a simple but crucial thing you can do to maintain a healthy mouth; and a healthy mouth is definitely something to feel good about!

The dentists at Smilefocus recommend dental check-ups every six months to have teeth and gums assessed. It’s also an opportunity to get a cleaning. A professional scaling and polishing will remove all of the plaque that’s built up into tartar, reducing your risk of cavities and eventual gum disease. Of course, it will also help remove surface stains for whiter, brighter teeth. So, go on and make a date in the diary!