Smiling isn’t something that people consciously do. In fact, it’s more common for you to catch yourself smiling than to remind yourself to smile. But in addition to expressing your happiness, it could actually help lower your stress levels and boost your mood. It can also help you live longer.
There will be times when you don’t feel like smiling, though. You might not feel like it because of stress or a bad mood; in this case, taking mental breaks can help. But if you’re not smiling because you’re self-conscious about the condition of your teeth, there’s nothing a smile makeover can’t solve.
This article will outline the signs that will let you know if you need to book an appointment with a trusted dentist. We’ll also be listing the most common reasons your megawatt smile might be deteriorating, and the best dental services that can bring back your confidence.
Telltale Signs That You Might Need a Dental Makeover
Your busy schedule can make it difficult to pay attention to your dental health. However, you should book a dental appointment once you notice even one of these signs affecting your smile:
You Avoid Social Situations
Parties, gatherings, and dinners are essential for personal and professional growth. They’re a great way to connect with people who matter in your life. But if you find yourself avoiding social gatherings because you’re conscious of opinions about your smile or your teeth, then it’s high time to book a dental appointment.
The most important people in your life would accept you no matter what your teeth look like. However, you might feel more comfortable laughing, smiling, and holding conversations with them if you aren’t constantly trying to hide your teeth.
You’re Smiling Less in Photos
Have you stopped beaming whenever someone points a camera at you because you’re unhappy with how your teeth look? If you’ve just realized that you’re not letting your pearly whites out during photo opportunities, then you might want to address the root cause.
These photos will hold essential memories, especially events that involve family or friends. If you aren’t flashing your best smile in these photos, you’re missing out on creating a beautiful image to complement that memory. Now might be the best time for smile enhancement.
Your Teeth Are Discolored
One of the most common reasons you hesitate to smile during photo ops is the color of your teeth. Yellow teeth aren’t always a sign of poor oral health. It could be perfectly normal because of age or genetics. But it’s understandable why you’re not unleashing your brightest smile if it isn’t pearly white. In this case, you might want to book an appointment with your cosmetic dentist.
Your Smile Makes You Look Older
Another reason you may not feel like smiling is how your smile makes you look older. It might prevent you from beaming as brightly as the sun, either at cameras or the people you’re with.
Color isn’t the only thing that can make your smile age. Various oral health problems with age can also make our smile look older, which can negatively affect your smile.
Eating Is Starting to Feel Uncomfortable
Your teeth aren’t only meant to make you look good but are also crucial in keeping you well. They are the first part of digestion as they mash your food for the stomach to digest easily.
Setting an appointment with your dentist should be at the top of your to-do list if you’re starting to find eating uncomfortable. Struggling to chew your food means that your teeth are affected structurally. You must go to your dentist to have it fixed before the condition gets any worse.
There’s a Constant Bad Taste in Your Mouth
If you’re constantly experiencing a bad taste in your mouth, then it might be time to schedule dental services for your teeth. This bad taste is a sign of gum disease and poor oral hygiene. While this can be prevented by good and consistent dental habits, working with a trusted dental clinic can address these issues.
Everyday Habits That Negatively Affect Your Smile
If you’re concerned about your dental health and appearance lately, it may be time to look inwards. Watch out for any of the habits listed below, and make an effort to adjust your lifestyle for a better smile.
Wine and Coffee Intake
If you love a cup of coffee to start the day and a bottle of merlot to end it: your choice of drinks prevents you from achieving or maintaining your pearly whites. While these drinks have their fair share of benefits, coffee and wine stains on your teeth are a real thing you must deal with.
The most direct way to combat these stains is to lessen your coffee and wine intake. You can also look for alternative drinks. But always, for your teeth and your overall health, the best solution is to increase water consumption and regulate your intake of other beverages.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Your eating habits will show not only in your body but also in your smile. Your teeth will let you know the quality of the meals you’re eating through changes in appearance and function. If you’re not eating the healthiest of meals, you will see and feel it whenever you smile or eat.
The solution to this problem is straightforward: add crisp fruits and raw vegetables to your diet. They help clean plaque and freshen your breath. They’re also good for your overall wellbeing.
Teeth Grinding
If you catch yourself clenching or grinding your teeth when you’re stressed or fully concentrated on something, or when you sleep, it’s in your best interests to correct this habit immediately.
Constant grinding can cause tooth, mouth, and jaw disorders. It can damage your teeth and prevent you from smiling your fullest smile. The best way to prevent this is by getting a professional mouthguard when you’re working out or going to bed.
Smile Enhancement Options that Can Boost Your Confidence
If you want to feel more confident in your smile, a cosmetic dentist should be able to help you. There are plenty of dental treatments and procedures that address your concern. Most of these smile makeover techniques have a reasonable cost, so you won’t have to break the bank to bring back your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to restore your smile, porcelain veneers are one of the most common recommendations by dentists. These veneers are shells that give your teeth the right alignment, shape, and color. These are perfect if you have minor cracks or gaps in your teeth. Your dentists will let you know if it works for you or if you should look into another solution.
Teeth Whitening
If you need a dental makeover procedure for stains, your best option is teeth whitening. Turning your yellowing teeth into pearly whites is one of the most popular treatments cosmetic dentists provide, and they can set up a home treatment solution for you.
While plenty of over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available, it’s still better to visit a respected dentist to determine the best option for your situation.
Dental Crowns
Damaged teeth can affect your smile and your quality of life. Fortunately, a dental crown over the sensitive tooth can sort the issue easily. A high-quality dental crown can cover the damaged tooth and the surrounding gum, effectively protecting your teeth and enhancing your smile.
Get in touch with your dentist to learn more about the best type of dental crown for you.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another popular cosmetic procedure that dentists use to restore your smile. If you have multiple missing teeth due to an accident or poor dental health, a well-made bridge can quickly restore your teeth and give you back your smile.
These bridges aren’t only meant for aesthetic appeal, though. Missing teeth can change your appearance as your jawbone changes without teeth. Installing a bridge to a large gap between your teeth ensures that you maintain your jaw shape.
Dental Implants
If you want a more stable replacement for missing teeth, you might consider getting dental implants. The implant is surgically attached to your jaw and will function as a natural tooth would.
Implants are a great smile makeover option because they last for years. They match your natural teeth. You won’t have to worry too much about maintenance, either, because they won’t get any cavities. But discuss this option with your dentists first to determine if it’s suitable for you.
Other Tips to Protect Your Smile
These are some of the best ways to keep your smile bright and healthy:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene to protect your teeth and gums.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent cavity buildup.
- Choose the best toothbrush that will help you brush properly.
- Make it a point to drink lots of water throughout the day.
Finally, set an appointment with your dentist, so you’re always on top of your dental health.
Restore Your Beautiful Smile Today
Cosmetic dentistry has gone a long way, thanks to research and technology. For this reason, you don’t have to stop yourself from smiling or hide your laugh behind your hands. You simply have to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the most suitable options for your smile makeover.
Regardless of the reason for your diminishing confidence in your smile, whether it’s an accident or poor oral health, you can get in touch with Scottsdale dentist Rod W. Gore, DDS to discover your cosmetic dentistry options.
We’re a trusted cosmetic and restorative dentist in Scottsdale, AZ. You can count on us to restore your smile to its former glory. Book an appointment now so you can confidently flash your pearly whites again!