According to a survey by Orthodontics Australia, 46% of Australian adults say they would like to change their teeth. 55% of people surveyed feel self-conscious of their smile while 62% said they would like to fix their crooked smile.
But why do Australians want the perfect smile? Two-thirds of adult Australians believe a good smile gives one confidence, while one-third claim a person’s smile is the first thing they notice.
While there are undoubtedly benefits to a straight and healthy smile, how can you improve the one you have?
Regular brushing and teeth flossing
You are doing this already, but as your first line of defence towards healthy oral hygiene and a great smile, it is worth repeating.
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing after each meal is simple, yet an effective way to ensure a youthful smile.
As you age, plaque and stain begin to accumulate on your teeth. However, brushing and flossing can help keep these telltale signs of ageing at bay.
A word of caution though, be sure not to excessively brush your teeth as it can damage your tooth enamel.
Avoid acidic and staining beverages
This one is probably going to be quite tricky for some people since most rely on these foods and drinks to get through the day.
If you can, avoid or limit your consumption of dark-coloured foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, tea and chocolate. Or consider using a straw to prevent these foods from staying on your teeth.
Also, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after consumption to neutralize acid and prevent stains from building up.
Avoid smoking
Your life choices go a long way to impact your smile. While you probably know smoking is not suitable for your overall well-being, it can also lead to oral health issues.
For instance, smoking can cause you to get dark stains on your teeth, the harsh chemicals in cigarettes can harm your gums and it increases your chances of suffering teeth loss.
Braces
Braces are specifically used to strengthen crooked teeth. Thankfully, braces have come a long way from those unsightly metal fittings they used to be.
You can opt for Invisalign (thin-film, invisible, clear braces) to straighten and align your teeth with or go for the removable aligners for the perfect smile.
Dental bonding
When you have a chipped tooth or want to fill the gaps between a couple of teeth, you will undergo a dental bonding to fix your smile.
During the procedure, your dentist will either attach a porcelain or resin material on your tooth and fuse your tooth’s enamel to create a more durable and improved smile.
Keep in mind, though, that bonding is done on a single tooth, which makes it a great option if you are only treating one tooth.
Veneers
Just like bonding, veneers are a dental procedure that is used when you have cracked teeth, have gaps between your teeth and/or a slightly crooked tooth.
The procedure involves using custom-made porcelain to cover the front of your teeth. During your first visit, your dentist will make a mould impression of your teeth which will then be fixed on your second visit to create a better smile.
Crowns
A crown is a dental procedure that involves covering a tooth entirely with a variety of materials. Crowns can be made from metal, resins, porcelain or ceramic.
Usually, this option is available only after other procedures have failed. Crowns are custom-made to fit over your tooth. Aside from improving your smile, crowns are also often used to protect a weak tooth.
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