How to Get the Smile of Your Dreams

A great smile is a perfect accessory for any outfit. Did you know that people who love their smiles tend to have higher self-esteem than people who don't? About 30% of adults agree that having a nicer smile would improve their self-imagine. So, why not do what you can to get the smile of your dreams?

Oral Hygiene Practices

If your teeth are aligned in a pleasing way, but you have yellowing teeth and less-than-fresh breath, then one of the easiest ways to fix the problem is to simply improve your oral hygiene skills. It's like the dentist recommends, try to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss and use mouthwash daily.

If you are not already in a pattern of doing this, it can be a bit tricky to make it a force of habit. Set reminders on your phone, if you think that will help.

Not only will this help to improve the overall appearance of your smile but it should also improve the smell of your breath—not to mention improve your dental health to prevent cavities and gingivitis.

Whitening Toothpaste or Whitening Strips

If the average container of toothpaste isn't doing the job, try using whitening kinds of toothpaste or whitening strips. These products go the extra mile when it comes to whitening your teeth. There are some differences when it comes to the use and effectiveness of whitening toothpaste and strips.

In general, it's safe to use whitening toothpastes as you would use any other kind of toothpaste—use it twice a day and avoid swallowing it. Most of these toothpastes work by adding whitening ingredients, like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (which are both perfectly safe). However, make sure to check the tube to see if there are any special instructions.

When it comes to whitening strips, you need to be a bit more careful. Each brand of whitening strips comes with its own special set of instructions. Make sure to follow these as carefully as possible. Even if you do not see results right away, do not use the strips longer than recommended. The best whitening strips usually have hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient. However, try to avoid strips that contain chlorine dioxide, as this ingredient can weaken enamel.

Overbite or Underbite Correction

Sometimes the coloring of the teeth is perfect but it’s the shape of the teeth that make someone unhappy with their smile. When this happens, the teeth can't be improved with toothpaste. However, having your teeth "corrected" can help.

Getting either an overbite or an underbite correction sounds difficult and a bit scary, but it's not as complicated as it sounds. In many cases, surgery is not required. Instead, the jaw is carefully moved or braces are used to get the teeth lined up in a way that is aesthetically pleasing.

What steps you should take to make an overbite or underbite correction depends on how quickly you want to fix the issue. It should be noted that neither having an overbite or underbite poses much of a health risk. If time doesn't matter to you, moving your jaw slowly or getting braces would be the thing to do. However, if you're looking for a quick fix, surgery is your fastest option.

It should also be noted that correcting an overbite or underbite is significantly more expensive and difficult than whitening teeth or clearing up bad breath. Of course, the results of moving a jaw or using braces also have more dramatic effects than simply whitening teeth does. For many people, it is worth the hard work it takes, as their new smile brings them a new sense of confidence.

As this article shows, there are a variety of tips and tricks, ranging from inexpensive daily things to try that make a smile more beautiful overtime to a minor surgery that works quickly. Whatever you decide, always make sure to check directions and ingredients before trying new oral hygiene products. Good luck!