How to Improve Your Smile

Monday 16^th September

 

Are you looking for ways to improve your smile? Our team at Dental Implants & Aesthetics has curated a guide on ‘How to Improve Your Smile’.

Many of our patients come to us because they are unhappy with the aesthetics of their smile. There can be various reasons for this, ranging from poor oral hygiene, missing or broken teeth to discolouration or staining. Our team of practitioners treat each patient individually, and discuss all treatment options available, to devise a plan that is perfectly tailored to you.

From simple treatments such as teeth whitening, to more complex dental treatment such a full mouth rehabilitation, a smile makeover can include various treatment options. Depending on our patient’s goal, our dentists may devise a treatment plan inclusive of multiple dental procedures, to achieve the desired outcome.

There are many relatively simple treatments that can make a big impact! We have outlined 5 of the most common treatments designed to improve your smile – and restore your confidence!

How to Improve Your Smile

1. Regular dental check-ups
   

   Maintaining good oral health habits is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and attending regular six-monthly routine check-ups with your dentist all help to minimise the risk of plaque and calculus build-up, cavities, gingivitis, and bone/gum disease.

   All these issues can result in a decline in not only health (importantly) but also the overall appearance of your smile and often lead to greater dental issues if left untreated. Red/inflamed gums, unsightly tooth decay, broken down teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath are just some of the common symptoms of not taking care of your teeth, which can open the door to requiring treatments to restore function and aesthetics to improve your smile.

 

2. Teeth Whitening

   Philips Zoom In-chair Teeth Whitening
   Our in-office teeth whitening treatment uses advanced technology and high-grade whitening agents to provide fast, noticeable results. Your dentist or Oral Health Therapist will apply high-strength whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a blue LED heat light. After just one appointment, you’ll leave with a visibly brighter smile.

   Take-Home Whitening Kit
   We offer custom-made take-home kits for those who prefer the convenience of whitening at home. These kits include personalised trays and professional strength whitening gel, ensuring safe and effective results at your own pace. You can expect a gradual visual improvement over several days during your at-home whitening treatment, which is usually recommended daily over 10-14 days.

   If you have not had a dental cleaning within three months prior to your whitening treatment, it is recommended that you complete this as part of the whitening process. This will ensure the teeth are clean and free of plaque and build-up, helping you achieve the best possible results from your whitening treatment.

 

3. Aesthetic Composite Restorations

   Aesthetic composite restorations are a popular choice for patients seeking to repair or enhance the appearance of their smile in the most minimal way possible. These restorations use tooth-coloured composite resin material that blends perfectly with the surrounding teeth, making them ideal for treating cavities, repairing broken or chipped teeth, replacing old un-aesthetic fillings or reshaping uneven teeth.

   The process is minimally invasive, as the composite can be directly bonded to the tooth without removing much of the natural structure. Beyond their cosmetic benefits, composite restorations are durable, providing functional and long-lasting results.

   Their aesthetic appeal and versatility make them a preferred option for minimal cosmetic enhancements in modern dentistry.

 

4. Veneers

   One of the most popular and effective methods for smile enhancements in modern dentistry is veneers. Designed to improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile and address common aesthetic issues such as shape, size, colour, and alignment, they provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution. Typically, veneers are made from either composite resin or high-quality porcelain, each with its advantages.

   Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin material applied directly to the tooth in layers, then shaped and polished to achieve the desired look. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers and can be placed in a single dental visit. However, they are less durable and may stain over time, requiring periodic maintenance or replacement.

   Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are crafted from high-quality ceramic material and are known for their durability and stain resistance. They are custom-made in a dental lab and typically require two visits. Compared to composite, porcelain veneers offer a more natural, translucent appearance, making them a popular choice for patients seeking long-term, aesthetically pleasing results.

 

5. Clear Aligners

   Improving your smile with clear aligners is a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth and correct misalignments. Custom-made, transparent trays gradually shift teeth into their desired position, offering a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces. Being removable, they allow for easier eating, brushing, and flossing. Clear aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild crowding to more complex cases, and they are a popular choice for those looking to enhance their smile naturally and correct alignment issues, instead of masking them with quicker alternatives such as cosmetic treatment options.

 

For more restorative-based ‘smile makeovers’ where function or rehabilitation is required over purely cosmetic reasons, such as heavily broken down, worn, or missing teeth, additional treatments such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or even dental implants may be recommended.

Some of these cases may fall into the category of ‘Full Mouth Rehabilitation’, where restoring function is the primary goal and aesthetic improvements are secondary, but both outcomes come together simultaneously.

If you’re looking to improve your smile, we hope that you have read this blog and come away with a greater understanding of the options available to you. Each case is individual, and each treatment plan is customised to perfectly suit your wants and needs.

Contact us at one of our Gold Coast locations to speak to one of our dental professionals and find out what treatment options are suitable for you, and start your smile journey today!