Your smile is the world’s first impression of you, and as the old adage goes, first impressions are important. But looking after your teeth isn’t just as simple as brushing twice a day, although it’s a good starting point. If you’re looking to improve your smile, ask your dentist about these procedures to make you smile wider.

Whitening

Things like red wine and coffee in your diet, as well as smoking, illness or a simple lack of oral hygiene, can all fade the bright whiteness of your teeth over time, a dentist in Weymouth MA details on their website. If it’s bothering you, there are options to whiten your teeth.

Your first move should be to talk to your hygienist. A simple, affordable, and usually very effective way to brighten your smile is to make an appointment to have your hygienist remove surface stains and plaque.

A professional teeth whitening can then be considered. Your dentist will guard your mouth and gums with a mold and then paint a bleach solution onto your teeth. They will then shine a lamp into your mouth to activate the solution and let it develop over 15 minutes.

Straightening

If you aren’t happy with how straight your teeth are, there are ways to sort that – yes even in adulthood. You can talk to an orthodontist about crowded, crooked or protruding teeth and how to straighten them out with a range of options.

The option of traditional braces may not appeal as many others. They are made up of metal brackets glued directly onto your teeth and held in place with wires. They’re hard to clean and to get used to, but advancements in orthodontics have given those looking to straighten their teeth a lot of options to choose from.

For example, it’s possible to get lingual braces, which are simply traditional braces but glued to the inside surface of your teeth. They still come with the issue of feeling like a mouth full of metal and the difficulty cleaning them but are invisible to anyone not getting uncomfortably close.

Clear aligners are by far the most popular choice. Made from a mold of your mouth, they are adapted to your individual needs. They are removable, can be worn during the day without discomfort or throughout the night, and, best of all, they’re invisible. They are made from clear plastic that will not show even to the nosiest onlooker.

Bad breath

If you don’t want anyone gagging when you smile, then you better keep on top of your breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria in your mouth. It can be avoided by drinking water, which will wash away whatever bacteria is trapped by food and other sugar-filled drinks that will promote bacteria in the mouth. Water will also promote saliva, which has antibacterial properties to aid in keeping your breath fresh.