Want a perfect smile? Go for Teeth straightening and whitening

In today's society, where first impressions are important, having a beautiful smile can mean everything. A great smile is one of your most important assets. When you're embarrassed to smile you should go for teeth whitening or straightening, it is worth all the time, money and effort! Crooked teeth not only detract from your overall appearance, they can lead to tooth decay, difficulty chewing, and other dental problems.

I mean just take a look at Julia Roberts smile, it is fantastic!

Teeth Straightening. Many people are naturally born with crooked teeth or in some cases perfectly straight teeth can become crooked with age as the structure of your mouth changes or due to tooth loss and movement of the remaining teeth. Teeth straightening can be achieved by a variety of different cosmetic dental techniques.

Braces Theses are a common and socially acceptable method for straightening teeth in teenagers, but most adults feel uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing the very visible devices, even when so-called "clear" braces are used. Fortunately, braces are no longer the only way to achieve a perfect smile.  Braces work by putting pressure on your teeth to shift them into a more attractive position. Ask your dentist for referral to an orthodontist, who can discuss which of the many types of braces, is right for you. Often, braces come in the form of metal, plastic or ceramic brackets glued to the front of the teeth.

• Damon Braces

Damon Braces are a "friction free" alternative to conventional treatment with braces. The do not have any elastic ties and so cause less irritation are more comfortable and provide faster tooth straightening results than treatment with conventional braces.

• Fixed Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic braces are the traditional way that teeth are straightened and are typically associated with young children. Metal wires are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth with brackets. These brackets and wires are progressively tightened over time, which applies gentle pressure to the teeth encouraging them to move into a straighter position. The time taken depends upon how much movement of your teeth is required and your orthodontist or dentist will be able to advise you following an initial examination.

• Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to standard wire braces but they are fitted to the inside (back) surfaces of your teeth and so are not visible from the front. They can be quite uncomfortable and difficult to get accustomed to but provide a perfect solution to straightening your teeth without anyone noticing.

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. And it's been proven effective in both clinical research and in practices nationwide. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners, much like retainers to gradually move your teeth into the proper position. The entire process can take six months to two years. Each aligner is used for two weeks then you move on to the next aligner. Some people use as many as 60 aligners in the course of straightening their teeth. Using impressions of your teeth and computer imaging the aligners are created to precisely and gradually adjust the position of your teeth in very tiny increments, until they reach the proper position.

Benefits of Invisalign

• No embarrassing metal wires
• No metal = less time spent on adjustments
• No one can tell you are straightening your teeth
• Removable, eat and drink what you want while in treatment
• Brushing and Flossing are not a problem

• Porcelain veneers: If you want a quick fix, porcelain veneers are the way to go. A thin shell of porcelain is crafted and bonded to the front of your teeth. Porcelain veneers look and feel like your natural teeth. They can cover several small imperfections at once, making teeth appear straight, covering chips, cracks, and gaps, and are an alternative to whitening. Porcelain veneers are often more appropriate than straightening when teeth appear crooked due to flaws such as chips and gaps.

• Inman Aligner: The Inman aligner is a cross between the invisible braces system and a metal braces system since it is not as "invisible" as invisialign as it has metal components but it relies on a removable aligner that moves the teeth by applying forces to them over time. The advantages over Invisalign are that the Inman aligner is often quicker, only one appliance is required for the entire treatment and it is more affordable.

• Tooth Contouring & Reshaping: One of the few instant and inexpensive procedures cosmetic dentistry offers. This "sculpting" process usually involves a combination of scraping off a portion of the existing tooth enamel and replacing it with bonding or a veneer. Your cosmetic dentist will remove a small amount of enamel using a drill or laser, sculpt the sides of your teeth with abrasive strips, and polish your tooth.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is the process of bleaching your teeth in order to make them whiter. Most likely you've noticed the various teeth whitening products bombarding the market. Although teeth are not naturally meant to be completely white, many people want a brighter smile. Before purchasing any tooth whitener, you should consult your dentist.

Common Teeth-whitening Options

• In-office whitening: In-Office Whitening is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It is safe, effective and very fast. In just one hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. A protective gel, shield or rubber dam is used to protect your gums from the bleaching agent which is usually a form of hydrogen peroxide. A bleaching agent is then applied or "painted" onto your teeth and heat or high-intensity lights used to enhance the whitening process.

• At-home whitening: This is usually done by applying a bleaching solution to a custom-formed mouth guard that is left in the mouth for a specified time.
• Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes contain special chemicals or polishing agents that have additional surface-stain removing properties, but don't alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. If you really want to give your teeth that bright, white glow, you'll have to look elsewhere. Whitening toothpastes are designed to remove surface stains from your teeth. As a result, they may lighten your teeth slightly. However, they cannot change the natural color of your teeth.

To help remove stains, whitening toothpaste may include:

• Special abrasives that gently polish the teeth
• Chemicals, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, that help break down or dissolve stains
• Whitening toothpastes are generally safe for daily use. However, people with tooth or gum sensitivity, or those susceptible to tooth or gum erosion might find some whitening toothpastes too abrasive.
• When buying any toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

If you take care of your teeth daily is a must regardless of the condition of your teeth. Remember to:

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste Floss and clean between your teeth once a day Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist Limit stain-causing drinks such as red wine, tea and coffee Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.

(Sources: youroralhealth.ca, cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk)