5 Tips to step into spring with a confident smile

With spring edging its way towards us, many are beginning to entertain thoughts of ditching the winter clothes and expressing themselves as they embrace the season of rebirth. But if you are one of the many UK adults who are unhappy about their smile, perhaps you need a little help to put the spring back into your step. Here are some top tips to help you transform your smile – and your life – this spring.

Mouth conscious? You are not alone

Are you embarrassed by your smile? Do you ever wish you could feel better about yourself when speaking in public, appearing in photos or even just going about your everyday business? If this sounds familiar, you’ll be glad to know you are not alone. The UK’s Oral Health Foundation reports that over 50% of British adults feel conscious of their smile, while only 29% of the adult population are comfortable posing for a photograph with an open-mouth smile. Luckily, help is at hand.

1. Visit the dentist regularly

It may seem counter-intuitive, but one of the simplest ways to feel better about your smile is to visit the dentist regularly. A recent survey conducted by the Oral Health Foundation sheds light on why this may be the case:

• 36% of Brits do not visit the dentist because of money worries
• 11% of the British public are not registered with a dentist
• 16% of Brits only go to the dentist when they have a problem
• 8% of adults in the UK only visit the dentist when they are in pain 
• 6% of adults in the UK admit they never visit the dentist 
• 11% of UK adults don’t think they need to go to the dentist

The fact is, ensuring you visit your dentist regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as ensure that any issues are dealt with at the earliest stage. This will prevent the need for undesirable treatments such as fillings and even tooth removals. It is also worth noting that regular visits to the dentist play an important role in detecting mouth cancer, which now affects over 8,000 people in the UK every year.

Interestingly, new research has also identified links between gum disease and those suffering from sadness, helplessness and other symptoms of depression. Regular check-ups can therefore also help with your overall sense of wellbeing.

2. Choose white fillings

Despite significant improvements in dental care, many UK adults still require fillings at some point in their life. If you do require a filling, however, it doesn’t have to affect your confidence. White fillings are a great alternative and can dramatically improve how you feel about your smile. 

If you have had amalgam fillings in the past and are unhappy with their appearance, it is worth speaking to an experienced dentist about whether or not it is possible to have them replaced. This is not always possible and in some cases, an alternative such as crowns and inlays may be more suitable, but your dentist will be happy to discuss your tooth repair options. 

3. Get dental implants fitted

If missing teeth are having an impact on your confidence, then dental implants may be the perfect solution for you. They are suitable for almost every patient, no matter what the cause of your missing teeth, and provide a permanent solution that looks and feels just like your natural teeth. Unlike dental bridges and crowns, dental implants do not rely on your remaining healthy teeth for support. Dental implants can be used to replace anything from a single missing tooth to a complete arch, and can also be used for patients who have previously used dentures but would like to explore alternative solutions.

Dental implant treatment is virtually pain-free, with results that will transform not just your smile, but also your life – as any of our satisfied patients would be happy to testify.

4. Get your teeth whitened

A surprising number of UK adults are unhappy about their smile due to the colour of their teeth, especially with age. There are many factors that can cause your smile to lose its sparkle. Your teeth naturally lose their whiteness with age, while factors such as lifestyle and diet also play a big role. Luckily, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to restore your teeth back to the colour you desire and reinvigorate your smile.

Whether you want to feel better about yourself on a daily basis or are thinking of having your teeth whitened for a special occasion such as a holiday, wedding or party, or even a career opportunity, our professional treatment can help you to get your dream smile safely and comfortably in the privacy of your own home.

5. Get your teeth straightened

Many adults in the UK suffer from crooked or gapped teeth, and people often do not realise that it is never too late to get this corrected. If you find yourself turning away when the photographer says, “cheese” or hiding your smile in company, we have plenty of options.

Six Month Smiles is a short-term brace system ideal for crowded front teeth. It’s a fixed brace made of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that are less noticeable than a standard metal brace. Six Month Smiles uses low forces, and patients find it more comfortable than traditional braces. Plus, treatment time is very short – four to nine months with an average of six months for most patients.

Another option is Invisalign or Smilelign clear aligners, which are a highly effective way for adults to straighten their teeth. The treatment consists of you wearing a clear aligner all day, only taking it out for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth. As the aligners are removable and comfortable, they suit most lifestyles. You will receive a new aligner every 2 weeks, which will gently guide your teeth into their new position. We also offer the Inman Aligner, a specially designed removable brace that aligns teeth quickly and effectively.

Get in touch with one of our specialists today and we will be happy to arrange a consultation to allow us to find the best solution for your needs. 

Say hello to a new smile

No matter how complex your dental needs, here at Stella Maris Dental, we are confident that we can restore your confidence and leave you with a smile you’ll want to share with the world. We’ve helped thousands of patients over the years and enjoy a reputation for excellent, pain-free dentistry.