The perfect smile enhances your facial features in a harmonious manner. It is important from both an aesthetic as well as functional standpoint. Dentists these days see a vast number of patients seeking smile designing and correction.

3D technology allows us to visualize the ideal smile of a patient before starting the treatment process. The face size, shape, and facial features differ from person to person. Hence the smile design for each person will be unique. There are a number of ways one can attain a better smile.

How can you help yourself?

Dental hygiene comes first and foremost. A regular habit of brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing and use of mouthwash prevents decay and gum disease.

It is also important to visit your dentist for professional cleaning once a year. This reduces tartar accumulation as well as stains on the teeth.

If discolored teeth are your concern, consider a bleaching treatment done from your dentist. It is a temporary measure but effectively whitens your teeth for that 1000 watt smile. It is also useful to refrain from smoking and avoid caffeinated beverages to maintain those pearls.

The celebrity look

Dental veneers are custom made shells which fit right over the original teeth. These veneers are made of porcelain and designed to look flawless and suitable to the patient’s facial structure.

Although it is a big commitment and a little heavy on the pocket, these are dramatically effective in improving facial aesthetics.

Veneers are commonly used by celebrities all over the world.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a process of bleaching your teeth to make them more white and shine brighter. Nowadays bleaching and teeth whitening kits are available where patients can bleach their teeth at home.

Professional bleaching is performed by the dentist which have more stronger and lasting results.

Straightening your teeth

Orthodontics, which is the study of the alignment of teeth is also a huge part of aesthetic dentistry. It is the alignment of the teeth with the help of either metal or ceramic braces.

Recently invisible braces are available wherein a series of transparent trays are used to correct the minor changes in the alignment of the teeth called as clear aligners.

Alignment of the teeth can also be done with braces in adults called adult orthodontics as a smile designing aid. There are many orthodontic appliances available even for adults.

The goal is perfectly aligned teeth with an appropriate bite so that functionality is maintained. No amount of smile correction is worth if the patient isn’t able to chew comfortably.

Gummy smile and Thin lips

Correcting the lips which form the frame of the smile are as important are the correction of the teeth.

Sometimes a person may have a complaint of a ‘gummy smile’ – too much gum is exposed when they smile. There are some minor gum surgeries which can correct this problem in one visit with very good results.

Some dentists and periodontists also recommend botox or other lip fillers as a cosmetic solution to a thin lip line.

Fillings and Missing teeth

Other facets of smile design may include replacing old dark colored fillings with new composite restorations, filling of a broken or chipped tooth.

If a patient has missing teeth, they can be recommended permanent artificial teeth called implants.

Dental imaging technology, study models and cast as well as ‘before and after photos’ help to assess the effectiveness of the smile design. This way your dentist can help you visualize the expected change before the treatments as well as the final result. Adjustments and trials may be required so that the desired effect is achieved.

In this way, smile designing will continue to evolve along with people’s growing concerns with their appearance.