5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile This Year


Some New Year’s resolutions have clear steps. If your goal is to complete a course at school, you can sign up, attend classes, and study. If you aspire to become physically stronger, you can start lifting weights. But if you’re someone looking to debut an improved smile, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry — that’s where we come in. In this piece, we’ll give you 5 easy ways you can improve your smile this year. With a road map to a better smile, you can confidently take your first step towards the new you. 

Clear aligner treatment 

Everyone’s smile is different, so everyone’s steps to improving their smile will also be different. That said, many people aspire to have an aligned smile. Straightening your smile used to be a major undertaking — a task that wasn’t likely to be completed in under a year. Thankfully, the industry has evolved to make clear aligner treatment more affordable, convenient and manageable. How? At-home clear aligners. These treatments eliminate the need for in-person appointments and can therefore be completed from the comfort of your home. Which saves you from time-consuming appointments that turn your schedule upside down.

At-home clear aligners work best for people with mild to moderate conditions. Since these products treat slightly simpler cases than traditional options, they usually take less time to complete. These options can deliver results in an average of six months, so you’re likely to debut your new smile before the year ends. 

Consider a night guard

Bruxism is a condition where you clench or grind your teeth, often without realizing it. Night guards are clear, retainer-like trays worn overnight to prevent grinding and clenching. The trays act as a barrier between your dental arches to minimize the damage of bruxism. Not everyone needs a night guard, but if you think you might be a candidate be sure to inquire with your dentist at your next cleaning. Your dentist can’t exactly witness you sleep, so instead, they’ll examine your teeth to see if there is evidence of clenching or grinding. You can purchase a night guard through your dentist, or through reputable online retailers. If you do experience bruxism, this can help reduce damage from grinding and clenching in the long run. 

Wear a retainer

If you complete orthodontic treatments like at-home clear aligners, the best way to keep your freshly aligned smile intact is by wearing aftercare retainers. This is a crucial step because without a retainer your teeth will gradually move out of alignment. Your provider will give you specific wear guidelines, but generally, you’ll be asked to wear your retainers full-time for several weeks or months, then overnight indefinitely. People often get lax with their retainer wear for one reason or another, but it’s important you keep this habit going. Teeth can shift back even years after treatment is completed. 

Whitening treatments 

Not everyone is interested in taking on a commitment like orthodontic treatment. Thankfully, there are numerous other ways to improve your smile. Whitening treatments are a quick and easy way to give yourself a smile makeover.

Whitening treatments run the gamut. There are in-person treatments that you can get from your dentist and at-home kits you can do on your own. The main difference between these methods is that home kits use a lower concentration of peroxide. Another huge difference is that at-home kits can be highly affordable, making these treatments accessible to more people.

There’s a whitening option out there for practically every set of priorities. Beyond just the basic consumer preferences of affordability and convenience, teeth whitening kits are also available for more niche concerns like tooth sensitivity or environmental consciousness. Whatever your particular set of needs or values, there’s a whitening kit out there for you. 

Maintain excellent oral hygiene 

Look, we get it — maintaining your oral hygiene, including regular teeth cleaning, may not be the flashiest tip on this list. But your oral hygiene is the crucial foundation that makes all these other options possible. Without healthy teeth and gums, it’s risky to undergo treatments like orthodontia or whitening.

So be sure to stay on top of your oral hygiene. What do we mean by that? Brush your teeth twice each day and floss daily. And don’t forget to attend your twice yearly dental cleanings. Some people delay their dental cleanings because of price. Thankfully, there are ways to make this expense more approachable. Research dental colleges in your area, since these schools often offer significant savings on their services. There you can get your cleaning done safely and professionally, without the added expense that comes with attending an established dental practice.

Conclusion

There are seemingly endless ways to improve your smile, but by exploring these five paths to smile improvement, you may be able to set yourself up for a great year of smiling.