Your smile tells people a lot about you, and sometimes it tells people things you don’t want to know. Luckily, there are ways to overcome that. When you’re looking for ways to make and keep your teeth looking good, you have a lot of option. Consider these five dental care options, and talk with your dentist about which would work best for you.

Professional Cleaning

This is a common procedure that you’ve probably had done plenty of times. At your semi-annual checkup, your dentist will likely have a dental hygienist clean your teeth. To do this, they will remove pockets of debris or inflammation around the teeth or the gum line. This will help to keep your teeth healthy, and it will help to prevent plaque buildup, which not only destroys your teeth over time, but can become unsightly as well.

The hygienist will also use dental tools to clean your teeth and then polish them with a top grade of toothpaste. The cleaning will be completed with thorough flossing to make you look and feel great.

Whitening

One of the most popular dental care services that patients request is teeth whitening. While there are over-the-counter products that let you brighten your teeth at home, the dentist’s office can provide a professional treatment that takes only minutes and immediately improves the appearance of your smile. White teeth are one of easiest and most common ways to get a youthful and more attractive look.

Orthodontics

Braces used to just be something for kids and teenagers, but these days, many adults are getting braces and aligners to straighten their teeth. Part of this growth may be the growing popularity of different options. You can get traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners. The style you choose will depend on cost, the amount of time you want to spend caring for them, and your aesthetic preferences.

Tooth Repair

If you have teeth that are tilted or crooked, you may be referred to an orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation. However, your dentist may be able to repair minor tooth chips or cracks to keep your teeth strong and healthy, and to prevent further damage. Kids who lose a tooth due to a sports injury may be able to have it re-implanted if the tooth is quickly retrieved and kept in a small container of milk or a milk-soaked cloth while arranging an emergency dental visit. Missing teeth can lead to an unsightly smile, so keeping them together if possible is optimum.

Veneers

You may be a candidate for dental veneers, which help to protect your teeth while enhancing their overall appeal. Ask the dentist if you qualify for this type of treatment, which can preserve the integrity of your teeth and make your smile look better than ever. A tooth’s enamel is scraped to remove flaws, and then the dentist attaches a ceramic shell to make teeth look their best. You can also get a clip-on veneer that does not require a dental procedure.

Dental Implants

If you have missing or severely damaged teeth, either from age or injury, dental implants may be a good option for you. These look and act like your own teeth and won’t require any special care or treatment. They’re also very durable and will last you years, even a lifetime depending on your dental hygiene and the placement of the tooth.

Your teeth play an important role in how you look. For many, it’s one of the first things they notice about a person. Give yours high-quality dental care to ensure they last a long time and continue to work efficiently while making your smile great.