Smiles that Sparkle – Yours Can Too!

By Jill Feilmeier on May 28, 2013 in Just for Kicks

With the invention of the TV came a wave of new social norms. The ease with which so many people gained access to trends and fashion across the country led to nationally accepted appearances.

Did you know, your smile is a casualty of this phenomenon? No longer were healthy teeth acceptable, now they needed to be healthy and attractive!

Of course, stars like Michael Strahan and Madonna go against this grain and so can you. But if you want the toothpaste commercial smile, you have some options.

While cosmetic dentistry can be pricey, it can also be worth it. And with new technology, you can often avoid old school techniques, which, if we are being honest, are one of the main reasons adults decide against things like braces. If you have slightly crooked teeth, there is a new kind of braces in town. Once the topic of unkind names like “metal mouth”, braces have been reinvented and you can now straighten your teeth with nearly invisible braces called Invisalign.

For minor crookedness (no jaw misalignment or other severe corrections), Invisalign straightens teeth using a custom-made series of clear plastic aligners that you simply wear over your teeth. The aligners gradually and gently shift your teeth in place. With no metal brackets and no wires to tighten, Invisalign can help straighten your teeth without the pesky side effects of braces giving you the confident smile you deserve.

Veneers are also all the rage in Hollywood. A veneer is a thin, long-lasting overlay that is placed on the surface of your original tooth. Veneers can be used to whiten yellow teeth, reshape teeth or cover damaged teeth.

Veneers can be made of a variety of materials. The material you choose will depend on the look, the longevity, and, more often than not, the price. You will pay per tooth and as you can probably guess, the price can add up quickly. But don't let the price scare you away from talking to your dentist about veneers. If you are able to get the picture perfect smile you have always wanted, the confidence you will receive is priceless.

The moral of this story is that people are now going to great lengths to get a Hollywood smile. The materialization of these products only goes to show how important people regard their smiles. Keep your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist regularly. And whether your smile is all-natural or it had a little help, you will be ready to flash your grin for any camera!