Changes you can make to your dental routine for a better, healthier smile

When Michael Gulizio and Steven Cordoves, co-founders of the New York dental practice, Core Smiles, reopened after lockdown, they had their work cut out for them. Patients came in with problems ranging from gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease), which can be a result of missed cleanings, to complaints of teeth grinding, a result of pandemic-related stress. Of course, some people just wanted to feel better about their smiles. “Now that we’re always staring at ourselves on-screen, we’re more aware of our appearance, including our teeth,” says Cordoves. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 21 per cent increase in mentions of dental-care products on Twitter. (“Mask breath” is a concern, per market-research firm NetBase Quid.) If improving your smile is on your list, read on for changes you can make—big or small. 

(RE)MASTER THE BASICS 
“The biggest mistake people make when it comes to their teeth? Not flossing,” says cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg of New York’s Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor. “There isn’t one miracle product that would replace this step.” Flossing removes buildup, harmful bacteria, and plaque that can cause bad breath, and it helps prevent gingivitis, the breakdown of tooth enamel, and, in extreme cases, bone loss around the teeth. Also, pay attention to subconscious behaviours like nighttime grinding, which can lead to tooth fractures or aggravate TMJ (which causes pain in the bone, muscles, and connective tissues around the jaw). If that’s an issue, Cordoves recommends investing in a night guard that’s been moulded by a dentist, ensuring a perfect fit. 

BRIGHTEN UP
For a whiter smile, Lowenberg loves Zoom! Power Whitening treatment, an in-office service that uses high-intensity LED and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. To prevent sensitivity, brush with Sensodyne for at least a week before and after the procedure. Still, keep expectations in check: Everyone has a natural limit to how bright their teeth can get. Before investing in a pro treatment, try Crest 3DWhitestrips Professional Effects. Used for 30 minutes a day over the course of 20 days, these strips impart a mild but prolonged dose of hydrogen peroxide to gradually lift stains. A gentler option: Vardis Aletsch whitening serum, which uses natural mineral crystals to brighten without hydrogen peroxide. 

GET IN LINE
For years, the gold standard for getting a straighter smile—without traditional braces—has been Invisalign. The clear aligner trays that slowly shift teeth require dedication since users wear them for around 20 hours a day for six to 18 months. While cheaper direct-to-consumer options are popping up, be sure to work with a dentist if going this route. “The most important part of any type of aligner treatment is making sure the patient has good periodontal health, and these products often don’t take that into consideration,” says Gulizio. 

GLEAM ON 
A dramatic way to alter the look of your teeth is porcelain veneers, thin layers of a ceramic that are adhesively bonded to the front of them. A full set can be completed in as little as two visits. Gaps and differently shaped teeth make for signature smiles, but for those who want an adjustment, veneers can address misalignment and discolouration and completely change the shape of teeth. While veneers once had a reputation for looking like Chiclets, the most realistic versions now are handmade out of feldspathic porcelain. “Feldspathic veneers are far more translucent than pressed ceramic veneers and reflect the light,” says Lowenberg.

This piece originally appeared in the April 2022 print edition of Harper's USA.

Feature Image: Pinterest
Image: Pinterest