Dental Procedures That Will Give You a Beautiful Smile

Next to good hygiene, having nice teeth is consistently rated as the most attractive feature of a man. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry is an option for those of us who weren’t blessed with perfect teeth. Dental procedures aren’t cheap, but you can’t put a price on a perfect smile. When people around you start to compliment your teeth, your confidence will go through the roof. I promise, fixing your teeth is worth every penny.

Let this article be your starting point. Research each option before deciding on a cosmetic dental procedure that might be right for you. After you’ve done your research, consult with your dentist to find out if that procedure is a good fit in your situation.

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1. Teeth Whitening

If nothing else, having white teeth is an absolute must. Teeth whitening uses a peroxide ingredient that is used to bleach teeth to make them lighter. It will remove discoloration due to coffee stains, wine, and food accumulated over the years. Depending on your level of discoloration, it might take multiple treatments to see results. It’s also important that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening, so consult with your dentist before starting treatment.

There are a number of affordable options if you don’t want professional treatments. Each has their pros and cons. I personally recommend teeth whitening strips, in-office bleaching, or a teeth whitening LED light kit. Feel free to try out different treatments and decide which is best for you.

These are the seven most effective teeth whitening treatments:

• Teeth whitening strips
• Teeth whitening trays and gels
• Teeth whitening pens
• Teeth whitening toothpaste
• Teeth whitening LED light kit
• In-office bleaching (dentist)
• Natural whitening methods

See our article, 7 Most Effective Teeth Whitening Treatments, for an in-depth look at each type of treatment.

Image credit: NutraManix

2. Teeth Shaping

Teeth shaping is the process of filing tooth enamel to shape and smooth out uneven areas. For example, canine teeth that are too pointy can be shaved down to give them a more natural appearance. This is a minor procedure that can be done quickly. You might even request it during a routine teeth cleaning.

3. Dental Bonding

If you have chips, cracks, or gaps in between teeth, dental bonding is the solution for you. Tooth bonding involves your dentist applying a tooth-colored resin to repair damaged areas. It can also be used to fill gaps in between teeth.

Your dentist will first use a shade guide to match the color of your teeth. Next, they’ll apply a liquid and resin molded to the desired shape. After the resin hardens, they’ll touch it up and shave off any uneven areas.

You may notice a slight discoloration to the molded area at first. This is because it’s hard to match the shade of your teeth perfectly. Don’t worry, the mold will eventually color or whiten to blend in naturally with your teeth. It might take a couple months though.

I’ve personally had this procedure done to fill a gap in between my teeth. The process took about two hours. Luckily, the dentist had a TV with Netflix on the ceiling. Bonus Tip: See a dentist with TVs on the ceiling.

4. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that are placed over an entire tooth. They are made of porcelain, stainless steel, resin, or a combination of metals and porcelain.

Dental crowns are used to:

• Replace a broken tooth
• Protect a decaying tooth
• Restore a cracked or damaged tooth
• Cover a discolored tooth
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Cover a dental implant

5. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front of teeth. A veneer is like a jacket that covers a raggedy old t-shirt. It will improve the outer appearance of teeth that have been chipped, broken, or discolored. Porcelain veneers are the most popular type. They are fairly expensive, but look great if done correcly.

6. Dental Implants

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that serves as an artificial tooth and root. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and fuses over the span of a few months.

This newer option is a preferred alternative to replacing teeth with bridges or dentures. Dental implants aren’t cheap, so consult with your dentist to make sure it’s your best option.

7. Braces

Having straight teeth is arguably more important than having white teeth. I feel like you should have both. If you weren’t fortunate enough to have braces as a kid, don’t worry. Adults wearing braces is a lot more common these days. No one should judge you for trying to improve your appearance. Plus, having braces is temporary. You’ll be able to flash that beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

First, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. They will make an evaluation and recommend a treatment that is best for you. Be sure to ask about the receptionist about insurance coverage. Braces are really expensive, so you don’t want to pay for the entire treatment out-of-pocket.

Braces can be a bit painful at first, but you’ll get used to it. You’ll go in every month to get your wires tightened. This slowly pushes your teeth to their correct positions. The pain is a good thing since you know your teeth are moving in the right direction. While you’re wearing braces, remember to brush and floss regularly. It’s easy for food particles to get trapped in between wires and metal. Most importantly, neglecting your dental care may lead to unintended consequences such as stained teeth. Once your braces are removed, you don’t want to have the equivalent of a farmers tan on your teeth.

8. Clear Braces

Today, wearing clear braces or invisible braces is the most popular option for adults with crooked teeth. Companies such as Invisalign and Smile Direct Club have taken the market by storm. There are a number of factors that you need to consider before deciding on this type of treatment. Cost, effectiveness, and appearance need to be weighed carefully. You not only need to choose between companies, but also evaluate the benefits and drawbacks compared to regular braces.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Clear aligners are cheaper than metal braces from an orthodontist, but you’ll still pay $2,000 – $7,000 total. The overall cost for Invisalign or Smile Direct Club depends on the duration of your treatment. If you have really crooked teeth, you’ll need to wear your clear braces for at least 24 months. Many insurance companies will cover part of the cost — some paying as much as $3,500 of your total bill. There are cheaper options than Invisalign or Smile Direct Club, but the quality of those companies is up for debate.

*Handbook of Man is not affiliated in any way with Invisalign or Smile Direct Club. The pricing provided is for informational purposes only.

Invisalign Pricing

The cost of Invisalign is unique to your situation. You’ll take an assessment and receive a quote based on your recommended plan. The pricing breakdown below is an example:

Visit Invisalign for more information.

Smile Direct Club Pricing

Smile Direct Club has a fixed price of $1,895. There is also a payment plan option for $85/month.

Visit Smile Direct Club for more information.

Are clear braces right for me?

Clear braces benefit your smile by giving your teeth a natural appearance. Instead of a mouth full of metal, you’ll have a clear plastic tray that fits snugly over your teeth. They aren’t quite as effective as traditional braces, but you won’t be as self-conscious about your teeth when you’re talking to people.

I suggest reading reviews on different companies before you make a decision. I’ve had a couple friends complain about product quality and customer service at one of the big brands. If you want something that’s guaranteed to work, go with traditional braces.

Summary

These are the types of dental procedures that will fix your teeth and give you a beautiful smile:

• Teeth Whitening
• Teeth Shaping
• Dental Bonding
• Dental Crowns
• Veneers
• Dental Implants
• Braces
• Clear Braces

I hope this article taught you about the different options available. Remember, the ultimate course of action will be decided by your dentist. Don’t take dental hygiene for granted, it’s important for more than just your health. Lastly, remember to smile.

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About The Author

As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.