What do smiling and eating 2,000 candy bars have in common?

Turns out, they both release the same amount of brain stimulation, according to British researchers.

You know that instant mood boost you get when you smile? Turns out, there’s science behind that! Research shows that the simple act of smiling releases feel-good endorphins that instantly elevate your mood.

It sounds simple, but if you’re less than confident about your smile, you might not be too eager to try this experiment.

The good news? A simple dental exam is all it takes to start you down the path to a brighter grin. Whether you’re in need of whitening services, cosmetic dentistry or a host of other services, your trusted West Ealing dentist will be able to point you in the right direction.

Today, we’re discussing a few routes you can take in your quest to find a beaming smile that skyrockets your self-confidence. Your dentist might not approve of you eating 2,000 candy bars, but will be glad to see you come in for a visit!

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Learn about Dental Implants

Do you find yourself forcing a closed-mouth smile in family photos because you’re missing one or more teeth? If so, know that you’re not alone. Studies show that the average Briton is missing 6.97 teeth. Thankfully, help is only a comprehensive dental exam away.

Dental implants are an ideal way to mask any imperfections and get back the smile you’re seeking. If you’ve been wearing older model dentures for a while, you know that not only do they feel uncomfortable and unnatural, but they can also throw off your bite. You may also notice irritation or oral sores around the area.

Conversely, a dental implant is a titanium fixture that your dental surgeon will implant into your jawbone. As it is bio-compatible, the implant will integrate with your jawbone, creating the perfect base for a prosthetic tooth. Whether you require a crown, a bridge, a stabilised denture or a full set of teeth, your dentist will take impressions to guarantee a proper fit.

You’ll notice right away that your biting pressure is regulated, irritation is reduced and eating and speaking are much easier. A terse smirk in that special photograph? Not anymore! You’ll be ready to flash your straight, pearly whites at anyone who asks!

2. Whiten Your Teeth

Even if you have all of your teeth and they’re as straight as possible, you might still be dissatisfied with their colour. Over time, common culprits including tea, coffee, soda, wine and cigarettes can turn our megawatt smiles yellow.

Your dentist can take a mould of your teeth, then provide you with an at-home treatment that includes a set of trays and whitening gel. In less than two weeks, you’ll notice a marked difference in the shade of your teeth.

Not only is this treatment non-invasive and safe, but it’s also simple to use and easy to do from the comfort of your own home. Cue up a great television show, then sit back and relax while you actively brighten your look!

3. Perfect Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Is your smile a little crooked or chipped? As we age, our teeth are exposed to surfaces and situations that can wear them down. Fixing them doesn’t require a lengthy and complicated procedure. Rather, simple porcelain veneers are often all that is needed!

Designed to work as a false fingernail for your teeth, these veneers aren’t too strong on their own, but once they’re professionally bonded to your teeth, they turn into superheroes.

In most cases, your dentist will remove a small, one-millimetre section off the front surface of your teeth, then go over them with the veneers.

In turn, your smile is not only brightened. It’s also made straighter. Veneers can help remove spaces between teeth, realign any crooked areas and resize any spots that need it. In other words, they perfect any problem areas and give you an instant morale boost!

4. Research Orthodontic Options

You might know that braces can help straighten your teeth. Yet, did you also know they can help with a range of health problems, as well? Misaligned teeth and orthodontic issues can lead to complications with your adenoids and tonsils. When these areas are affected, you could also experience issues with snoring, sleep apnea, middle ear infections and more.

As such, you might be interested in learning more about braces. You can start this journey at your next dental screening, where your dentist can determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure.

If so, you’ll usually complete the process in two phases. Under Phase 1, your jaws will be aligned away from their opposing positions and into balance. Then, in Phase 2, you’ll use braces to realign your teeth.

Depending on your individual case, you can opt for metal braces or Invisalign. The latter is a revolutionary procedure that relies on a series of plastic, clear aligners that are virtually undetectable. After a series of exam images and impressions, you’ll be all set with aligner trays that fit your busy lifestyle.

5. Reverse Your Gum Disease

Your teeth are only one part of your smile. Your gums are the other. Healthy gums are the trademark of a radiant grin, but if yours are plagued with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, you may be embarrassed to show them.

That’s where gum treatments come in. At your routine oral examination, your dentist will be able to detect any early warning signs of periodontal disease. From inflamed gums to mouth sores, there is a range of symptoms you could exhibit.

Though it is a serious and widespread issue, gum disease is treatable in most cases. First, your hygienist will provide a thorough cleaning to prep your mouth for the next steps. Then, you’ll receive a comprehensive plan of care to get your gums back on track.

If you require advanced care, surgery or laser treatment is available to correct and reverse any disease progression.

6. Get Fitted for a Dental Crown

If you’ve ever bitten down hard on a piece of food and felt your tooth crack or break, you know that’s a feeling you never forget. Of course, external forces aren’t the only reason why your tooth might be missing a piece.

If you’ve recently undergone a root canal treatment or required a large filling to replace a decayed portion of your tooth, you’ll also require a “cap” on top to bring your tooth back to working condition. The same goes for those who suffer from bruxism or grinding their teeth.

You need a solution that is both cosmetic and functional in nature. This is known as a crown and the process can usually be completed in one day! While porcelain veneers are designated for purely aesthetic applications, crowns serve a more operational purpose. They’re designed to restore broken teeth, close gaps, improve bites, and strengthen your teeth.

This kind of dental work is known as restorative dentistry and lives up to its name. With a crown, you’ll not only get your smile back, but your quality of life will be renewed, as well.

7. Find Your Ideal Dentures

Losing your teeth is one thing. Leaving your smile halfway full is another. Dentures are removable, false teeth that fit seamlessly into your mouth to give the appearance of a full set of teeth.

While you might think that dentures are only for looks, consider their health impact as well. Yes, missing teeth cause your facial muscles to sag, which instantly ages you. However, if you leave a space in your mouth for too long, eventually the teeth around the gap become strained. In response, they shift away from their original position.

Dentures, which consist of both prosthetic teeth and gums, can aid in your appearance and make simple actions such as chewing and talking, easier than ever. Whether you require a full set or a partial one, your dentist will be able to walk you through the steps to ensure the fit is perfect.

As far as fit and comfort go, these aren’t your grandfather’s dentures. Rather, technological advances have made it possible for us to create dentures that look as natural as they feel.

8. Come Home with a Mouthguard

Are your kids playing sports? If there is any chance for a human, ball or other apparatus to come into contact with your child, you’ll need him or her to wear a mouthguard.

This isn’t just smart parenting. It can also help prevent devastating injury from occurring to your child’s still-developing mouth. The same goes for adults who choose to engage in contact sports that could cause mouth trauma. Keeping your smile bright and healthy starts with keeping it protected, so take this step seriously.

While you could buy a standard mouthguard at the store, understand that it won’t be custom-fitted to your specifications. No one has a mouth that is shaped identically to yours. That means there is no way to get a proper seal and the protection you need unless your dentist creates a mouthguard tailored just for you.

With this specialized piece of protective equipment, you can hit the hockey rink, cricket field or basketball court in confidence, knowing your precious teeth aren’t at risk.

9. Undergo Root Canal Therapy

It’s hard to smile proudly when you’re in a world of pain. If you suffer from sensitive teeth or a toothache you just can’t shake, you may need to visit your dentist for a root canal.

Though they’re often portrayed as painful procedures to avoid, the reality is that a root canal can restore your health and improve your outlook. This can also be an ideal time for your dentist to help restore your teeth that may be on the brink of extraction.

If your teeth are discoloured, achy and sensitive, you may need this treatment to repair damage to your root canal. It can prevent the infection from spreading to adjacent teeth and offer you the relief you need to live better and smile more widely.

10. Book an oral health appointment with a Hygienist

Turns out, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Regular checkups at your dentist’s office can help prevent a host of dental issues and keep your smile in tip-top shape. Your hygienist can remove built-up plaque and tartar, then brush and polish your teeth to ensure your enamel stays strong.

At your visit, you will also learn proactive ways to floss and brush better to maintain optimal oral health. If your hygienist notices any issues that need to be addressed, they will be spotted and discussed at this time.

Visit us for a dental exam and assessment of all your tereatment options today

Do you live near Ealing, West London? If so, we’d love to be your go-to stop for routine and advanced dental services.

Our team at Stunning Smile & Skin offers a comprehensive approach to dentistry designed to meet any need. From general cleaning to cosmetic procedures and oral surgeries, we have the trained and qualified staff ready to handle any demand.

Conveniently located, you can visit us from the Ealing train station in only one minute via car, or four minutes on foot. We are also located near the Ealing Broadway Train/underground station for added access.

Once you arrive for your dental exam, you’ll have your choice of three car parks near the clinic, depending on your location and direction.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact your Ealing dentist today. We offer refundable* consultations for cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers and more, as well as affordable payment plans of 0% interest for 12 months.

Come to visit us and see what we can do for you. We can’t wait to put a smile on your face!