When most people are meeting someone new for the first time or even just greeting a friend, our natural reaction is to smile. In conjunction, a smile is one of the first things many people notice about a person. People are conscious of this which leads to a lot of anxiety surrounding teeth.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, practically all people in the Untied States, amounting to about 99.7%, believe that someone’s smile is an important social asset; not just for interactions between friends and family, but also in the work environment. Most people want to emanate an atmosphere of hard work and care, attributes that a poor smile does not usually enforce.

Fortunately, there are a large number of techniques that a dentist office can offer for improving one’s smile, including treating discolored, chipped, misshapen, and even missing teeth. Dental cleanings are the most common standard procedures, but advancements in digital technologies have made the other treatments far more accessible for the average person.

Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that can improve the aesthetics of a smile. With it becoming more affordable and easier for any dentist office to perform, the numbers of people opting for this procedure have skyrocketed recently. Teeth whitenings have increased by over 300% just over the past five years.

For those desiring to go a step further, more serious cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to the actual structure of the teeth. Veneers, for example, can be implemented over a ground down tooth to create a sturdy and reliable replacement that will remain looking white for a long time.

Regardless of the procedures you would like performed on your teeth, it is always a good idea to go for a dental exam first in order to consult a professional for their opinion. Visiting the local dentist office could be the first step towards a pearly white smile.