It may be hard to believe, but we’re about ready to start a new year. For many people, the beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and an excellent time to make positive changes. If you’d like to start the New Year off right, we have a suggestion for you: how about celebrating it with a brand new smile!

That may sound strange, but it’s all based on scientific facts. Numerous studies conducted over the past several years have shown that having an attractive smile boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel more confident about your place in the world. Not only that, other people react more positively to a person with a beautiful smile. If you think an attractive smile is out reach for you, we have more good news: several modern dental procedures make it easy for almost anyone to enjoy all the benefits of a nice smile. Here are three procedures that can work wonders for yours:

  • Porcelain veneers – The word “porcelain” may conjure up images of delicate china, but the truth is that dental porcelain is an extremely strong and durable material. Porcelain veneers consist of an very thin layer of this material that is applied directly over the surface of your existing teeth. Veneers are an excellent way to repair teeth that are chipped, uneven or discolored. The end result is stunning – an absolutely beautiful, picture-perfect smile! Better still, the procedure for having porcelain veneers is simple, fast, and virtually pain-free. The porcelain material is not only strong, but long-lasting as well. Veneers usually last at least 7 years, and often much longer if they’re well maintained.
  • Dental bonding – This is another excellent way to achieve a beautiful smile. Similar to porcelain veneers, bonding is a great way to repair teeth that have minor damage, such as chips, cracks, stains, or teeth that have wide gaps in between or are uneven in length. Bonding is different than porcelain veneers in that it can become stained over time. It is also not quite as durable as the porcelain material, so it can chip if you’re not careful. Still, bonding is an excellent choice for some people. The process in bonding is also very fast and easy, usually requiring just a single trip to the dentist office.
  • Whitening – For some people, getting a beautiful smile is simply a matter of improving their teeth just as they are. If you want to see a marked change for the better in the appearance of your smile, consider professional whitening services provided by your dentist. Unlike over-the-counter products, which often produce less-than-spectacular results, professional whitening products provided by your dentist will brighten and whiten your smile in ways that you might have never believed possible!

The New Year is almost here. What better way to welcome it than with a brand new smile? Call your dentist today to see if one of these methods will work for you.