Great teeth are important for a good smile, but you may not feel confident about your smile if your teeth are chipped, discoloured or decayed. Thankfully, dental procedures can correct these issues and increase your self-confidence. There’s a wide range of replacement or restorative measures that dentists can carry out on teeth. With that said, here are the top five ways to improve your smile including budget-friendly options.
- Veneers
Veneers are popular cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your smile. Cosmetic dentists usually bond a custom-designed porcelain or composite shell to the front of your teeth. Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing your dentition. They are also great options if you want to regain confidence in your smile without resorting to dramatic changes like braces or crowns.
The icing on the cake is that the veneers resist stains and wear, so you can trust them to retain their beauty for years.
- Teeth whitening
Whitening teeth through cosmetic dentistry procedures will help you achieve a brighter and better smile. Licensed cosmetic dentists can perform this procedure, so keep this in mind.
To save money you can use an at-home teeth whitening kit to brighten your teeth, but ensure you purchase them from credible brands. Unlocking an amazing smile is easier with teeth whitening.
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- Invisalign
A lot of people complain about crooked teeth ruining their smiles. Conventional braces may offer solutions to misaligned teeth; however, the metal brackets and wires may create discomfort.
Invisalign is a practical alternative to straighten teeth without the added discomfort braces bring. Dentists can fit clear plastic aligners over your teeth to keep them in a good position. Moreover, you can switch aligners weekly until you achieve straighter teeth. One extra benefit of Invisalign is you don’t lose your ability to enjoy your favourite food during treatment.
Most Invisalign treatments in the UK fall within the range of £1,500 to £5,500. If you opt for Invisalign Express, the cost might be as low as £1,300. (Smileprep)
- Dental crowns
Those with badly damaged or disclosed teeth may be tempted to give up their smile. However, they only need sprucing to shine again. Dental crowns, also called caps, can cover the visible part of your teeth, giving them brand-new surfaces. Consider these innovative restorations to beautify and strengthen damaged teeth. If you have healthy roots, you are a good candidate to use dental crowns to improve your smile. A damaged tooth doesn’t have to ruin your looks.
- Implants
Dental implants are restorative treatment procedures to replace missing teeth. Dentists can insert metal posts into your jawbone to support artificial teeth. Implants provide good solutions for people who have lost teeth due to diseases or genetic defects. Most implants are made of titanium; they can fuse with your natural bone with time to create a platform for future attachment of crowns.
NHS Dentist Costs
NHS dental costs vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. Here’s a breakdown of the charges (2023):
- Band 1: This covers basic dental care, including examinations, diagnosis, and advice. The cost is £25.80.
- Band 2: This includes everything in Band 1, plus additional treatments like fillings, extractions, and root canal work. The cost is £70.70.
- Band 3: This covers all the treatments in Bands 1 and 2, as well as more complex procedures like crowns, dentures, and bridges. The cost is £306.80. (NHS Dental Choices)
Keep in mind that these charges apply unless you fall into a group eligible for free NHS dental work.
You’re eligible for free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive any of the following low-income benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (in certain circumstances)
Additionally, you can receive free NHS dental treatment if you’re named on:
- A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- A valid HC2 certificate (available for people on a low income)
- A valid maternity exemption certificate
- An NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3)
Your smile is an inexpensive way to brighten your face while encouraging people to approach you. But poor dentition may discourage you from smiling. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to go on forever- innovations in dentistry have brought about many solutions to your oral problems. You can consider one of the procedures discussed above for the best results.
