Get your teeth into a whiter, brighter smile

SMILE and the whole world smiles with you. But yellow, missing or wonky teeth can make you look much older and feel very uncomfortable.

A celeb smile doesn't necessarily mean a Hollywood price tag and lots of procedures are available to help you get the most out of your pearly whites.

Anti-ageing "teeth-overs" are the quickest way to shed the years and change your image.

Celebrity dentist Tariq Idris says: "Teeth are an important part of the face, even when your mouth is closed.

"They maintain the surrounding bone which in turn supports the face and lips. Losing your teeth leads to sagging skin and excessive wrinkles. Whiter teeth are a sign of youth whereas worn and discoloured teeth imply an older age."

Here is a round-up of a selection of dental procedures guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

 

WHITE FILLINGS

AN unsightly mouthful of black fillings will darken any smile.

They create the illusion of missing teeth and dull the colour of white enamel to a murky grey. The easiest way to lift your teeth is to replace them with sparkly white fillings.

For roughly £50 each your mercury fillings can be replaced with a kinder and safer option made of composite. Prices start at £45.60 at an NHS practice. Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Private treatment costs from £75.

BONDING

COSMETIC bonding is a great way to close gaps, smooth chips and conceal discoloration without resorting to pricey veneers.

The treatment is usually completed in one session. Some clinics use computer imaging so you can see how it will look before you go ahead.

Bonding requires artistic skill and not all dentists are good at it. Some cosmetic dentists will have undertaken extensive training in dental bonding.

Be sure to ask your dentist what experience they have and if you can see photos of their previous work.

Bonding costs from £250 per tooth at a private practice or from £45.60 on the NHS.

HOME WHITENING

WHITENING toothpastes work well at removing stains rather than bleaching your teeth like a pricey treatment.

They keep plaque at bay and brighten teeth after a few uses.

We like Arm & Hammer Advanced Whitening toothpaste (£2.49, Boots nationwide). It contains baking soda, which is proven to blitz stains.

Tariq says: "All whitening toothpastes work effectively."

BOTOX SMILE

WHILE smiling is an expression of happiness for most people, those whose gums stand out more than their smile often feel self-conscious. Thankfully, gummy smile reduction is now possible, simple and effective. A non-surgical approach - injecting small amounts of Botox into the hyperactive muscle of the upper lip - will give you a smile that is natural and carefree.


This simple procedure will weaken the hyperactive muscles and reduce the elevation of your upper lip, thereby reducing your gummy smile.

The alternative is a surgical reduction of the lip tissue inside the mouth, called "lip lowering", but this is more invasive and costly at around £1,200


The treatment, costing from £250, is available in London, Chester and Leeds. Call 0800 085 0027 or see

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