The dating game can be a frustrating affair if you are not sufficiently prepared beforehand. For example, it pays to know a little about your date before the big day, just in case conversation is hard to come by. Your appearance is also important, but you already knew that. However, did you know that 67 percent of people are put off having a second date with you if they consider your teeth to be in some way unattractive?
If you are currently single or trying to woo the man or woman of your dreams, you could increase your chances considerably by improving the quality of your smile. After all, it is often that first moment, that first smile, that ignites the spark of attraction between two people.
Here are five dental treatments; from simple to advanced, that you can take advantage of to increase your chances of finding a partner.
Cleaning and Scaling for Teeth with Tartar Deposits
Tartar forms when plaque, a biofilm on teeth that contains millions of microbes, is allowed to build up due to poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush or floss your teeth at least twice a day, you can probably feel this thin biofilm on your teeth with the tip of your tongue.
Plaque, if left to grow unchecked, will soon form into tartar, a hard substance which clings to teeth. Tartar is not only unsightly, it also causes tooth decay.
If your smile suffers from too much tartar, schedule a cleaning before any further dates. The procedure is painless and once done your smile will be infinitely more charming.
Teeth Whitening for Discoloured Teeth
Discoloured teeth are a turn off for many people. It also isn't a good idea to hide your teeth by limiting your smile. Before your next date, schedule a laser whitening session with your dentist. After applying a gel to your teeth that contains hydrogen peroxide, your dentist will use a laser to activate the whitening process.
Within 30 minutes, your smile will be transformed into one that you will be more than willing to show off on a date.
Deep Cleaning for Bad Breath Caused by Periodontal Disease
Bad breath can have many causes. However, periodontal disease is one of them. If you suffer from bad breath, have your dentist perform an oral exam. Periodontal disease occurs because tartar has built up to such a degree that it has extended below the gum line. This draws back the gums, and creates pockets around your teeth that are filled with bad breath-causing bacteria.
As well as bad breath, periodontal disease can also cause your teeth to become loose in their sockets, due to bone loss. If untreated, you may even lose the affected teeth.
If this is the cause of your bad breath, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist who can perform a deep cleaning to remove the tartar, and the bad breath-causing bacteria with it.
Composite Bonding for Chips and Cracks
Chipped or broken teeth can ruin a smile. If your teeth have been damaged in the past, don't risk your date being put off. A dentist can fix any chips or cracks by applying composite resin to the affected areas. This resin can then be shaped to disguise any imperfections. Composite bonding is tooth-coloured and so blends in with your other teeth, giving you a straighter, whiter smile.
Porcelain Veneers for a Hollywood Smile
If you want something with that touch of Hollywood, porcelain veneers are the way to go. These thin ceramic shells fit over your teeth, disguising any imperfections that might exist, whilst blending in with your natural teeth.
For porcelain veneers, ensure you allow up to two weeks for a lab to create a custom set for your individual teeth.
