The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many unprecedented changes in lifestyles. On one hand, you are expected to cover your mouth when going out, while on the other hand, your mouth is getting more focused attention as you engage in close-up views in online Zoom meetings with friends, family and colleagues. This sudden focus on the mouth has gotten many people becoming more self-conscious about their dental health and smile. So a not so surprising throw-up of the pandemic in 2021 has been on the dental industry, which is witnessing an increased demand for whitening and straightening of teeth!

Brighter and Whiter

The trend is no longer for pure white teeth, but for toned-down shades of a more natural colors. People no longer want the perfect toothpaste advertisement type of white smile, but something that looks more natural and appealing. Brighter and whiter teeth don’t necessarily have to be Hollywood grade after all!

Composite Bonding

Another easy smile makeover solution that’s trending in 2021 is for Composite bonding treatments. For those not in the know, this is one of the easiest techniques to cover up imperfections on the teeth such as discolorations, chips, cracks or gaps. It involves the use of a tooth-colored resin material that is bonded onto the damaged tooth area using a special light that cures and hardens the composite in place. Composite veneers are another option and are similarly made of resins too. The difference is that they are thin custom-made cosmetic restorations used to cover the entire outer surface of the tooth – for the perfect natural-looking smile.

Straightening teeth

With advanced use of technology in the dental industry, straightening teeth no longer means unsightly steel wires and brackets and umpteen visits to the orthodontist. Instead, you now have the no-fuss popular choice of clear aligners that are fast becoming the latest trend. Almost invisible to the eye, these clear aligners are easily removable when eating/drinking and popped back in place again. The process involves an initial visit to the orthodontist for creating a mold of your teeth along with a 3D imaging of your unique dental issues – where applicable. The aligners are made of BPA-free thermoplastic polyurethane resin materials that are molded to the shape of your teeth. As compared to traditional metal braces, these smooth, invisible aligners don’t irritate the gums or cheek lining. They work by gradually applying pressure on the teeth to straighten them. New aligners that are slightly tighter will be posted to you every week so you can comfortably continue your treatment from home. There are many companies out there providing these no-fuss flexible dental aligners, with OrthoFX being a popular choice for its incredibly designed triple-layered material that provides comparatively faster results.