How to get a Hollywood smile

16:09 17 July 2009

It's the simplest of secrets to looking great, but so many of us still don't make the most of natureÂ’s age-old beauty tool, a great smile.

A smile is a genuine reflection of your deepest feelings, conveying your self-esteem and exuding confidence to the world around you. It costs nothing but enriches those you encounter.

However, according to a new survey by Align Technology, makers of the Invisalign system, which uses a series of removable clear aligners to gradually move the teeth, nearly half of the British population (46%) are well and truly embarrassed about the state of their teeth.

Having a smile to be proud of has been proven to be of vital importance - your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you.

Research shows that not only is a great smile the first thing a third of women notice in a potential love interest, but six in 10 of us also agree that a winning smile makes you appear more confident - and thus far more attractive.

While many Brits long for a perfectly straight smile, many are hesitant when considering the idea of metal train tracks and hours in a dentist's chair.  

However, dental practitioner Dr Paul Humber and relationship psychologist Dr. Pam Spurr have offered some simple tips to making your teeth something to be proud of:

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Top tips for a perfect smile:

1. Watch what you eat and drink - We all know red wine and coffee can stain your teeth, but sticking to lighter coloured drinks can make a huge difference.
2. Keep a toothbrush in your bag - You can get rid of the post lunch build up at work, so a potential partner at work always sees you at your best.
3. Use your mirror - Find the teeth that are the most stained and concentrate on those when brushing to get an even better smile!
4. Floss – Get in the gaps to remove build up; bottle brushes are great too and available in most shops.
5. Keep up with latest technology – From teeth straightening to whitening, dentistry has come along way, which means it’s never too late to sort out your teeth.

For more information visit www.invisalign.com