How to Improve Your Smile
A smile can make a powerful first impression. Patients frequently comment on how unhappy they are with their smile and how they wish they could have a beautiful smile. Many factors, some obvious and some not so obvious, can tarnish an otherwise potentially beautiful smile. Today, dentistry offers many techniques and procedures to create beautiful, healthy smiles.
Gums: the foundation of a beautiful smile
With any construction project a good foundation is key to a successful outcome. A smile is no different. Along with the lips, the gums frame the teeth and add symmetry to the smile. Minor gum sculpting procedures can be done to enhance a gummy smile, as seen below.
Showing too much tooth from gum recession can also cause an esthetic problem. Gum repositioning surgery called a Pinhole procedure can often correct this problem without using additional gum grafts. A periodontist, gum specialist, routinely preform these smile changing procedures.
Crooked teeth
Most adults I see in my practice that had braces when they were younger no longer wear a retainer. This leads to teeth shifting with time and once again crooked teeth. Teeth will want to move over time if not held to place by a retainer. This results in orthodontic relapse and once again the need for braces. Today, Invisalign or “clear braces” may be an option instead of the metal braces. You may recognize the guy below. Not everyone that gets braces will look like Tom Cruise but you can have the same beautiful smile.
Chipped, worn, broken teeth
Badly broken-down teeth can make a person look a lot older than they really are. Habits such as finger nail biting, ice chewing and clenching and grinding teeth can really cause irreversible damage to teeth. Unfortunately, teeth are not like a fine wine, they don’t get better with time. Crowns, veneers, bonding are all ways to restore an aged worn smile back to a vibrant, youthful appearance.
Dark, Yellow Teeth: Whitening
Is your smile not looking as bright as it used to? Has your grandchild just asked you why your teeth are yellow? I hear that one a lot. A simple whitening procedure may be all you need. If your teeth are healthy and in overall good shape, whitening can take years off your smile. Whether done at home or in the dental office whitening can be significantly cheaper than other restorative procedures and give you a great result you may be happy with.
So, if your smile needs a tune-up give us a call (225) 926-4203.