Million Dollar Smile

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. So how do you feel about yours? Do you feel self-conscious when you meet someone for the first time? Do you cover your mouth when you laugh?

Cosmetic dentistry can provide a variety of solutions that offer both physical and psychological benefits. Today there are so many cosmetic solutions available that fixing crooked, crowded, missing or discolored teeth is no longer time consuming, nor available to only the “rich and famous.”

Whitening

Whitening is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure in the world. Whether you try a one-hour in-office procedure or at-home bleaching trays with gel, it is possible to lighten your teeth seven or eight shades.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin custom made pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the tooth. This is a great durable and conservative option for closing spaces in your front teeth, lengthening short or worn down teeth, and changing the shape, position or color of teeth instantly and permanently.

Bonding

Bonding can restore a broken or chipped tooth back to its normal size and shape and can fill in the gaps between your front teeth. A bonding adhesive is applied to your tooth, followed by a tooth colored composite resin that is shaped, hardened, trimmed and polished.

Crowns

Crowns are dental restorations that are placed over a tooth when conservative restorations such as bonding or veneers aren't strong enough to restore form and function.

Snap-on-Smile

Snap-on-Smile is a customized device that simply “snaps on” over your own teeth, instantly changing your entire smile.

Braces

Braces are used to straighten and reposition teeth and close gaps. Conventional braces and invisible braces, such as Invisalign, are both good options for achieving these goals.

Implants

Implants, fixed bridges and removable partials are all excellent solutions for replacing one or several missing teeth. Full denture wearers are not “out of the loop” when it comes to cosmetic dentistry either. Dentures can be secured by mini dental implants so they are more stable, comfortable and attractive. They can be made to look very natural, or they can give you a real “Hollywood smile.”

Take care of your health both physiologically and psychologically. This is an often overlooked, yet simple way to achieve a gorgeous smile. You can go a long way toward creating your million dollar smile by simply flossing and brushing, drinking more water, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, supplementing when necessary, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and enjoying life. Your health, attitude and energy will all be reflected in your smile.