Dental Cosmetic Solutions

Studies show that the condition of a person’s smile can have a profound effect on self-esteem and social interaction. In fact, four out of five people are not happy with their smiles, according to research by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

As you know, people make snap judgments based on appearance. AAP’s researchers say 50 percent of those surveyed in a recent study regarded a person’s smile before any other facial feature. If you have a great smile, this tendency works in your favor. But if your dental profile is less than stellar, your crooked smile may be undermine confidence and affect how others respond to you.

Sadly, conspicuous dental flaws can cost you a follow-up interview, a date and proper respect. That’s where a guy like me can help. In addition to general family dentistry services, I am trained in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, including tooth whitening, gum-line reshaping, bite correction, crown and veneer installation and dental implants. I’m even a Snap-on-Smile dentist, which is one of the dental procedures creating a lot of buzz lately.

My Encino dental practice can fix chipped or missing teeth, discoloration, uneven spacing, decay, a gummy smile, or an uneven bite line. I use customized porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, implants and resin composite fillings to repair problems, and I make it a point to keep my techniques current by reading the latest research and taking continuing education courses.

Snap-on-Smile an Affordable Option

In that vein, have you heard the big news about instant smile makeovers? Well, the Lumineers company has come out with a Snap-on-Smile product that can be slipped into place over your teeth just like a retainer. This provides a comfortable, lower-cost alternative to permanent procedures like crowns, braces and implants, and the look is pretty good, too. No needles, drilling or dental cement are used, and it typically takes just two visits to fit.

The Snap-on-Smile device clicks into place easily. It grips the front and back teeth snugly, covering gaps and other imperfections while giving the appearance of naturally perfect teeth. The device comes out with a little tug. While it’s possible to eat and drink with it in place, the Snap-on-Smile piece should be removed at night for cleaning. Traditional brushing and flossing recommendations still apply in the care of your gums and natural teeth.

Dental Anxiety and Shame

I think the Snap-on-Smile option or one of my more traditional restorations can have a profoundly positive effect on a person, overcoming the psycho-social implications of bad teeth in an image-conscious culture. Embarrassment, anxiety and shame over dental deficiencies prompt mouth-hiding behavior, dampen social interaction and pummel self-esteem to the point where life begins to be defined by your teeth and a string of missed opportunities.

In fact, 83 percent of people surveyed by Roper ASW, a global research firm, said the appearance of their teeth trumped the importance of how their hair and eyes looked.

Embarrassed About Your Teeth?

Do you feel insecure about your teeth? We have helped countless people improve their image and overcome dental anxiety. We understand that you may be embarrassed by the look of your teeth or ashamed of your dental health record, but be assured that we are committed to running a non-judgmental, no-guilt dental practice.

I’d love to discuss your options – especially if you feel your self-esteem is taking a slam because of the condition of your teeth. All you have to do is make an appointment with my front desk staff, and I’ll take it from there. We’ll discuss your expectations, the time and financial commitment, follow-up care, and – of course – my opinions.

Can I give you a Hollywood smile if that is what you would like to have. However, I don’t apply pressure. I believe adults are perfectly capable of making up their own minds if armed with good information I am always happy to answer all your questions.

Best regards, AM

Tip of the Day: Thinking about tooth whitening? Worried about sensitivity or how to pick the right shade? We offer a No Charge Whitening Consultation. Call or email us to set up an appointment.

If you want your smile to be an asset and not a liability, you need healthy, attractive teeth. When major problems arise, your best option may be a porcelain crown, veneer, inlay or onlay.

A porcelain crown is a restoration that covers a tooth entirely to restore it to its normal function, shape and size. It is generally used when a tooth is badly decayed or weakened. Its purpose is to strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are restorations, which are used on back teeth where the tooth is also badly decayed and weakened, but not in all areas. Used when more than an ordinary filling can achieve, but doesn’t need to be fully covered by a crown.
Crowns, Veneers, Inlays and Onlays provide many important benefits.

USES

• to restore fractured teeth or teeth that have cracks
• to protect weak teeth from fracturing
• to cover badly shaped or discolored teeth or correct poor position
• to restore a dental implant

One of our main objectives is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. To achieve this number of factors are considered such as the color, height, shape and length of both your natural teeth and the new crown. A variety of different materials can be used to produce a crown, and these will be explained to you in detail. We can use gold, porcelain, combinations of the two, titanium and many variations of all of these materials.

If you have a certain look in mind for your crown, discuss it with us. We love to answer your questions. We want you to completely understand before we begin what your options are.