Blinded by the White! - Part 1 (cont.)
What Do You Want to Change?
First, think about what it is about your smile you would like
improved. Look at your smile and pictures of people with beautiful
smiles. What makes their smile different from yours? Do
you see any dark mercury fillings showing in your mouth? Are
your teeth straight, white, and clean? Remember, don't just focus
on your teeth, look at your gums. Are they red and puffy? Do
they bleed when you floss? Do they "frame" your teeth well?
There are minor, painless laser procedures available to correct
gum shape problems.
Now look at your bite and lips. Do your teeth come together evenly? Are any of the top teeth behind or inside your bottom teeth when you bite? Do you have chips and gaps? Are they yellow, gray, discolored or rotated? An attractive smile will not have any of these problems.
Let's move your lips. Are they even and symmetrical? Do they "frame" your teeth and gums well? Would you want to kiss them? By giving your teeth, gums, bite, and lips a little thought, your cosmetic dentist would be better able to guide you and offer procedures that will help you get the smile you want.
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
Now that you know what you want changed, it's time to start looking for the right person to give you the smile of your dreams. In order to make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the AACD recommends that you discuss the following with a dentist before undergoing treatment:
Before and After Photos - Examine the dentist's treatment results to see what type of procedures they do and what their results look like. This will give you an idea of what you can expect for your smile.
References - Read what other patients have to say about this dentist and the dental work they perform. Most cosmetic dentists will have testimonials from patients who have undergone the improvements you are considering.
Continuing Education - Be certain that your dentist has taken many continuing education courses to keep him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is on of the most complex and fastest evolving areas of dentistry. It is essential that your dentist's training and education be on the cutting edge.
Many dentists, if not all, who perform many cosmetic dentistry procedures will offer initial consultations so that both you and the dentist can get acquainted. This initial consult will allow you to learn about the office's philosophy of care, find out about the dentist's qualifications (if you haven't already), and ask questions to discover what procedures might be right for you. Some more advanced cosmetic dentists may also have Cosmetic Imaging Software available. Once a few photographs of your face and teeth are taken, the dentist can show you what you can look like with that beautiful new smile, before any dental work is even started!
Obtaining this information will help you know what you want and who you want to do it for you. The next question is how will the cosmetic dentist Blind You by the White? Stay tuned because in the next issue of PhillyFit, I'll reveal the secrets of how we create that 5 Star Hollywood smile you want.
David M. Kaffey, DDS is the owner of Main Line Dental
Aesthetics located at 12 South Valley Rd., Paoli, PA. His
practice is dedicated to cosmetic, implant, and general
dentistry. For more information log onto
www.davidkaffey.com. Contact him at drkaffey@phillyfitmagazine.com.
Dr David Kaffey - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic dentistry and teeth whitening to the areas of Malvern, Wayne, West Chester, King of Prussia, Exton, Devon, Villa Nova, Newtown Square, Berwyn, Radnor, St. Davids, Valley Forge, Main Line, Paoli and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Main Line Cosmetic Dentist
12 South Valley Road Paoli, PA 19301 | Ph. 866.930.1921
© copyright 2003 - 2008, Main Line Dental Aesthetics by Dr. Kaffey, all rights reserved
