What's in a smile?

A beautiful smile can dazzle and sparkle, charm and entice. It says let's talk - I care - Cheer up. A smile communicates your feelings about yourself and others. Like the lines, colours, and shapes in a painting, your teeth should work together to produce a pleasing effect. A bright smile projects warmth, approval, or self-confidence. Are you satisfied with your smile? When you look in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's likely you can benefit from cosmetic dentistry:

Do you have any stained or discoloured teeth or fillings?

Are any of your teeth crowded, overlapping, or crooked?

Are your gums red, swollen, receded, or bleeding?

Are you missing any teeth or do you have large gaps between  any of your teeth?

Do any of your teeth have uneven shapes due to chips,  fractures, or rough edges?

Do your teeth seem out of proportion because they are uneven in length?

Dull Smile

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is likely that you have a dental problem that can produce a dull smile. A dull smile is much like a sculpture eroded by rain and wind - some of the beauty and lustre is lost. Your dentist has the artistic and dental skills necessary to restore or touch-up your teeth to produce a more pleasing smile - one that projects the image you want to communicate in your personal and professional lives.

Smiles by Design

On your first visit, our dentist will do a thorough evaluation, so as to assess the general health and cosmetic appearance of your teeth and gums. This will help your dentist determine whether you are a good candidate for a newly designed smile, or not. The next step maybe to determine the best options for enhancing your smile, and whether preparatory dental treatment is needed. This is a good time to ask questions, so your decisions can be based on an understanding of the different techniques available. It may also help you realize that cosmetic dentistry cannot create perfection - but it can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth. Your dental evaluation will include:

Dental history - previous treatment, symptoms, habits - any clues that might endanger cosmetic work.

Dental examination - decay, gum disease, any existing fillings, bite problems, evaluation of the overall appearance of your smile. A model (replica) of your teeth may be made and photographs of your smile may be taken, which will provide a record of how your teeth looked before treatment began.

X-rays - an internal picture of your teeth and jaw-bone, confirming absence of abnormalities such as decay or bone-loss, so as to ensure that your cosmetic enhancements are built on a solid foundation.

Making your Decision

Cosmetic procedures differ in many ways. Cost, special care, and durability are just a few of the variables. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each option can help you understand the options and make an informed decision. Don't expect perfection - your dentist can only improve upon the raw material available - he cannot create new raw material. No restoration can replace your natural teeth. If you understand the limitations, you will be happier with the final results.

Stains: old fillings, an injury, smoking, or some foods may cause stains. Brown or grey teeth, in particular, are often a side-effect of medications taken in childhood. These stains can be got ridden off easily by cosmetic dentistry procedures.   Crooked teeth: may develop during early childhood. Not having enough space to accommodate your teeth is most likley the result of your genetic heritage.   Red gums: inflammed, puffy, red gums may bleed and pull away from the edges of your teeth. Unhealthy gums are often caused by inefficient or inadequate cleaning.   Gaps: missing teeth, gum disease or teeth too small for your mouth can produce gaps between your teeth. Usually this is a genetic trait.   Rough shape: injury or daily wear and tear can cause chips and fractures. A worn, flat look may result from grinding your teeth. Odd-shaped teeth may also be a genetic trait.   Uneven length: When your teeth are uneven in length, they can look out of proportion. Teeth that are too small or too big can be a genetic problem or the result of daily wear and tear or injury.   Discoloured Teeth: They will tend to stand out and the entire attention of the person speaking to you will be directed to that one tooth.