Sarasota Cosmetic Dental Questions & Answers

Smile Analysis

Q: I'm not happy with my smile. How do I find out what really needs to be fixed?

A: Get out a mirror and do this quick "smile analysis." Then meet with your dentist and talk about getting the smile you want. Color: Generally, tooth color should be fairly uniform. The white of your eyes are a good indicator for the brightness of your teeth.

Shape: Does the shape of your teeth balance your facial features? For example, if you have large features (lips, nose and eyes) tiny teeth may look out of proportion.

Length: Generally, when you are young, your two front teeth are longer than your two laterals. Reproducing this look gives one a younger appearance.

Position: Are your six upper front teeth all on the same plane? If any of these are recessed or crooked, it shows when you smile.

Cosmetically Correct!

Q: What is "cosmetic dentistry?"

A: It's the overall name for dental techniques that improve the appearance of people's teeth. Until recent years such improvements were limited to the fitting of braces to straighten misaligned teeth and to placing crowns, or caps, on misshapen teeth. These measures are still the answer in some cases. But now, new materials and techniques have made it possible for many, many people to have the appearance of their teeth transformed quite easily. This includes correcting irregular tooth shapes, teeth bleaching, and giving a "new look" to teeth that are discolored, chipped or less than perfect in other ways. The new methods offer choices that are painless and take few visits. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of one or more teeth, be prepared to smile as never before.

Exit Smiling

Q: What is cosmetic dentistry?

A: It's the overall term for treatments that improve the appearance of the teeth. Years ago movie audiences marveled when close-ups of a film star showed absolutely perfectly shaped, perfectly spaced bright white teeth. For the old time movie star, that enviable set of teeth was the result of capping. Today there are alternatives to caps, which can transform the appearance of your teeth with more beautiful results than in the past.

More and more adults are taking advantage of new techniques and materials to improve the shape of a tooth, give stained or chipped teeth a new face, fill in gaps and make other changes. That's why so many people are smiling when they leave the dentist's office.

Checking out your Dental Health

Q: How often should people get a cleaning and dental checkup?

A: Generally, twice a year. For most people in good dental health, this is adequate for the removal of plaque and tartar, which defy even the most thorough brushing and flossing. The longer that plaque and tartar build up, the greater the risk of cavities and gum problems. Twice yearly checkups allow detection of developing troubles in their early stages, when effective treatment can be less complicated than at later stages.

Some patients need checkups and cleanings more often than twice a year. This applies to those who experience tartar accumulation at a greater rate than others and those with a history of tooth decay, gum problems or together conditions that require periodic monitoring. A regular schedule of checkups and cleaning more often than twice a year. This applies to those who experience tartar accumulation at a greater rate than others and those with a history of tooth decay, gum problems or other conditions that require periodic monitoring. A regular schedule of checkups and cleaning is a must for keeping teeth and gums healthy.

Dental glossary

Cosmetic Dentistry

General Dentistry

High Tech Dentistry

Branded Dentistry

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