Treat Your Mouth to a Makeover

Most of us cant wait to watch the next episode of Extreme Makeover or Ambush Makeover. The makeover section of the magazine is always a favorite. You cant help but think, Why couldnt it be me?" Unfortunately, getting picked for a television or magazine makeover is about as tough as winning the lottery. The good news is that you can look like a winner by taking charge of your own makeover. Spring is the prime season for a new you. There is something in the warm air that makes people want to focus on their appearance and create a gorgeous new look. Many makeover strategies are obvious. Visit your local hair stylist for a new cut and color. Schedule a facial at the dermatologist to help your skin glow. Pick out new clothing to liven up your wardrobe. Heres one you may not have considered -- Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a new smile.

(PRWEB) April 17, 2004 --Most of us cant wait to watch the next episode of Extreme Makeover or Ambush Makeover. The makeover section of the magazine is always a favorite. You cant help but think, Why couldnt it be me?" Unfortunately, getting picked for a television or magazine makeover is about as tough as winning the lottery. The good news is that you can look like a winner by taking charge of your own makeover.

Spring is the prime season for a new you. There is something in the warm air that makes people want to focus on their appearance and create a gorgeous new look. Many makeover strategies are obvious. Visit your local hair stylist for a new cut and color. Schedule a facial at the dermatologist to help your skin glow. Pick out new clothing to liven up your wardrobe. Heres one you may not have considered -- Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a new smile.
   
People size up others by their smile. If you dont smile because you are self-conscious about your teeth, people think you are sad, angry, or cold. A warm smile is like a magnet that draws people to your friendly, bubbly personality. Giving your smile a makeover can make a difference in your life. The latest studies prove people consider your smile even more noticeable, and important to your success, than your eyes.

Discolored teeth are common among adults. Long-standing habits like coffee or tea drinking, enjoying a daily glass of red wine, or smoking, can stain teeth and give them a dull appearance. Whitening toothpastes are not strong enough to make a noticeable difference, and over-the-counter bleaching systems can leave teeth mottled and unevenly colored.

In-office bleaching is growing in popularity as a way to lighten and brighten a smile. A typical in-office bleaching session requires just a little over one hour, and can be done during a lunch hour or short break. The difference is noticeable immediately.
   
Bleaching is almost always recommended before other makeover procedures, namely, bonding and/or porcelain veneers. It evens out the color of the teeth and lightens the bottom teeth, which often do not need any more treatment.

Years of chewing, nail biting, and using teeth to open plastic bags and tear tape wear down and even chip teeth. Worn teeth can add unwanted years to your appearance. Porcelain laminate veneers are the treatment of choice to reshape teeth into a new smile.

Veneers are similar to false fingernails. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to your existing tooth. Unlike crowns, which require shaving down of the tooth into a small stub, veneers are glued onto an intact tooth. Only a small layer (less than one millimeter) of tooth surface needs to be removed beforehand.

In certain cases, porcelain laminate veneers are like instant orthodontics." In just two office visits, uneven, broken, or slightly crooked teeth are transformed into a beautiful smile. Bonding of 8 to 10 teeth is recommended for the most natural, beautiful appearance. In some cases, a combination of bonding a few teeth and bleaching the rest may give wonderful results.

Veneers are durable and long-lasting if teeth are properly cared for. Dentists suggest avoiding sticky or extremely hard foods to help prevent chipping.
   
Dr. Larry Hamburg is a LaGrange dentist and has focused on cosmetic dentistry for over 20 years. He has taught at N.Y.U., and frequently gives seminars on porcelain laminate veneers and other dental procedures. His state-of-the-art office, Hudson Valley Dental Arts, P.C. is located at 715 Freedom Plains Road (Route 55), Poughkeepsie, across from the Apple Valley Shopping Center at the intersection of Titusville Road. Telephone: 845/483(HVD)-9500. Visit him on the web at www.hvdentalarts.com.