Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Contemporary Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist and writer
People generally seek out cosmetic dental treatments because they want to beautify their smiles. The benefits of having a beautiful smile are well documented in research studies. An independent study conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in 2004 revealed that:
- 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset.
- 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
- 74% of adults feels an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.
Other studies have shown that the benefits of cosmetic dental treatments extend beyond being physically attractive and appealing to the opposite sex. Another AACD study was conducted by Beall Research & Training of Chicago by social psychologist and market research professional Dr. Anne Beall.
Dr. Beall showed two sets of photos of eight people to 528 Americans. The photos showed eight individuals: four had not yet undergone cosmetic dental treatments, and four had completed cosmetic dental treatments.
The respondents were asked to evaluate the photos and judge the people based on whether or not the people in the photos appeared to be:
- Attractive
- Intelligent
- Happy
- Successful in their career
- Friendly
- Interesting
- Kind
- Wealthy
- Popular with the opposite sex
- Sensitive to other people
The scores in all categories jumped up when the respondents viewed the photos of people who had undergone cosmetic dental treatments. That is, a beautiful smile will make you appear happier, more intelligent, successful, kind, and interesting!
An April 2011 study published by the British Dental Health Foundation noted that 50% of people are unhappy with their smiles and 37% of people indicated that stained or yellow teeth is a concern of theirs.
These results are based on the foundation's 35th annual campaign, the National Smile Month. The theme for this year was "The Smile Factor" and the goal was to remind people that their smile is fundamental to every aspect of their lives.
The foundation's CEO, Dr. Nigel Carter, said:
“The survey is a great reminder that we should be giving greater attention to our teeth – not just because it improves oral health – but because it gives us the confidence to smile, which makes a major difference to our relationships, careers and overall image."
Based on these studies, we can justly say that "Cosmetic Dental Treatments Do More than Look Great".
Veneers are becoming more popular than ever, and are a great option when you’re considering your smile makeover.
What makes veneers unique?
The beauty of veneers is that they produce the most natural looking smile and the whitest teeth possible with modern dental procedures. The veneer material is both white and translucent and allows light to penetrate and reflect from the inside surface of the tooth. The penetration of light is what produces a translucency that is so natural looking.
The two types of veneers:
1. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers can be created during one appointment. The process is similar to that of dental bonding. Another benefit of composite veneers is that if they fracture, they don’t have to be replaced. Your dentist can easily fix any concern by patching it in precisely the same manner in which he created it.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic veneers are durable, but porcelain veneers offer even more durability. Additionally, porcelain veneers more closely duplicate the translucent appearance of natural teeth and better resist staining. With porcelain veneers, you’re getting the highest quality and longest lasting veneers. For this reason, they’re more commonly used in smile makeovers that involve a total smile transformation.
Which veneers do we recommend?
Because of their superior quality and durability, porcelain veneers are the best choice for most clients. Porcelain is very durable and hard, and they are much more resistant to staining than composite veneers. Darkening with age is minimal with porcelain veneers.
What is the process?
Porcelain veneers require at least two appointments because your teeth need to be prepared. To make room for the veneers, some of your existing tooth structure will need to be removed, and your teeth will have to be slightly roughened so that you’ll be able to have a tight and strong bond once the veneers are applied.
During your first visit, your dentist will make a wax model so that your veneer is shaped to the specifications of your tooth. Before you leave your first appointment, your dentist will insert temporary plastic veneers that will protect your teeth while your custom veneers are being created. Your new veneers will be durably bonded to your teeth on your second visit.
Why we love veneers:
- They look like your natural teeth
- They’re stain resistant
- They’re well tolerated by gum tissue because they are slick and smooth
- With proper care and good dental habits, a veneer can be considered a permanent tooth restoration
- They produce the most natural whiteness possible
- They function exactly like a regular tooth
- With proper care, your veneers will be nearly flawless for 10 years or more
- They are a beautiful solution for teeth that don’t respond well to whitening
Very few people are born with perfect smiles. Even celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Victoria Beckham, Demi Moore, and George Clooney have embraced smile makeovers in the quest of a more beautiful smile.
A beautiful smile is more than just "looking good". Your smile is your expression of how you feel about yourself, and it affects how others perceive you.
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Thanks to the advances in cosmetic dentistry, millions of people can have more confidence and self-assurance with the help of smile makeovers. To learn more about what a smile makeover involves, click here to watch an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry video overview of smile makeovers.
Procedures:
- Veneers
- Implant
- Gum lifts
- Chipped and cracked teeth restoration
- Whitening
- Orthodontics
Two Types of Smiles
There are two types of smiles. You may smile at a social function out of politeness, but that is a different kind of smile than that which may come naturally in a joyful moment. These authentic smiles, known as Duchenne smiles, are genuine and associated with true happiness, amusement, excitement, or joy. People who have had smile makeovers tend to smile more genuinely and frequently, with the frequency of their smiles increasing over time as their confidence continues to grow.
The Facial Feedback Hypothesis theory suggests that facial changes such as smiles or frowns can result in corresponding emotions. The Journal of the American Dental Association recently conducted a study that determined that the smile is one of the the most important attributes in regards to how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.
A well-documented study of authentic smiles was conducted by the University of California at Berkeley and it demonstrated that smiling has a positive and definite impact on overall life satisfaction. The same study was replicated in 2006 in Australia with the same results. These results demonstrate clearly that smile makeovers result in greater life satisfaction and therefore, more smiles.
Health Benefits of Smiling
There is no doubt that having a beautiful smile increases self-confidence. But studies have shown that the mere act of smiling has health benefits. According to researchers, smiling:
- Boosts immunity
- Increases positive outlook
- Serves as a stress reducer
- Can lower blood pressure
Are you ready for your smile makeover? If you find yourself doing any of the following, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry:
- Avoiding smiling
- Covering your mouth when you smile
- Not smiling in photos
Begin your smile makeover search today by finding a dentist near you who is an accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
More than ever, people are understanding the value of a beautiful smile. A beautiful smile increases our self-confidence and gives us a more youthful appearance. Advancements in modern dentistry have provided affordable solutions for whitening teeth, veneers, implants, gum lifts, and more. But did you know that while you and your dentist are working towards beautifying your smile, your dentist can further enhance your new look with Botox treatments?
Women and men have been enjoying the beauty of Botox ever since the FDA approved it for cosmetic use. How does Botox smooth out your wrinkles? Essentially, Botox blocks the nerves that make muscles contract, thus preventing the wrinkles from forming or worsening. It also softens wrinkles that you already have and prevents them from becoming deeper and more pronounced.
The Beauty of Botox: Cosmetic Treatments
- Dynamic Wrinkles: The effectiveness of Botox is more pronounced on dynamic wrinkles, which are those wrinkles that appear when you frown, smile, or crinkle your eyes (crows feet).
- Lips: Dentists use Botox in cases where too much gum is revealed when the upper lip rises too high. Botox is injected into your lip to lower it.
- Brow: When you frown, your brow automatically creases, causing wrinkles in these areas over time. With Botox being so effective in the treatment of brow wrinkles, many patients are seeking Botox treatment in place of a brow lift.
- Cosmetic and Jaw Contouring: Doctors have discovered that patients with over-sized jaw muscles can be treated with Botox. If a person has a square-shaped face and would prefer an oval shaped face, non-surgical Botox treatment is a possible alternative. Treatments have reportedly reduced the size of the jaw muscles.
The Beauty of Botox: Therapeutic Treatments
Botox is an amazing cosmetic solution for wrinkles, but it has numerous therapeutic uses as well. Ask your dentist if he can provide Botox treatments for any of these issues as well.
- Medical practitioners believe that Botox blocks the sensory nerves and relaxes the muscles that cause migraine headaches and alleviate the pain of migraines.
- Using Computed Tomography, physicians are using Botox to target specific muscle groups for relief from chronic back pain.
- Botox is effective in treating Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
- Botox blocks the nerve impulses that cause Blepharospasm, a condition that causes the eye twitching and muscle spasms in other areas of the body.
- Botox has been found to be an effective alternative treatment for Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders that cause jaw tension and pain.
The beauty of Botox is in its versatility, ease of use, affordability, and minimal side effects.
Many adults are unhappy with their teeth. While stains can be corrected with fluoride, bleach, or certain toothpastes, problems of crooked teeth require something a little more involved. Professional adults don't want to deal with getting braces because it immediately conjures up an image of adolescence – an image that a professional adult can't portray. However, you can correct these dental issues without such image concerns using Invisalign.
How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic trays that are formed to the shape of your mouth to gradually and comfortably re-align your teeth into that gap-free smile you're looking for. These trays are molded specifically to your teeth and are made of BPA-free plastic that will not irritate your cheeks or gums the way that traditional braces could. The trays are worn throughout the day and taken out when you eat. Because of their invisible nature, others will not be able to tell you're wearing them.
After you wear the first set for two weeks, your dentist will determine whether you're ready to move to the next stage. If so, you'll be switched to a slightly more drastic set of alignment trays for the next two weeks. This process will repeat itself until your teeth are finally in that perfect straight line you desire.
How Inconvenient is the Treatment?
Invisalign is very convenient. While properly brushing and flossing can take a very long time when using alternative methods to straighten your teeth, Invisalign allows you to simply take out the trays, then brush, floss, and rinse as usual.
In the event of a wedding or other occasion where you'll be in close quarters with people and food, the last thing you want to worry about is a dental appliance. This is not a problem at all, as these invisible braces allow you take out the trays and put them back in after the event is over.
Invisalign offers a carefree way to experience confidence in your smile. You can achieve beautiful results more easily than with traditional methods and without anyone one noticing the process. They'll just notice that straighter, brighter smile.
One of our graphic designers – the one who does all the whimsical images that appear in our windows – has been involved with “Habitat for Humanities” in Honduras for the past several years. Laura is now a team leader with the organization.
Laura approached us on her last trip and was looking to purchase toothbrushes for the children in Honduras. We could not imagine charging Laura for toothbrushes! We sent her to Honduras with a box of 50 bags that contained toothbrushes, dental floss, and toothpaste.
A few days after Laura picked up the box with the bags, we got a call from the airport in Dallas. They had the box with all the bags with Dr. Shannon’s name and phone number and called because the box had gone astray. By the time we were able to contact Laura it had all been sorted out. This little side step added some adventure to the toothbrushes journey to Honduras.
Not only did we get a touching email from Laura but we also got this beautiful piece of art, which will hang in our office.
Laura's email read: “People loved the cases...it was interesting trying to teach kids about flossing. I got alot of the "what is this crazy lady doing?" looks...:) I can't wait to go back. I hope to head there early and help out with a dental clinic that is being built at a school.”
Laura will be heading back to Honduras for September 3rd – 12th. You can find more information at http://habitatglobalvillage.ca/tripschedulec235.php?PJID=288 We are seriously considering going on this journey.
Don't think your crooked teeth look that bad? Even if you don't mind the look of your smile, crooked teeth can affect more than your physical appearance.
The Gist of Jaws
The upper jaw, or maxilla, is part of the skull and it doesn't move. In children, the maxilla is joined at the root of the mouth by soft tissue that grows into one bone mass by about age 17. Our upper teeth are a little bigger than the lowers. We call the lower jaw the mandible. When the maxilla and the mandible work properly, they chew, grind, and tear our food, facilitate normal speech, swallowing, and basic oral health. When your jaws don't align well, you may not be able to eat, breathe or communicate normally.
How's your occlusion today? When your jaws meet nicely and teeth are configured properly in your jaw, that's occlusion. When the fit is not right, it's called a malocclusion. Left untreated, malocclusion can lead to periodontal disease and create abnormal amounts of stress on teeth and jaws, which lead to premature wear.
Getting the Bite Right
Attempts at bite correction can be traced to ancient Greek and Roman cultures.
With more adults seeking treatment their parents couldn't afford when they were youngsters, this is a very exciting time in orthodontics. Heavy metal bands? They're passé. Most of us have heard the news about braces. And most of us have heard about Invisalign – the clear braces.
Invisalign braces were developed with orthodontists. They are virtually an invisible solution to help with malocclusion. By using a series of clear, removable aligners your teeth are gradually moved towards a better bite. The aligners are changed about every two weeks. They are clear and comfortable to wear. The average treatment time is about one year.
You are able to brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing Invisalign braces. Your crooked teeth just got straighter and healthier for your overall health.
We believe in giving back to the community is an important part of our business. So in that spirit of giving this holiday season, we have donated dental-hygiene bags to the WISH Drop-In-Centre Society for women on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (ww.wish-vancouver.net).
We donated 60 cosmetic bags - each fiilled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and a pen.
We're glad we did. 
For woman living in the Downtown Eastside, often, dental care can be overlooked as they struggle with many other challenges in their lives. We feel privileged to be able to help out.
Kate Gibson, Exectuve Director of WISH, echoes our thoughts, saying that dental hygiene is an important issue for women without stability in their lives. She says that the shelter strives to meet their basic needs, but even one as fundamental as dental care can fall by the wayside.
We hope our clients, staff and all Vancouverites had a very happy holiday season - but particulary, to those in need. We hope that 2011 is good for everyone, and that people whose lives are marked with struggle, like the women who use the WISH shelter, find that their challenges might ease just al ittle bit in the year ahead.
The following is an excerpt from Brian Morton's article:
Fraud warning issued over firm based in Vancouver - By Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun October 14, 2010
Vancouver's Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of free trial offers online, including those by a Vancouver-based company that markets acne medication largely to U.S. citizens.
"We want to remind people to look at the terms and conditions," Simone Lis, vice-president of operations for the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C., said in an interview Wednesday. "A lot of times people think they're getting a really good deal and don't realize there's hidden conditions."
According to the BBB, the deceptive free trial offers are everywhere online and include those for diet pills, acne medication, work-at-home jobs and teeth whiteners, among other products and services.
This year alone, she said, BBB has received thousands of complaints from consumers who thought they were getting a free trial, but ended up losing hundreds of dollars in recurring credit or debit card charges.
The one thing these companies all have in common, she said, is that they rip off consumers under the guise of a no-risk trial offer.
Another company cited by the BBB is XM Brands, which has an "F" rating with BBB, and has received nearly 2,000 complaints to the West Palm Beach BBB. The company sells roughly 40
teeth whiteners, acai diet pills and colon cleansers online.
Complainants say they agreed to pay anywhere from $1.49 to $3.87 to cover shipping for the product trial but were charged as much as $87 a month, sometimes before they even received their trial in the mail.
The BBB said complainants report getting the runaround from the company when they request refunds or ask to stop being billed. One consumer, it said, claims to have lost more than $860 as a result of recurring charges.
Your dentist can often do more than fill cavities, perform root canals and undertake teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures.
He or she can also raise important warning signs to patients about other health issues. For instance, oral cancers are among the illnesses we currently check for during a patient’s regular oral-health check-up.
Another set of illnesses we have the potential to suspect are eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa (the conscious restriction of eating in a deliberate effort to lose weight) and bulimia (binge-eating and purging through self-induced vomiting, mainly, and sometimes through laxative use) can often be suspected by a quick search of the mouth. Tooth decay, enamel wear-down from increased stomach-acid presence due to vomiting, gum problems such as swelling, tooth discolouration and even bad breath are sometimes symptoms of these serious health issues.
Anorexia’s self-imposed extreme calorie restriction makes the body compensate to save nutrients for the rest of the body that would, under normal healthy circumstances, be directed towards the teeth.
Mouth health can only worsen over time as the eating disorders continue so it’s important to identify a cause as soon as possible.
That’s easier said than done. Eating disorders are, by their nature, a secretive set of behaviours, so raising the possibility of their existence with the patient can be highly sensitive. Denial might be the first response a dentist gets. Yet it is important to determine if an eating disorder is going on. Anorexia and bulimia are serious health issues that can sometimes lead to death.
Depending on the relationship the dentist has with the patient, the matter could be raised directly. I have had several patients tell me they suffered from bulimia in the past, which explained the condition of their teeth. At this point, the dentist might gently ask if the practice is continuing, and if so, suggest the patient seek out help from the family doctor or other health practitioner.
If a dentist feels a direct conversation with a patient is not appropriate, the patient can be referred to his or her family physician for suspected eating disorders. Since many with eating disorders are young, it might also be advisable to raise the issue with the parents in a caring and sensitive way. Say that you “suspect” an eating disorder and are concerned about the patient.
Eating disorders can cause serious and sometimes irreversible oral-health problems. That’s why it’s so important for dentists to be aware of the “mouth signs” and take action as early as possible.