A Smile Makeover can be appealing for many reasons. Changing aged and broken restorations, achieving a more youthful appearance, or a boost in self-confidence might be some of the reasons you may be considering a Smile Makeover.

The goal of aesthetic dentistry is to transform an average smile into a terrific smile. Dr. Shlafer and his team are highly skilled in treatment planning for your new smile. The first step on your way to a new smile is a thorough evaluation with Dr.Shlafer.

So, what makes a smile beautiful? Dr. Shlafer’s patients have terrific smiles with several things in common:

• Teeth that were once crooked are now beautifully straight.
• Gaps that were once present have been removed and the teeth are now evenly spaced.
• Teeth that were discolored and stained are transformed into a younger, sparkling white.
• The gums on your top teeth no longer show. When you smile now, the focus is on your beautiful teeth.

Say goodbye to an uneven gum line. Smiles created by Dr. Shlafer have esthetically pleasing gum line.

The edges of your top teeth smoothly follow the curve of the lower lip.

All these problems can be resolved with esthetic procedures. So even if you weren’t born with a beautiful smile, you can still have one!

Here are just a few of the possible procedures Dr. Shlafer will use to create your new smile:

Tooth whitening: To improve the color of stained, dull teeth. Dr .Shlafer offers two options to achieve superior whitening. The first choice is a 2-hour in office procedure where 3-4 applications of whitening material is applied for instant results. The second option is an in home custom tray bleaching system. Impressions are made ensuring your whitening trays fit perfectly and they are worn at night for 2 weeks, achieving beautiful results. No matter what option you and Dr. Shlafer decide on, you will love your new whiter smile!

Bonding: To repair chipped, uneven and cracked teeth. Bonding is a pain free procedure in which Dr. Shlafer meticulously contours your teeth with a natural tooth colored substance restoring the damaged area.

Composite or Resin Fillings: These are natural tooth colored fillings that are used to replace old silver amalgam fillings.

Dental Veneers: To repair crooked, overlapping, short or gapped teeth. This is a lab related service and generally takes 2 visits to complete.

Dental Implants: To replace a missing tooth. The benefit of this option is to avoid involving teeth on either side of the missing tooth, thus eliminating the need for a bridge. Another benefit of an implant is, it is a permanent, un-removable restoration.

Metal Free Crowns: To repair extensive tooth decay, these all porcelain crowns are made by the finest dental laboratories, selected by Dr. Shlafer personally. Additionally, Dr. Shlafer offers the option of using state of the art Cerec technology. This procedure is performed in our dental office allowing for the completion of your crown in one convenient appointment.

Smile Makeover Treatment Plan:

Dr. Shlafer will consider many factors when deciding on a custom treatment plan for your new smile. He will first evaluate the overall health of your teeth. Dr Shlafer will then consider the spacing between your teeth, and measure the length of each tooth as well as identify your existing tooth color and the new shade you would like to change to. All of these elements will help determine the appropriate treatment plan for your new smile.

Do you frequently wake up with a headache? Perhaps you suffer with jaw pain? Have you noticed a change in the shape of your teeth? Do you feel there is more space between your teeth? Do any of your teeth feel loose? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from a condition called Bruxism, commonly known as grinding your teeth.

Teeth grinding can be particularly problematic, occurring throughout the night as we sleep, thus creating the feeling this condition is out of your control. Not sure if you are grinding? Why not ask your spouse the next morning? Quite often they can hear this happening and complain to you the next day. The pain you may experience can affect your relationships, your social and professional life.

Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because you are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, this discomfort ranges from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating pain, which in turn can disrupt your life. Teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures. Grinding can also wear your teeth down to stumps or result in tooth loss. Bruxing will also destroy tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for root canals, bridges, crowns, implants and dentures. Considering the cost for this type of restorative treatment, a preventative plan becomes important.

OPTIONS THAT MAY HELP:

MOUTH GUARD: Dr. Shlafer can design and fabricate a custom mouth guard that specifically fits the size and the contours of your teeth and restorations. Mouth guards, or occlusal guards protect your teeth and restorations from damage due to grinding.

ORAL HYGIENE: At your regular check up, Dr. Shlafer will examine your teeth for any signs of wear. Dr. Shlafer will also evaluate the alignment of your bite, known as occlusion, to determine if any adjustments need to be made to prevent further damage.

MASSAGE: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to help relax your muscles. In more serious cases you may be referred to a physical therapist.

STRESS RELIEF: Stress, which is no surprise, is a factor in teeth grinding. Consider doing regular exercise, or the option of holistic therapies such as Tai Chi or Meditation, which are all known to reduce stress.

DIET: Refrain from eating food and drinks that contain caffeine. This includes soft drinks, coffee, and unfortunately chocolate. Also stay away from alcohol, which can make grinding worse. Be aware that chewing gum can also be a trigger for grinding.

If you think you may be suffering from teeth grinding, relief is just an appointment away. Please contact Dr.Shlafer for an evaluation today.