When seeking a cosmetic dentist, consider the artistic skill of the dentist. Materials are universal, however the design and specifications of a procedure play a major role in the esthetic appeal of the final product. This skill requires a sense of artistry combined with a vision that will enhance your features and create your perfect smile.

Q. Are there any special considerations for veneers?

A.  Some factors you will want to consider:

• Your goals
• The color of your teeth. Most veneers are ultra thin and therefore translucent, so discolored teeth may show through. Teeth whitening may be recommended to reduce discoloration. Veneers are fabricated to have a natural tooth like appearance and match surrounding teeth.
• Your lifestyle and habits, such as teeth grinding and clenching may make a veneer more susceptible to chips, cracks and breaking. If you are interested in veneers, come in for a complimentary evaluation and see how you can achieve the smile of your dreams!

Q. What should I ask during a cosmetic evaluation appointment?

A.  One of the first questions you should ask is what type of training Dr.Shlafer has for the particular procedures you are interested in. Not all dentists know and perform all cosmetic dentistry procedures.

• You should ask to see before and after pictures. Ask questions about their cases and the techniques Dr.Shlafer used to improve their smiles.
• You should ask if the dentist is a accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  As an accredited member, Dr.Shlafer has undergone extensive continuing education and rigorous testing to ensure that his cosmetic procedure skills are exemplary.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, the first step is to have an cosmetic evaluation with Dr.Shlafer. He will develop a cosmetic treatment plan that is just right for you.

Q. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

A.Tooth discoloration is a normal part of aging. As people age, enamel wears down, and teeth take on a duller appearance. Teeth can also become discolored from smoking, heavy coffee or tea consumption,additional causes may include side effects from medications, an individuals genetic makeup and excessive fluoride consumption. Teeth whitening and veneers offer a cosmetic solution for people with discolored teeth.

Q. Are there any side effects associated with teeth whitening?

A.Dr.Shlafer takes protective measures to prevent discomfort during teeth whitening procedures. During your complimentary bleaching evaluation any concerns regarding side effects or sensitivity would be addressed. Patients will have a choice in determining which bleaching system they would prefer. Typically a protective gel or tray is used to prevent bleaching agents from damaging gum tissue. The bleaching agents Dr.Shlafer uses are  approved for use by the American Dental Association and the F.D.A., ensuring safety and effectiveness. It is not uncommon after a whitening procedure to experience minimal tooth sensitivity for a short period of time.

Q. Does whitening work for everyone?

A. No. In cases involving severe discoloration, teeth whitening may not result in a bright white smile. These individuals should consider other options, such as bonding or porcelain veneers. Again, these concerns would be discussed during the cosmetic evaluation, so you will be fully aware of your choices and expected outcome. Tomorrow, veneers, sedation, and smile makeovers.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile. As an added bonus, by enhancing your smile you can create a more youthful appearance. Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth, years ago your only option may have been an amalgam filling (which left visible dark spots on the teeth). You can now select fillings made of resin material that closely matches the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile.

Technological advancements in natural looking, tooth colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Dr.Shlafer has always used a more conservative cosmetic dentistry technique, this allows him to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. All of the cosmetic treatments that Dr.Shlafer provides can be done in our office, usually without the need for referrals to a specialist. Let’s take a look at some of the cosmetic dental treatment that are available:

• Teeth whitening: Whitening is perhaps the most commonly requested cosmetic procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, coffee, tea, red wine or poor oral hygiene. There are generally two options for bleaching: a 2 hour appointment with several applications of bleaching material or a tray bleaching system which can take 2-3 weeks to complete. A complimentary bleaching consultation will evaluate you as a candidate and help you decide which system is best for you. Bleaching your teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance altered using a bonding procedure. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to your tooth, it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high intensity light. The end result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the surrounding tooth structure.

Tomorrow:  CEREC®, Veneers, Implants

What’s the secret for defying Father Time? Many people are so conscious of every little wrinkle on their face, but may forget about other body parts that may give away your age. Every sign of aging boils down to changes in texture and color.

Your teeth: Years of eating and drinking can leave your teeth yellow or gray. There can also be  changes in size and shape. Young looking teeth are vibrant, with clean, rounded edges. Older teeth  are the opposite, small, worn and chipped. Your gums may also recede over time and may leave you looking as if you have gaps between your teeth.

Reverse the clock. There are many whitening options available to brighten your smile. If teeth are worn, chipped, gums receding,or have gaps now is the time to be evaluated for your new smile. Birthdays happen, but looking older is optional!

Consider whitening your teeth. One of the first things you notice about people is their smile. When you meet someone with a bright, natural  smile, it catches your attention. BriteSmile teeth whitening system is safe and effective, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirms this. With BriteSmile, your entire whitening experience is overseen by a dental professional. BriteSmile whitening will give you the most naturally brilliant and uniform look, with long lasting results. All you do is sit back, relax, watch TV or listen to music. Your best and brightest smile is an appointment away! Visit our smile gallery for before and after pictures of the teeth whitening procedure, and contact us to set up your consultation.