You know that saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? It’s true, isn’t it? Someone can tell you something, and you may or may not believe it. But when you actually see it for yourself, you have substantial information to judge for yourself, which is totally different. You can see, know and understand. There are several types of hi-tech dental equipment that allow both the dentist and patient to look together at a photo to see either what is or what it can be.

The Cosmetic Imager can show you photos of a simulated smile and the Intraoral Camera can show you photos of what’s happening in your mouth. These are two great tools in planning your smile makeover.

Cosmetic Imager – Plan that Bright New Smile!

The Cosmetic Imager is a computer system that shows you what you could look like if your current smile is replaced with a smile enhanced by cosmetic dentistry. First, a photo is taken of your face then placed on a computer screen. Next, crooked teeth are straightened, short square teeth are made longer, stained or yellow teeth are brightened – all without needing to even open your mouth. The final result is a simulated photo of what your smile would be like with an enhanced smile. You’re then able to discuss further your new smile with your cosmetic dentist, and give feedback on the smile they envision for you.

I suppose the program works similarly to the computer program which lets you pick different hairstyles and hair color to try, without having to clip one strand. Some people may be able to imagine what they would look like with a different hairstyle or a new smile. But some people need a little visual assistance, looking at themselves in a third person, objective viewing, to feel more sure of the overall effect.

But a word of caution: Because of computer technology being what it is, I know many of you have the ability to cut out a celebrity’s smile from a photo, paste it on your face, then print out a photo of you with that pseudo smile. Just because you can create that photo doesn’t mean that’s the best smile that truly enhances your features. There are various subtle and overt aspects that make up a person’s smile. Everything from face shape and bone structure, to lips and the way the muscles pull up your smile, and then there’s teeth shape, size, color and proportion. What looks dazzling on Julia Roberts or charismatic on Tom Cruise may look disproportionate on you. Everyone’s smile is and should be unique.

But the photo of a celebrity (or anyone) whose smile you like can serve one main purpose. It can be a good starting point for analyzing your own smile. For some reason you are attracted to that smile. Think about what you like about that person’s smile, and think about what you don’t like about your smile. Do you like the way their smile completely fills their smile zone (what’s revealed when the lips are pulled back in a natural smile)? Maybe you like the shapes of their teeth, whether elegant or sporty or masculine.

Sorry, if it’s the dimples or lip shape you like I have to be honest, a cosmetic dentist would then have limited solutions. However, armed with this analysis of your smile and what you want is a great starting point when you first step into your dentist’s office.

Intraoral Camera – Helps You Keep Your Smile Bright

The Intraoral Camera System also has a camera and computer program but it takes actual photos within your mouth. These photos give patients a rare, clear and up-close look into their mouth, of as small an area as a few teeth. Normally, you’d have to look at your teeth through a mirror or two, and because of the small size, it’s difficult to see fine details or the back areas very clearly. These photos help you to understand situations that may be happening within your mouth, such as a broken or fractured tooth or restoration.

For example, let’s say the hygienist says you need to floss more carefully on the backsides of your lower front teeth. It’s one thing to imagine what it looks like, and the symptoms you’re trying to eliminate. But let’s say she shows you a photo of the redness and puffiness of that area. Then it’s clear to see the effect of not flossing conscientiously, and the signs of gum disease you’re wanting to avoid.

In addition, the intraoral photos assist in dental claims approval, as it gives the dental insurance company more information on which to base their decision. The dental office also uses these photos as part of the comprehensive record keeping of your dental health.

The Cosmetic Imager and the Intraoral Camera lead to dental appointments that provide more information and improve communication. You’re able to more clearly comprehend a situation, and therefore be able to ask targeted, meaningful questions, and thereby make better decisions for yourself. In the big picture that means optimal dental health and a more positive experience for patients, which is always something to smile about.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on its head nearly a decade ago, replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back A Smile,” a charitable foundation of the AACD which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.

In a recent Forbes magazine article, executive smile makeovers were featured. It mentioned that CEOs may not be worried about their wrinkles, but rather are more concerned about their “not so pearly whites”. “Executive Esthetic Dentistry” is cosmetic dentistry for high level executives, but differs somewhat from cosmetic dentistry that let’s say a model or actor would want.

Although Executive Esthetic Dentistry is not necessarily a new trend, it probably does get more attention in the media these days along with other cosmetic surgery procedures. And it may make some people perplexed. They can understand someone wanting a professional makeover when they are working their way up the ranks, but once they get there? In the Forbes article, Cendant’s Henry Silverman said, “I was going on TV a lot, and I didn’t like the way my teeth looked.” Having it, he confides, “gives you a sense of self-confidence, which never hurts.”

Executives, too, want to have a natural smile that takes years off their appearance. As business is becoming more competitive worldwide, even business people in Japan are starting to turn to cosmetic dentistry. Although each individual is different, the Executive Esthetic Smile tends to have certain traits.

Although many executives may enjoy the spotlight, they tend to prefer a more conservative approach to the smile. Whereas someone who is a model or actor would be more likely to want their teeth to be more perfect looking or a brighter white, executives may lean towards a something more subtle. There are exceptions, but the tendency is away from a Hollywood-white smile.

Younger, Healthier Smile, Rather Than Brilliant or Dazzling

The look that executives tend to feel comfortable with is a natural, youthful and healthy look. It’s a rejuvenation of their current smile. Perhaps the shapes and sizes of the teeth will stay similar, or perhaps slight alterations for a more enhanced look. They don’t necessarily want to call too much attention to their smile. But the overall effect will be to make the smile look 10 – 15 years younger, to brighten their appearance and to look more professional in front of prospective clients.

For one thing, because of the age group of corporation presidents and CEOs, teeth bleaching alone tends to not be an effective solution. Reasons for this includes the build-up of stain over the years leaves the stain too engrained to be lightened enough with bleaching. Or perhaps existing restorations in the front teeth would also prevent a uniform color. Or even if their teeth were whitened through bleaching, they may still be unhappy with the overall look and shapes of their teeth.

Therefore executive restorations would most likely be performed using porcelain veneers or crowns, depending on the amount of healthy tooth available and desired end result. If teeth are missing, an implant may be needed to fortify the foundation under a crown or bridge for an increased biting strength. If teeth are worn down through years of grinding, then the restoration may rebuild the length of the tooth to its natural, previous length. And if old, failing restorations are being replaced, the new restoration will give the illusion of a natural tooth, not an old crown.

One local executive came to my office saying he was extremely dissatisfied with the look of his smile, and also suspected that years of avoiding the dentist had placed his overall dental health in jeopardy. His teeth had the appearance of being crooked and worn down, to the point where he was beginning to feel more self-conscious about his smile. Although he had attained the position of president within his corporation and certainly was a success in his professional life, he still felt held back by not being able to express himself comfortably. He did feel he could become a better communicator and seem more approachable if he could express himself with his smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Success – Helps Patient’s Self-Esteem

After extensive gum therapy, this patient’s old restorations and decay were replaced with natural-appearing porcelain restorations. The results were amazing to him. Little by little, he found himself smiling more when meeting people, when talking, or taking photos. He was also happy with the youthful look it gave him. And most importantly, the treatment received allowed him to continue on a road of good oral health, allowing him to keep his natural teeth. He had self-confidence again, and a bright smile.

One of the best things about state-of-the-art dentistry is the ability for cosmetic dentists to custom make each individual smile to fit face shape, personality, age, gender, and profession. This is due to a combination of advancements in dentist technique and smile design, dental materials used, and laboratory expertise. For example, in my office we use a technique that allows patient input and feedback on the smile we are creating together. Patients can feel comfortable knowing their final smile is a collaboration of science, art and their ideas, too.

So regardless of if you’re an aspiring super model hoping for jobs in New York or a CEO who has already arrived in their penthouse office, cosmetic dentistry can create a smile makeover well suited to your wants and needs to upgrade both personal and professional life.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on it’s head nearly a decade ago , replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back a Smile”, a charitable foundation of the A.A.C.D. which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.

With the ever growing popularity of teeth bleaching, I find that discolored, yellowed or darkened smiles still are one of the more prevalent smile complaints. There are many reasons for teeth not be a natural bright hue. Today’s cosmetic dentists have a variety of procedures to turn back the clock to a more youthful smile. This article continues a series featuring various types of problem situations and how these can be addressed. This month’s focus is the Makeover for the Darkened Smile.

Tooth Whitening Becomes Necessary Because……

Whether it is one discolored tooth or a uniformly yellowed or darkened smile, its easy to pick out when teeth are not as bright as they should be. The reasons why teeth become discolored are numerous. The first of the reasons are situations that someone is born with or develop in childhood. These include drug- or mineral-induced stains, genetic abnormalities or other congenital problems.

The second set of reasons are environmental causes. Realize that your 28 pearly whites have been bombarded for decades by everything you’ve eaten or drank almost all of your life. The guilty attackers include colas, teas, coffees, red wines, tobacco products and other stain-producing foods. Even with routine professional teeth cleanings, these stainers have a cumulative effect on your teeth’s overall whiteness.

A third reason is age-related. The older a tooth becomes the more it darkens or yellows. Yes, this is the unfortunate side of nature. A fourth reason is situational for specific teeth. Here are some examples: A tooth whose pulp is dead due to trauma, may become gray or blackened over time. Another example is teeth associated with old silver fillings or metal-containing restorations. Over time these restorations may irreversibly stain teeth internally or around the gumline.

The Solution? A Smile Makeover

In combating many of these common cosmetic dental problems, cosmetic dentists have various solutions at their command that can address all of the above. The types of treatments selected will vary, depending on each individual person’s problems and needs. Routinely, some discoloration may be due to just plaque or tartar build-up. Plaque and calculus can cause a yellowing stain on teeth, and if left untreated decay may result leaving a darker discoloration. Professional cleanings can assist in minimizing the stain build-up from the food stains mentioned above, such as red wines and tobacco.

Professional cleanings, however, are not the answer to every type of darkened smile. In-office or home bleaching may address other mild types of discolored smiles. In particular bleaching tends to be more effective on staining caused by food, drink and tobacco and the yellowing of aging teeth. In-office bleaching allows you to “jump-start” the whitening process with a quicker end result. A gentle bleaching gel is placed on your teeth and a light source is applied. Depending on the degree of darkness and the lightening you want to attain, this procedure may achieve your desired lighter shade in one visit. Sometimes one appointment may not be enough, and follow-up appointments may be needed.

“Home bleaching” takes place outside of the dental office, either while you sleep or at your leisure. A custom-fitted, clear plastic tray is made in the dental office. A gentle bleaching gel is placed in the tray, and the tray is fitted snugly over your upper or lower teeth. Optimal results are usually achieved in about 14 days. Home bleaching procedures allow more flexibility and control over the whiteness achieved.

You’ll find numerous other whitening kits at the neighborhood drug store or on infomercials. However my best advice would be to consult your dental professionals for what will work best for you. Unwanted side effects of these over-the-counter kits may include accelerated tooth-related and/or gum-related problems or having teeth of mismatched colors. Don’t fall victim to using the product that merely is most convenient and cheapest to obtain. Asking your dentist if you are a candidate for bleaching may save you from wasting money, time and heartache.

If the staining or discoloration is too dark or deep within the tooth for bleaching, then the next option would be veneers or non-metallic, tooth-colored restorations. Veneers are thin, yet durable shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front and biting surfaces of teeth, to permanently mask the discoloration. Non-metallic crowns would be used if there is extensive decay or breakdown of the tooth structure.

Great Progress Made in Recreating the Beautiful Smile

The great news is that certain darkened smile concerns that could not be addressed fully 10 or even 5 years ago can now be solved. One example of such a dental problem is drug-induced stains, such as tetracycline. This shows as a heavy discoloration of the teeth (gray or black) with or without stripes. Esthetically correcting such a strikingly noticeable smile has perplexed dental professionals for decades. Fortunately with advancements in dental materials and techniques along with infusing dental artistry, this dilemma can be addressed with consistency and beautifully natural results. A technique article I wrote that was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association discussed this complex problem, and uncovered a conservative solution that concludes in such a natural end result.

Q&A

Questions & Answers: Q: I have tried to bleach my teeth several times to whiten my dark teeth but within several weeks the darkness returned. I realize I now need porcelain veneers. How do I determine who is qualified to help me achieve the best natural results?

A: Great question! Undergoing any advanced cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers is quite an investment. However, if done correctly the results can be fantastic. Recreating a natural-appearing smile takes artistry in developing the right color, contour, length and size of the veneers. This takes expertise on behalf of the cosmetic dentist as well as the dental laboratory being used. Not all dentists and labs are equal. Seek out a reputable cosmetic dentist professional and ask them to show you before and after photo examples of similar cases they have corrected.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on it’s head nearly a decade ago , replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back a Smile”, a charitable foundation of the A.A.C.D. which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.