I have always enjoyed providing many different treatment modalities in my practice and cosmetic dentistry ranks as one of the most satisfying. I love hearing from my patients how their new smile has positively affected many aspects of their life.
Today’s treatment options include the use of all-porcelain restorations to fill gaps, improve and even out shade differences beyond whitening, reinforce thinning and cracking teeth, and to create the “new you”. Some patients choose cosmetic dentistry in lieu of plastic surgery to enhance their appearance and self confidence. Here are stories from 2 recent patients of mine.
“Sarah” is a friendly, warm person but was always covering her mouth with her hand when she smiled. She felt embarrassed of her teeth that had chipped and were shorter in length after many years of grinding her edges down. Using a combination of all-porcelain crowns and veneers (facings), I was able to add some length, even up the edges, fill in some dark spaces between the teeth and provide a smooth, esthetic smile that matched her lower lip shape, creating a more youthful appearance. Sarah is thrilled with her new smile and this has greatly improved her confidence in her business and personal life.
“Robert” was recently divorced and back on the dating scene at 55 years old. He wanted to keep his natural color but improve the shape of his crowded teeth without braces. I was able to provide thin porcelain veneers, some minor bonding with composite, whitening of his lower teeth, gum sculpting with the laser to reduce a gummy smile look, and 4 all-porcelain crowns on his canines to protect his teeth from grinding wear in the years ahead. He is so happy with his youthful smile and his teeth not only look better but function well.
My message to you is that cosmetic dentistry is a positive and exciting way to help you feel great about your smile and dental health. It is not limited to those that just want a “Hollywood” smile, it’s a wonderful way for anyone to improve their appearance and enhance their lives.
Bradley A. Ross, DDS is the owner of Mission Trails Dentistry,
located at 6902 Navajo Road (at Jackson Drive) 619-582-9700
www.missiontrailsdentistry.com
