“Can You Make Me Look Like…?”
Posted by Dr. Alan Pressman (dr.p.dmd) on Nov 26 2010
Blog >> 2010

Sometimes, people visit the office with ridiculous expectations. Can cosmetic dentistry give them a smile that makes them look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie?

Number 1, they don’t have the facial structure of Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie!

Number 2, cosmetic dentistry can only be performed on healthy teeth. A house can’t be built on a swamp unless it has a serious foundation. The mouth must be free of caries and gum disease. Performing cosmetic dentistry in a mouth that is not periodontally sound will provide instant gratification, but like the house built on the swamp, it won’t last.

Building a solid foundation means clearing any periodontal condition, followed by removal of all cavities should be performed. Using orthodontics to ensure the teeth are placed properly—eliminating crowding, crossbite, and other misalignment—is next.

Once the foundation is constructed properly, building can begin on your dream house. Now is the time for planning. For instance, if your teeth are straight and caries free, you don’t need to spend $15,000 on porcelain work. Perhaps some intense bleaching will do the job. It is the most conservative approach and still makes your smile sparkle.

Before the whitening process begins, bonding may be necessary if you had small tooth–colored restorations. If you have are large fillings in your teeth, porcelain veneers or all porcelain crowns/onlays (which cover most or all of the surface of the tooth) may be needed.

Veneers are excellent restorations. They can make teeth appear straighter, longer, and whiter, but they are expensive.

If what you really want is whiter teeth, bleach them. If they are too crowded, get them straightened with orthodontics. Most times, doing the least is the best thing for you!

Here are a couple of questions for self-analysis:

(1) Are you self-confident about smiling in public? Do you cover your teeth when you smile?

(2) Do you wish your teeth were whiter or straighter?

(3) Do you believe you show too much teeth or too much gum when you smile?

(4) Do you like they way your teeth are shaped?

(5) Do you think the spaces between your teeth are too large?

(6) Do your teeth overlap? Is one hiding the one next to it?

(7) Do you photograph better from one side?

Think about your answers. Cosmetic dentistry may be right for you. An improved smile can help build your self-confidence. But don’t ask me to make you look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie.

Last changed: Nov 26 2010 at 8:19 PM

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