After the Academy Awards were televised a couple of years ago, all the rumble was NOT about the winners. Social media lit up with comments on the dreadful face lift of one of the presenters. The once-ravishing movie star hadn’t been in the public eye for quite some time. Her invitation to present was a surprise to many, yet it was her face lift that was the biggest surprise.
Her face lift was more like a face ‘pull.’ It had a ‘wind-blown’ look, where the skin is pulled taut from the center of the face to the ears. The plastic surgeons I know use a technique that pulls facial muscles upward, rather than pulling the skin tight. This upward lift gives a much more natural appearance, bringing youthfulness back to the individual’s face while preserving the skin’s suppleness. The advantage is that it doesn’t look like the individual had plastic surgery.
Like outdated plastic surgery techniques, there are still those who use old techniques and materials for cosmetic dentistry. Although these older methods may whiten teeth, camouflage some flaws and even out crooked, crowded teeth, it’s not too hard to spot someone who has had dentistry gone wrong.
An example of cosmetics gone wrong is in the repair of a gap between the two front teeth. I’ve seen cases where bonding was used to widen the two teeth, leaving the patient with a ‘bunny look.’ While a cheaper alternative than four or six veneers, perhaps, the individual’s gap has merely been replaced with an awkward appearance.
Consider the teeth. When correctly sized, shaded and shaped, porcelain veneers, crowns and crown-&-bridge combinations should complement an individual’s facial features. For example, longer teeth may be recommended to slenderize a wide face.
Additionally, the teeth should reflect light and have a luminosity like that of natural teeth. A solid, uniform white tooth will look like a fake tooth because real teeth simply aren’t solid, white blocks. The gum tissue that arches each tooth should also be at the same level as neighboring teeth for an even smile line with a natural curve.
Cosmetic Dentistry Patient of Dr. Ban Barbat
Just as important is the placement and alignment of the teeth. As a neuro-muscular dentist, I see patients who have endured years of headaches, migraines, dizziness, ear ringing, sore jaw joints and night-time clenching and/or grinding. Many have worn teeth or chipped or fractured teeth. My advanced training and diagnostic equipment enables me to pinpoint teeth that contribute to an imbalance in the jaw joints, head and neck muscles and chewing function. All it takes is one or two improperly placed or designed crowns.
There is always a cheaper way to do something. Like anything, you get what you pay for in cosmetic dentistry. We create new smiles based upon the most natural, flattering look combined with proper function and exceptional longevity. Our goal is to have people compliment your smile because it is beautiful and looks like you were lucky enough to be born with it!
There is no cost for a consultation appointment, and no obligation. Let’s sit down together and discuss your options. Then, I can discuss an anticipated treatment time and cost to achieve a smile you’ll share with pleasure and pride! Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles for an appointment.
