Are Your Teeth Doing the Talking?

By Dr. Bill Dorfman

Ever noticed how distracting it is when someone you’re talking to has badly stained teeth?  Don’t you think this affects how you respond to them?

Of course it does, and with all the whitening and cosmetic options available to you today, there’s no reason why anyone—not to mention, you- should live with a less-than-great smile.

If you are concerned about your teeth, you might want to consider the options available to you.  I’ve got to tell you that it’s a great time to be a dentist—from Zoom! in-office whitening to Nite White and Day White tray systems, now’s the time to take care of your dingy smile.  If porcelain veneers are the right choice for you, your dentist can discuss these, as well. Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom made porcelain laminates that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. Veneers can flawlessly cover broken, chipped, discolored, crooked or gapped teeth.

Here are four ways to achieve a white, beautiful smile:

1. Zoom! In-Office Whitening: Have you heard about Zoom! in-office whitening?  It’s done in a dentist’s office and it only takes about one hour, leaving the patient with great results.  Ask your dentist or hygienist for more information.
2. Nite White or Day White Take-Home Tray Whitening: For those who prefer an at-home option, Nite White or Day White are highly effective options that you can wear during the day or night.
3. Pooof!: This is my revolutionary new whitening strip that dissolves on your teeth without any of the disadvantages of existing whitening strips, like taste and messiness! We use a food-grade quality starch, with no chemicals, that allows the strips to dissolve in 15 minutes, leaving your breath fresh and your teeth white!
4. Porcelain veneers: In some cases, your dentist might suggest porcelain veneers, which are probably the most aesthetically-pleasing restorative option to shape up your smile.  Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are permanently bonded directly to your teeth.  Veneers have become increasingly popular and are a great, durable option for changing the size, shape, position and color of your teeth.

If you’re looking for a gum fix, did you know that it’s possible to change the color of your gums? You may have the most beautiful, white teeth in the world, but if your gums are discolored or have dark patches, you may not have the smile of your dreams. Ask your dentist about a procedure that uses a series of solutions that act similarly as a chemical peel for the skin. Changing the color of your gums is a simple and effective procedure and is only performed in a dentist’s office.

You may also have a concern about crooked teeth or a bad bite.  As I wrote in my book, Billion Dollar Smile, braces aren’t the only option to straightening your teeth anymore.  Invisalign uses a series of clear trays that are practically undetectable, and in most cases just as effective as braces. Orthodontic treatment can correct your bad bite and is something you should consider for the following reasons:

1. Crowded teeth
2. Crooked teeth
3. Poorly aligned teeth
4. Poor upper and lower jaw alignment

Whichever straightening method is the best choice for you, your new smile will thank you for it. Your smile boosts a higher level of confidence and communicates with your self-image. A positive self-image is something everyone should show from the inside, out.

There’s one more important consideration to having a beautiful smile for a lifetime: proper maintenance. Whenever someone asks me if flossing is important, I always answer “Only floss the teeth you want to keep!” Brush and floss your teeth and see your dentist regularly. Easy, right? It still amazes me how many people neglect these three, simple things that could prevent a host of dental problems. And if you are concerned about your breath, I recommend the BreathRx brush and floss, scrape and rinse regime.

One tip about healthy tooth-brushing: always use a soft brush.  Even though you may think that a hard brush will do a better job, it does NOT.  In fact, hard brushes DESTROY teeth; you might as well be brushing with sandpaper. 

Please be mindful that if you’re using a manual toothbrush, you should brush for at least three to five minutes. With a power brush like Oral B (which is what I use), two minutes does the job. Typically, manual brush users spend only 24-60 seconds brushing, which is not enough time.  

Here’s a simple brushing technique:

1. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums.
2. Rotate the brush gently in small, circular motions.
3. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth on both the upper and lower arches.
4. Repeat on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
5. Scrape the tongue with a BreathRx Tongue Scraper to remove bad breath-causing bacteria. Move it from the back of the tongue toward the front, sweeping the bacteria out of the mouth.
6. Rinse with water and an alcohol-free mouthwash like BreathRX.

There’s really no reason why you shouldn’t have a great smile with all the options available to you today. It’s also easier than ever to maintain your oral health. You just gotta do it (okay, so I am a dentist after all!)

So remember, a great smile says a lot about you and makes it a lot easier for others to “see” what you’re saying. Consider the treatment options I’ve mentioned if you’re not happy with your smile, and then take care of them every day. If you’ve got a great relationship with your smile, you’re much more likely to have a great relationship with others!  No matter where you are or where you want to be in your life, I believe a beautiful smile can make a big difference. If you need to find a great cosmetic dentist try the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at aacd.com.