Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

How to take the Perfect “Selfie”

Oct, 3, 2017

selfie smile — *The key to a perfect Selfie? Your smile!*

You’ve seen kids taking them on the street, in movies theaters, by themselves and in groups. Maybe you’ve even taken a few of your own. We’re talking about a Selfie — a self-taken picture where the subject and photographer are the same person. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms are full of them. In fact, sociology experts predict that Millennials and Generation Z (those people born after 2000) will take an average of 25,000 Selfies during their lifetime.

And many of them will be awful pictures. From heavy shadows to unfocused faces, blurry movement or heads out-of-frame, there are 101 ways to take a bad Selfie. However, Meyer & Johns Dental wants to share few tricks to make sure you put your best face forward while taking a photo of it.

Tips for Selfie-takers

Keep the camera slightly higher than your line of vision
Look either directly at the camera lens or deliberately away from it
Dip your chin slightly and look up— don’t raise your eyebrows to avoid forehead lines
Natural light is best— aim for the “golden hours” of sunrise or sunset
Choose an interesting background— stay away from blank walls, and mirrors or
windows can cause unwanted reflections.
Face your light source— Avoid direct side lighting, which can cast harsh shadows
on your face
Tap the image of your face on the phone screen before taking— most phones will use
that point to automatically adjust focus, depth and exposure.
SMILE!

Of course, everyone knows how to do this last one. But if you feel like your smile isn’t ready for a close-up, Meyer & Johns Dental can help. From teeth whitening, to same-day crowns, to porcelain veneers, we have the right choice to make sure your smile looks great– both in-person and at arms-length!

To discuss cosmetic options for your teeth, contact us or talk to Drs. Meyer or Johns at your next regular appointment or contact us to explore the options.

The Changing Face of Fillings

Apr, 6, 2017

Take a look at new alternatives to traditional metal fillings — *New developments in materials and techniques are improving the appearance and performance of dental fillings.*

For the vast majority of Americans, tooth decay is a fact of life. A study published in 2015 by the Centers for Disease Control showed that 42 percent of children have at least one cavity (medically known as a dental caries). And it gets worse with age – By the time we reach 65, all but 4 percent of us has experienced a cavity and (hopefully) a filling of the damaged area.

History

The first recorded filling of teeth occurred in Europe in the early 1800s. 20^th-century advancements took the artistry of filling teeth from its infancy to the host of advanced options available to today’s dental patients. From the soft metals in the early days, to the amalgams developed during 1900s, to modern porcelain and composite resin fillings used today, the techniques for repairing tooth loss are continuing to evolve.

Amalgams are the most widely used filling substance world-wide, despite growing concerns over radiant health risks associated with Mercury that many contain. In the U.S., metals have generally lost their luster as a surface material for damaged areas. This is partially due to those Mercury concerns, but also because amalgams darken over time and become more noticeable. The aesthetically-oriented nature of U.S. dentistry is driving numerous research efforts focused on improving the delivery, performance and appearance of fillings.

New Developments

Modern composites are applied to damaged teeth as a fluid substance, and then ‘cured’ to hardness with ultraviolet light. New UV light activators allow a more complete repair of deeper cavities in teeth, and the addition of reinforced silica fibers to acrylic-based composites is reducing the shrinkage of fillers during the curing phase. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic composite shows promise for its strength, durability and chemical properties that match the natural coloration of teeth.

Beyond traditional fillings, Meyer & Johns patients have many more choices for repairing damaged teeth, with options that include onlays, crowns and veneers. These options are especially important for filling cavities or damage on highly-visible front teeth. If you think you have a cavity, schedule an appointment today – we’ll find the problem, and offer a solution that will look and feel great!

Tooth Enamel: Tips for keeping yours healthy

Feb, 16, 2017

What Is Enamel, and Why Is It Important?

Enamel is the smooth, hard exterior surface of your teeth. It protects the interior dentin, which is softer and contains nerves and blood vessels. Tooth enamel is translucent, allowing the color of the interior dentin to show through. An easy way to think of it is like a suit of armor, protecting the dentin and pulp of your teeth within from the ravages of decay.

Needless to say, it’s pretty important to your overall dental health.

How Does Tooth Enamel Erode?

There are many threats to the health of your tooth enamel. — Your tooth enamel is targeted for damage by many common foods, beverages and medicines.

The biggest contributors to enamel erosion may not be what you’d expect. Acidic foods are one of the biggest culprits, as they can weaken enamel and leave it vulnerable to bacteria that cause tooth decay.

A surprising (and therefore potentially dangerous) contributor to erosion is dry mouth. Saliva protects your enamel by naturally controlling the growth of tooth-attacking bacteria. When your mouth is dry, these bacteria can grow unchecked and cause long-term damage.

Of course, many other factors can work against your enamel, from acid reflux to prescription medications, drug supplements and even over-brushing your teeth.

How Should You Care for Enamel?

Comprehensive oral health must include enamel care. Some tips for keeping it strong include:

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as stiff brushes can actually wear away your enamel
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, particularly after meals high in acid (this includes many fruits!) or sugar.
If you can’t brush your teeth immediately after meals, give your mouth at least a good rinsing with water to reduce the acidity.

And of course, visit Dr. Meyers or Dr. Johns at least twice a year for professional cleaning and a full exam to catch any enamel issues early.

Can Enamel Be Repaired?

Unfortunately, enamel loss is permanent. But even thought it won’t grow back, there are many cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help to mitigate its loss. Bonding, veneers, and crowns are all safe, long-lasting solutions to problems associated with enamel loss and damage.

Worried about your enamel or have other dental concerns? Contact us today and we’ll happily discuss what Meyer & Johns can do for you.

What Exactly is a Veneer?

Jan, 26, 2017

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain applied to your teeth. They are custom fit in order to perfect your smile, and can potentially last decades when treated well. Although veneers certainly can make a smile truly dazzling, not everyone is a good candidate for them, and other restorative options may be more viable options for many individuals.

Function

Veneers are made from porcelain to match the color, functionality, and durability of natural teeth. They can be crafted to adjust small gaps or twists in teeth in addition to other small alignment imperfections.

An added benefit of veneers is that, unlike natural tooth enamel, they are impervious to staining, which means that they will retain their bright white color even for smokers or heavy coffee drinkers, for instance.

Application

The dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from each tooth to prepare it for the veneer adhesive. This durable, light-cured compound is very durable and tightly binds veneer to tooth. The veneers themselves must be created for your individual teeth in a lab, so there is a small wait time.

Maintenance

Caring for veneers is the same as caring for your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Regular, non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush will take care of them for the most part. They will need to be inspected and polished as a part of your regular dental exams, but should require no special care unless they begin to break or wear down.

Keep in Mind

Although veneers are very long-lived, they are not always permanent. They can chip, break, or wear down to the point of needing replacement. Since the application process requires removal of a thin layer of your natural enamel, natural teeth are no longer viable without a veneer to protect them. Replacement is necessary in these cases.

If you’d like to improve your smile, contact Meyer & Johns today to make an appointment. We would be pleased to discuss with you the best options for you as an individual, both in terms of dental health and cosmetic options.