Tag: cosmetic dentistry

Make a Confident Resolution

Dec, 28, 2018

January 1st is right around the corner, and if you’re like almost half of all adult Americans, you’ll make some type of New Year’s resolution. But do you know Why we make them?

Similar Goals, Many Traditions

The earliest recorded instances of New Year’s resolutions came from ancient Babylonians. As far back as 2,000 B.C., they made annual promises to their gods that they would return things they had borrowed and strive to repay their debts in the coming year. Also according to The Economist, Ancient Romans continued the practice by offering yearly penitence and promise to their gods at the change of the calendar. Much later, medieval knights re-affirmed their commitment to chivalry for the coming year with the Peacock Vows, taken at the end of each Christmas season.

Today, we Americans have our own take on the tradition. Each year, more than 40% of us make a New Year’s commitment, according to a 2018 Washington Post article. We resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, exercise more, drink less, quit smoking, stop binging reality TV shows all.weekend. long… You know the drill. And predictably, nearly 80% of us fail our own challenge within a few weeks. Of those of us still on track in February, only around one out of every 12 people will see the year through while sticking to our resolution.

But what if your New Year’s intention had nothing to do with depriving yourself, and was focused on getting the most out of yourself?

What’s Possible with Veneers

When we think of positive self-image, the single element that is most common is a smile. And if yours is something that you consciously try to hide, you are holding yourself back. Why not make 2019 the year that people remember you most clearly as smiling and confident?

If you have damaged, crooked, or discolored teeth, veneers may be the best option for getting your smile back. Could 2019 be the Year of the New You? Ask us at your next appointment, or contact us to meet with our Meyer & Johns smile experts and discuss the possibilities.

Can your teeth be TOO white?

Jun, 21, 2018

teeth-whitening — *Most of us want a brighter smile. But how much whitening is too much?*

Would you like a whiter smile? If you said “Yes,” you’re in good company. Surveys show that up to 80% of Americans want whiter teeth. And our actions make it obvious – teeth-whitening is statistically the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In fact, we spend an estimated $1.4 billion annually on over-the-counter whitening products. But how much is too much?

Bleachorexia?

As reported by ABC News, some dentists are using the phrase “bleachorexia” – a condition in which people have done serious damage to their teeth by over-whitening, all in pursuit of an ever-brighter smile. The symptoms of this new phenomenon include;

Hypersensitivity to temperature
Receding gums
Weakened teeth
Higher likelihood of decay
Erosion of the protective enamel

Ironically, this last symptom has the exact opposite of the desired effect.

over-whitening hurts teeth — *Over-whitening can damage enamel and expose the darker tooth material beneath.*

Our tooth enamel is typically several shades lighter than the slightly yellow-ish dentine (tooth material) that it conceals. So the less enamel you have, the darker your teeth will appear. And – as we’ve discussed– keeping your enamel healthy and intact is key to a healthy mouth and smile.

Smart Teeth-Whitening Options

So how can you safely go about making your smile as bright as it can be? Keep in mind that many home-whitening offerings are perfectly safe to use if you remember one simple rule: FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

These bleaching options usually have Carbamide peroxide as the primary ingredient, and underwent decades of rigorous testing before going to market. They are a perfectly safe and healthy choice, when used as directed.

If you’re still uncertain, talk to us at your next appointment. We can let you know which over-the-counter products we recommend, and can offer advice on how to achieve the best, brightest smile possible. We also offer in-office, professional-grade whitening procedures that are safe, effective, and last up to five years.

In some cases of long-term or severe teeth stains, the best path to a vibrant smile is through porcelain/composite veneers. These thin covers are bonded to visible tooth surfaces and are a great alternative to bleaching when tooth discoloration is uneven, or is combined with chipped, cracked or teeth that have been worn down.

As always, count on Drs. Meyer & Johns to offer you sound advice on achieving your highest level of dental health and aesthetic confidence.

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.

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.