Cosmetic dentistry articles
Dr. Blitz's consumer oriented publications and articles include:
- A Consumer's Guide to
Cosmetic Dentistry answers your cosmetic dentistry questions.
What procedures are available and appropriate for me?
Who should I choose to provide this treatment for me?
What criteria should I use to evaluate a dentist's experience?
Some Dr. Blitz's published professional articles:
- Blitz N. Anterior Crowns in
Reestablishing Vertical Dimension of Occlusion: Overcoming Fear of Heights.
Oral Health February 1997.
As we age, our teeth become worn and shortened and less and less visible when we speak or smile. As the teeth become smaller in this way, the lower portion of the face decreases in height which further contributes to an aged appearance. This article describes the aesthetic and functional benefits and method of rebuilding the teeth to their original size and shape.
- Blitz N. Criteria for Success
in Creating Beautiful Smiles. Oral Health December 1997.
This article outlines some of the principles utilized in the design and creation of beautiful smiles.
- Blitz N. Direct Bonding in
Diastema Closure - High Drama, Immediate Resolution. Oral Health July
1996.
This article outlines the technique for "one appointment" closure of spaces or gaps between teeth.
- Blitz N, Serota KS. The
Endodontic-Restorative Interconnection Interdisciplinary Integration. Oral
Health December 1996.
The susceptibility of a person's back teeth to fracturing means that crowns or onlays are appropriate. This article describes a procedure that conserves the maximum amount of natural tooth structure following root canal treatment. This technique avoids the use of conventional posts which could increase the chances of root fracture.
- Blitz N. Adaptation of a
Fiber-Reinforced Restorative System to the Rehabilitation of Endodontically
Treated Teeth. Practical Periodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry March
1998.
New all-porcelain crowns avoid the dark line that is visible at the gum line of old-fashioned crowns. However, metal or dark posts cannot be used with all-porcelain crowns or the entire crown will appear lifeless. This article outlines a method developed by Dr. Blitz for the fabrication of a light-coloured, metal-free post to obtain optimum aesthetic results.
Read what Dr. Blitz's cosmetic dentistry patients say about their results.
A Consumer's Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry
By Dr. Nathan Blitz
Smile, and the world smiles with you. You've heard it a thousand times and, just thinking about it, the corners of your lips go up to create a smile. Surveys have shown that people with beautiful smiles are more successful. Flashing a smile that is white, symmetrical and dazzling causes heads to turn. Statistics indicate that members of the opposite sex are often attracted by smiles and, when asked what they remembered most about a first meeting, they say it was the smile. Believe it or not, the smile outranked the eyes!
Our society has set a standard for beauty that often causes everyday people like you and I anguish, feeling inadequate and believing that these standards are unattainable. We glance through magazines at the world's most beautiful models and go to the movies where we see the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Halle Berry. On the "Silver Screen" the whole world is beautiful.
Guess what! These movie stars weren't all born that beautiful and glamorous.
Through cosmetic enhancements, rigorous exercise regimes and diets, make-up, hair and fashion designers round the clock, they always appear flawless.
Beyond the obvious enhancements mentioned above are those less perceptible; cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry.
Beautiful, dazzling smiles are not unattainable and definitely not reserved for just the "rich and famous!" You, too, can build your self-esteem and enhance your quality of life by improving your smile.
How can your smile be improved?
What procedures are available and appropriate for you?
Who should you choose to provide this treatment for you?
How can my smile be improved?
Any smile can be made more beautiful if one or a combination of the following factors can be improved: colour, shape, size, space, positioning of teeth, gums, missing teeth, visible fillings or other restorations.
What procedures are available and appropriate for me?
There are numerous cosmetic procedures available. With all the technological advancements in dentistry and the strength of the new materials used for restorations, there are very few dental situations that cannot be considerably improved. Let's look at a few different cosmetic techniques.
Whitening is an inexpensive way to achieve that bright, dazzling, movie star smile in just 2-3 weeks at home; either during the day or while you sleep at night. For those with a time concern, in-office whitening is available; within a couple of hours you can achieve dramatic results. Bonding is a word that most of us have heard before but you may not be aware of what it means. Bonding refers to the placement of composite resin material (also known as tooth-coloured fillings) to restore or alter the shape of teeth or to close spaces between teeth. Although, bonding is not as fracture resistant and colour stable over time, it is less costly than porcelain restorations. Porcelain veneers are thin coats of enamel-like porcelain that are bonded directly onto the surface of the front teeth. The preparation of the tooth is very conservative and the finished product can dramatically change the shape, size, colour and position of the tooth. Crowns are an alternative to veneers in cases where too much tooth structure is missing. A crown usually goes around the entire tooth and is more commonly known in lay terms as a cap. Implants replace missing teeth without reducing any adjacent teeth.
These are just five examples of dental procedures that can enhance your quality of life by giving you that brilliant, engaging and captivating smile you've always dreamed of!
What makes a smile look less than appealing? When you look in the mirror or see pictures of yourself do you wonder just what is missing, why doesn't your smile dazzle you? Shortcomings in tooth colour are readily apparent. Tooth shape and size might not be as easily discernable. Did you know that every tooth has a particular function that determines its form. Tooth shape can be less than ideal because of fracture, wear, fillings or improper formation. The principles of proportion related to tooth size are a width to length ratio of 4:5. This ratio is most frequently repeated in nature and is widely perceived as harmonious and attractive to the human eye. The ancient Greeks and Romans were aware of these patterns and incorporated them into their architecture. So, you can see that there is a real art and science to the creation of that perfect and natural smile.
Who should I choose to provide this treatment for me?
Your general dentist may be the best person to provide this treatment for you or they may recommend someone they know and trust. If you do not currently have a regular dentist, here are some criteria that may assist you in determining who could best attend to your cosmetic dentistry needs.
- How much experience does the doctor have in cosmetic dentistry?
- Specifically, what is the doctor's involvement in cosmetic dentistry?
- Are the doctor and his support team knowledgeable, efficient and helpful in answering your questions about cosmetic dentistry?
- Are there "before and after" pictures of the doctor's work?
- Can you speak to some of the doctor's patients who have received similar treatment?
- Are your esthetic dental concerns, solutions and achievable goals presented in a written, easy to understand, evaluation report?
- Does the doctor provide wax simulations of what the finished result will look like, prior to treatment?
- Do you like, and feel confident and comfortable with, the doctor, the support team and the office in general?
Congratulations! You're ready to achieve that spectacular smile. Remember, when you smile, the world smiles with you!
Dr. Blitz may be reached at 416-233-1234.