March 26, 2012

Smile-Enhancement by Dr. Poss – Nashville Comsetic Dentist

Often thought of as only obtainable by celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is actually a rapidly growing industry. As visiting the cosmetic dentist become more popular and more affordable it also become more accessible to the general public.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses mostly on improving the appearance (and often times the functionality and health) of your teeth and gums. Common cosmetic procedures include bite reclamation, bonding, bridges, gum lifts, reshaping, veneers, and teeth whitening. Some procedures involve the addition of material(s) to your teeth and/or gums, like bonding, crowns, and veneers. Some require removing material from your teeth and/or gums. Finally, some require neither the addition nor removal of materials, like straightening and whitening.

In cosmetic bonding, an enamel-like substance is used to reshape a tooth or teeth as needed. After it is applied and sculpted, the material hardens and is polished. It closely resembles the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth and can be used to fill chips and perfect other such misshapen teeth.

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Crowns must be inserted onto the two adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then fused to the crowns to hold it in place. When properly cared for, they can last for ten years or even longer.

A gum lift is the process by which a cosmetic dentist raises and reshapes your gum line. It may involve simply sculpting the gum tissue, or, in more extreme cases, the underlying bone structure may need reshaping. The end goal is to give the teeth a more symmetrical and (if desirable) longer appearance.

Reshaping teeth requires removing bits of the enamel to create the desired look. It can improve the length, positioning, and shape of affected teeth and can fix small chips. The potential issue with enameloplasty is that once the enamel is removed it cannot be replaced. People still opt for it under some circumstances to avoid getting braces and because the results are so fast.

Veneers are also wildly popular for perfecting the appearance of one’s smile. They are made up of porcelain and/or composite materials that mimic teeth’s natural appearance, color, and structure. They are applied in very thin layers that are bonded directly to the teeth. They can completely close gaps as well as disguise discolored teeth that cannot be sufficiently lightened. Christie Brinkley, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Donald Trump are all rumored to have porcelain veneers.

Whitening is by far the most commonly practiced procedure in the industry. There are dozens of over-the-counter at-home whitening products available. However, professional treatments by a cosmetic dentist are recommended for ideal results.

If you are looking to have your smile enhanced cosmetically, Dr. Poss can help build a smile you love! Call the office at (615) 373-1056 to get started today!

March 5, 2012

7 Ways to Boost Your Image With a Better Smile

If you like to make a good first impression on people, there’s one way you can accomplish that without even saying a word. All you have to do is flash a bright, welcoming smile and people around you will immediately gravitate toward you because you seem both attractive and good natured. Why do you think politicians and actors are always known for their “winning” smiles?

Unfortunately, a lot of people require confidence in their smile to proudly display it to the world. This confidence can be hard to find if you are a bit embarrassed about teeth that are stained, crooked, chipped or missing. The good news is that your smile is a work of art that can be restored back to its healthy glow through your own actions, and with the help of a skilled dental professional.

If you are ready for an image boost, all you need to do is follow these seven tips for building a better smile!

  1. Brush daily – This tip might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so important that we had to mention it. Failing to brush your teeth at least twice a day invites plaque and bacteria to host a party on your teeth and gums. Over an extended period of time, this is a sure way to cause unsightly damage to your teeth as well as produce more expensive dental bills.
  2. Floss – Similar to brushing, flossing is a necessary part of your daily dental regimen. It clears away nasty plaque and keeps your gums pink and healthy. It also prevents other more serious health problems that can occur if plaque travels farther into your body.
  3. Eat teeth-friendly foods – Certain foods, such as apples, carrots and cucumbers, are good for your teeth because they massage your gums and induce salivation. You should make an effort to incorporate these in your diet, as well as cut out sugar-laden foods and other snacks that might damage your teeth.
  4. Limit harmful drinks – There are certain beverages that can be detrimental to the appearance of your teeth, so you should be sure to limit your intake of these. They include wine, coffee and soda.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly – Your dentist is not only great for correcting any cosmetic issues you are having, but also for catching many problems before they even become something to worry about. Schedule regular visits to your dentist’s office to ensure that your teeth are always white and healthy.
  6. Consider teeth whitening – Sometimes teeth need some help beyond brushing and flossing to shine their brightest. You have the option of getting them whitened, which is a quick procedure that can make your smile several shades whiter.
  7. Smile often – Last but not least, you should seize every opportunity to show off your vibrant smile. It gives people a great impression of you, and it could even put a smile on their faces.

To make sure that you have enough confidence in your smile to wear it proudly, give Dr. Poss, your favorite Cosmetic Dentist in Nashville, a call today so he can help you restore it to its full beauty.

November 9, 2011

Common Myths About Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry

Unbelievable advancements have been made in the area of cosmetic dentistry. While maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical for healthy teeth and gums, a cosmetic dentist can create a beautiful smile rather quickly. Getting perfect teeth no longer requires you to wear braces for two or three years. Cosmetic dentistry has changed significantly in the past 15 years. With new technology, the old practice of dentistry is fading into the past along with many misconceptions.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding dentistry is the quest for whiter teeth. Today, many companies that produce teeth whitening products convince consumers that store bought whitening products are as effective as professional whitening products. While the over-the-counter products will whiten your teeth by a couple of shades, a dentist can whiten your teeth several shades. In fact, depending on the reason for the discoloration, a dentist can get your teeth to “movie star” white.

If the discoloration is underneath the surface of the enamel, a cosmetic dentist can use veneers to create a phenomenal white smile. In addition, due to veneer technology, a skilled dentist can create straight teeth. This is a wonderful alternative to wearing braces. With a matter of a few visits to a dentist, you can have a perfect smile. The added bonus with veneers is the surface does not stain. Braces are the ancient way to straighten teeth. Veneers are a fast, easy, and painless solution for crooked teeth.

While veneers are incredible, dental implants are by far the best invention in dentistry. If you have missing teeth, you can forget about bridges to replace the teeth. Today, your dentist can create new teeth by using dental implants. The teeth will look and feel like natural teeth. You do not have to worry that the teeth will fall out. The teeth are secured on a metal post that is drilled into the bone. Implants are permanent and are a better solution than bridges. You will barely be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the implants.

If you want a beautiful smile but dread wearing braces or are tired of home bleaching kits, visit a dentist to discover these wonderful treatment options. It is unbelievable how quickly a dentist can create an amazing smile with far less discomfort than traditional methods. Best of all, the dental technology used today can create teeth that look and feel like natural teeth.

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