These days, I don’t have lots of photos of me, mostly because I’m the one taking the pictures! However, when I see myself in a photo, it is usually with the well-rehearsed smile I’ve been using in poses most of my adult life. Yet, when I’m with friends and family, I smile bigger and laugh freely, showing more of my smile than what appears in most images.

When patients who want to enhance the appearance of their smile, several side teeth may be easily visible along with front teeth. But, it’s not just “teeth” that create a smile. In our office, we work with a number of dentists to enhance the patient’s esthetic outcome. Along with the number of teeth, shade and shape, we help to optimize the outcome with gum recontouring.

If you’re considering smile enhancements, take a look at your smile in the mirror. You’ll see what others see by holding a hand mirror up to a wall mirror for a close up view. Check out your smile at several angles and watch your smile as you laugh. Do you have gum recession? Do too much of your gums show when you smile big or laugh?

An attractive smile can improve your appearance AND enhance self-confidence so you find yourself smiling more often! In turn, this projects you to others as an upbeat, positive person! To discuss gum recontouring, call (828) 274-9440for a consultation. During this time, we’ll discuss what will help to create an ideal smile makeover for you.

Let’s say you’ve cracked a tooth below the gum line. It’s too late for a crown and now requires removal. There are several reasons why it’s more advantageous to place a Dental Implant at the time of extraction.

By combining the two procedures, you save treatment time and numbing for a second procedure. This also allows for the implant to be positioned into the same place as the just-removed tooth root, so drilling a slot in the upper or lower jaw is not necessary.

Another benefit is the preservation of the natural contours of the gum tissue. Each tooth is bordered by gum tissue that slightly arches with points that dip in-between each two teeth. Immediate implant placement helps preserve these natural contours. This means you avoid the shrinking of these tissues from delay, which gives a flat look.

Many of today’s implants can have teeth attached immediately. If you find that a tooth will have to be extracted, consider the many advantages of having your implant placed as part of the procedure.

Hormonal changes in a woman’s body can cause a number of symptoms. During menopause, it is not uncommon for women to have more gum sensitivity to hot or cold. Some women say they feel a burning sensation in the mouth, frequently have a dry mouth, or even detect a metallic or salty taste.

Unlike many of the other physical symptoms that menopausal women endure, these bothersome oral sensations are often easily resolved. After an examination, I typically recommend a saliva substitute that is similar to a mouth rinse to increase saliva flow.

Protecting your gums during all phases of your life is important. Never assume that unusual symptoms in your mouth are harmless. Some problems can be warning signs of much more serious issues. If you need an exam, please call (828) 274-9440 at your earliest convenience.

At Thanksgiving time, we are reminded of all the things for which we have to be thankful. As American citizens, we’ve learned to never take for granted our many blessings. While you calculate all the things on YOUR “thankful list,” remember to include your smile!

Your smile is a major part of your facial appearance. We live in a country that offers exceptional techniques and materials so a smile can be recreated to give a more attractive appearance.

Your smile also reflects the “best of you” by showing your warmth, friendliness and kindness to others.

Your smile is the beginning of the pleasure of this country’s abundance of food. It is the first stage of your digestive process. Through biting, chewing and saliva’s role in the initial processing of food, your body can reap all the benefits of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.

Your smile allows you to speak, giving you the ability to pronunciate clearly.

Your smile is precious. Whether you are two or a hundred and two, it deserves the very best you can give it.

Your smile is as important to us as it is to you. Because you allow us to be a part of your smile’s well-being, we are especially thankful!