Humans outliving the warranties on their teeth isn’t anything new and exciting; however, the ways that dentistry helps us combat natural, unnatural and congenital tooth decay and loss are. Biannual visits to the dental hygienist, fluoride treatments and brushing three times a day have kept many smiles pearly white and intact much longer than ever predicted, but even good hygiene has its limits. At some point, an errant hockey puck, a too-crusty baguette or old age are going to do one or more of your teeth in. This is where advances in cosmetic dentistry step in.

While grandpa’s removable dentures have been a long running joke for cartoons and sitcoms, today’s dental procedures are in a whole new league. One procedure that is quickly gaining popularity is dental implants. Unlike bridges and other prosthetic teeth, which are typically anchored on other teeth, dental implants are permanently inserted into the jawbone and replace the missing tooth root. For all purposes, a dental implant is a brand new tooth; it functions like a natural tooth, looks like a natural tooth, and harmonizes with your facial features and bone structure like a natural tooth.

Drs. Scott Meester and Mel Olafsen are San Diego cosmetic dentists who regularly incorporate dental implants into dental restoration procedures. Dental implants are often used in lieu of or in conjunction with crowns, bridges, and fillings to create a healthier, more vibrant-looking smile.

Dental implants and other advanced procedures are testament to the ingenuity of cosmetic dentistry. As we stay energetic, outgoing, and ambitious later into our lives, having a strong, healthy and functional set of teeth is integral to feeling like ourselves and living how we want – modern dentistry helps make it all possible.

Case in point: Jessica Simpson. In classic Jessica Simpson fashion, the singer/television personality awkwardly let slip on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” that she brushes her teeth as little as three times a week. This horrified her dentist, Dr. Bill Dorfman, who you may recognize from “Extreme Makeover.” Dr. Dorfman, the man who has taken up responsibility for keeping Simpson’s teeth gorgeous and white, told Fox News that Simpson is either lying to him or to Ellen. Such a flippant approach to oral hygiene, explained Dr. Dorfman, would lead to de-calcification, periodontitis, and even heart disease. At any rate, having a winningly white smile doesn’t preclude anyone – celebrity or not—from good oral hygiene.

On the flip side, there are ways that teeth can become yellow or discolored that aren’t connected to dental hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing does keep teeth white to a certain degree by removing plaque, which acts like a magnet for teeth staining foods, dyes, and other substances. But there are other causes of tooth discoloration that are unrelated to oral hygiene. Early exposure to excessive fluoride, tetracycline, and doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration. Furthermore, the wearing away of enamel due to disease or aging can lead to yellow teeth.

When the effects of bad dental hygiene reach their limits, it may be time to consult a cosmetic dentist. San Diego residents can visit Dr. Scott Meester or Dr. Mel Olafsen to receive professional tooth whitening. Laser Zoom! bleaching, porcelain veneers, non-metal filings, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures will help to ensure long-term tooth whitening. San Diego-based Drs. Meester and Olafsen offer free smile consultations which help to identify which procedures will produce the best results.

Cosmetic Dentistry has made it possible for every person on the planet to have a Colgate smile, even if they haven’t been brushing and flossing three times per day for the last 20 years or so. You make an appointment, head in to the Dentist’s office and come out with a brighter, more “presentable” smile. But still the question remains… exactly how nice of a first impression must one make?

This is exactly what got me thinking about making the decision between getting porcelain veneers versus going for a simple whitening process. Veneers can improve all manner of dental sins, from chips and cracks to discoloration and even crooked teeth., whereas whitening can only improve the color and overall glow of your smile.

So which one is right for you? If your issue with your smile is in regards to light discoloration, such as the kind you get from smoking or drinking too much coffee, you may want to think about trying out tooth whitening. If you’re not able to achieve the results you wanted from at-home tooth whitening products, you can then see a Dentist to find out about stronger grade whitening or alternative options. However, if you feel that you need more than brighter teeth and are looking to also gain a straighter, more classic smile, then I would suggest looking into Porcelain Veneers. Veneers provide longer lasting results and can improve your smile without the need for whitening or braces in just one day!

Whichever way you choose to go, its important that you remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What you make think are imperfections in your smile, may just be what gives your face personality. Take a couple of photos of yourself. One of them being your best “fake picture smile” and the other a natural smile while laughing. Which one represents YOU? I don’t mean the you that you think others see, the one that you WANT others to see? The answer may help your decision making process much easier than you think.

Porcelain Veneers can help to not only improve the outward appearance of your teeth but also strengthen them a bit. If weaker teeth are causing you pain, discomfort or even a lack of self-esteem, I would suggest you contact a cosmetic dentistry professional today to find out more about this process and what it can do for you!

• Discoloration – Are your teeth stained from too much coffee drinking or a years long chewing tobacco habit? Do you find that you have brown streaks across only a few of your teeth that no amount of tooth brushing or teeth whiteners will fix? Many times we don’t notice tooth stains of this nature until it is too late and permanent damage has been done. Porcelain Veneers can give your smile a bright, natural glow.

• Misaligned/Crooked Teeth – Braces are not the only alternative for crooked or misaligned teeth. Since having straight teeth is not something we can control without the help of braces or some other form of cosmetic dentistry, Veneers are a perfect alternative to get quick results while obtaining that perfect Kodak smile you’ve always dreamed of having!

• Gaps in Smile – It’s a common occurrence for twenty-somethings to look in the mirror and realize that they are all done growing and maturing and that their teeth never closed in together as they hoped. Its a startling and depressing moment to realize that you have reached an age where your body has given you all it is going to in regards to the development of your body. Thankfully, closing gaps in your smile no longer takes 18-24 months of painful braces and follow-up 24-hour retainers. Porcelain Veneers can give you a straight, aligned smile that will match with the rest of your otherwise perfect body!

If you have stained, cracked, or chipped teeth, or if you don’t like the color, shape or line of your smile, Lumineers last for 20+ years and are a cost effective permanent fix that won’t leave you recuperating for days and weeks afterwards! Not only that, but Lumineers can be removed to expose your natural smile, without damaging the integrity of your real teeth!

LUMINEERS are made of Cerinate porcelain, which is stronger and much more durable than other means of cosmetic dentistry. What this means is that Lumineers are more comfortable and stronger than the typical porcelain veneers without breaking your bank!