However, some people might not be confident about their smile. These days, a smile that shows white and even teeth are preferred over stained, crooked or missing teeth. Having good teeth is associated with attractiveness, youth and vitality. Good teeth also signify health. An old medical adage says that “the mouth is the mirror of the body”. To support this, medical research shows that healthy teeth and gums are crucial to maintaining overall health.

The impact of a bright and healthy smile

Several independent studies reveal how having a great smile and a healthy set of pearly whites can impact our relationships, careers and social interactions. When making first impressions, 50% of our population believe that a great smile is the most important feature they notice when meeting someone for the first time.

Having good teeth can also affect romantic relationships. In a survey conducted by match.com, 60% of men and 71% of women claimed that healthy teeth is the most important physical attribute of a potential date. In another survey, one-third of 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 50 years old said they are unlikely to kiss someone who has bad teeth.

When it comes to the workplace, having a great smile matters if you want to progress up the corporate ladder. Author Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers, David and Goliath) claims that people with bad teeth are more likely to be passed up for promotions and job opportunities. In addition, a study conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) found that a great smile can make you appear more successful, interesting, intelligent, and attractive – qualities that can help you move forward the workplace.

Getting a designer smile with smile enhancement

If you’re unhappy with your smile, you can do something about it. A smile enhancement is the process of improving your smile with one or more dental procedures that range from teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants and composite bonded restorations. The result is a natural-looking smile that reflects your own brand of self-confidence, success and attractiveness – a designer smile that is uniquely your own!

Before any cosmetic dental procedure, the dentist will check your teeth colour, width, length and shape, your gum tissue and the shape of your lips. Did you know they will also consider your facial appearance, skin tone and hair colour? All of these are important considerations in designing a smile that complements your unique features.

A smile enhancement can address the following issues:

Discoloured teeth – Healthy, white teeth is usually associated with health and youth. To fix stained or discoloured teeth, the dentist will perform a teeth whitening procedure. Learn more about this in our previous blog article on teeth whitening.

Alignment and spacing – Teeth that are crooked or overlapping can be straightened through orthodontics and improved with veneers.

Damaged teeth – Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth are restored back to health with composite bonded restorations.

Missing teeth – Having one or more missing teeth not only makes you feel self-conscious about your smile, it also affects your bite, bone structure and puts you at greater risk for tooth decay. Missing teeth can be restored with dental implants. Learn more about this in our previous blog article on dental implants.

The Paltoglou Dental Centre specialises in cosmetic dentistry and are here to help you understand what’s possible, answer your questions and achieve the smile that you will truly love. Call us on 03 9824 7722.

What is tooth whitening?

A bleaching process that lightens discolouration of enamel and dentin

What causes tooth discolouration?

There are many causes, although the most common include:

• Staining substances (tea, coffee, tobacco)
• Trauma
• Nerve degeneration

Is Whitening suitable for everyone?

Almost anyone, determined on the individuals oral health through examination by the dentist.  Teeth whitening products should not be used if:

• You’re under the age of 18
• Pregnant
• Have health problems
• Have periodontal/gum disease

How Long does it take?

It is suggested the whitening treatment is used for 10-14 days or until the desired colour is achieved. 

Are there any side-effects?

Some people experience a temporary tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment period.  There are products, like Tooth Mousse, that are scientifically formulated to relieve sensitivity.

How long do the results last?

The teeth will be lighter than they once were, however, will fade over time.  A “touch-up” for 1-2 days, once or twice a year may be required for some, dependant on lifestyle (ie coffee intake, tobacco use etc.) 

A consultation with the dentist is recommended prior to any whitening treatment, to assess suitability, and a visit with the Hygienist before and continued oral maintenance thereafter is of course essential to keeping a healthy, bright smile.

Keep an eye out for our New Year Home Whitening Special!

Keep Smiling!

Dr George Paltoglou

Tooth sensitivity (dentine hypersensitivity) is a common concern for many of our patients, in fact close to half of the Australian population are affected by sensitive teeth! If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you may need our help & advice.

It is important to let us know if you have any sensitive teeth, so we can examine your mouth, see if the problem is tooth sensitivity and help you choose the best treatment. When teeth are sensitive it can be painful to brush them and if you brush poorly because of pain then there is more risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Pain after hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks can also be a sign of decay or even a sign of a broken tooth or infection. If this is the case we will discuss your treatment options.

 So you may ask how do our teeth become sensitive?

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentine of the root exposed. Overzealous brushing or using an abrasive toothpaste can also cause loss of the tooth’s enamel surface and expose dentine. A very acidic diet can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentine. Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentine on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. 

You can reduce your chances of getting tooth sensitivity by keeping your mouth as healthy as possible with good oral hygiene to help prevent receding gums and periodontal disease.

• Brushing & flossing properly as recommended
• Using a low abrasion toothpaste
• A diet low in acid

Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems, especially if the pain causes you to brush poorly making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

We have a variety of regimens to manage tooth hypersensitivity, including both in-office treatments and patient-applied products for home use. A fluoride varnish or an over-the-counter desensitising toothpaste containing fluoride and either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride creates a protective varnish. These ingredients help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth usually contains a desensitizing agent that protects the exposed dentine by blocking the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves. We recommed that these products are used on a regular basis & exclusively for at least a month before any therapeutic benefits may be noticed. It also might help to massage the paste onto your gums with your finger after brushing.

Keep Smiling!

Michelle (Oral Health Therapist)