dentist in Provo

Why Quarterly Dental Checkups Are Essential in Provo, Utah

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Why Quarterly Dental Checkups Are Essential in Provo, Utah

While the standard recommendation is often twice a year at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, there are compelling reasons why more frequent dental visits, specifically every quarter, can significantly benefit your oral health.

Let’s delve into the top ten reasons:

Early Detection of Issues: Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot potential problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their earliest stages when treatment is simpler and less invasive.

Preventive Care: Quarterly cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist can also provide personalized oral hygiene tips.

Monitoring Oral Health Changes: For individuals with specific conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, or orthodontic treatment, more frequent checkups are crucial to monitor oral health changes and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Customizable Treatment Plans: With more frequent visits, your dentist can tailor treatment plans to your specific needs, ensuring optimal oral health outcomes.

Addressing Concerns Promptly: If you have concerns about your oral health, such as sensitivity, bad breath, or jaw pain, quarterly checkups provide opportunities to address them promptly.

Maintaining Dental Work: Regular inspections help identify any issues with fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations, allowing for timely repairs.

Oral Cancer Screening: Frequent checkups increase the chances of detecting oral cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Bite Alignment Monitoring: For those with bite issues or orthodontic appliances, quarterly checkups ensure proper alignment and bite function.

Professional Teeth Cleaning: Even with diligent at-home care, professional cleanings every three months remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup.

Building a Strong Dental Relationship: Regular visits foster a strong relationship with your dentist, leading to better communication, trust, and overall dental care.

While not everyone may require quarterly dental visits, it’s a proactive approach that offers numerous advantages. Consult with your dentist to determine the optimal checkup frequency for your specific oral health needs.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental checkups are a cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Solutions for Missing Teeth at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Dental Implants

Solutions for Missing Teeth at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Provo, Utah Area

A complete smile plays a vital role in our overall well-being.

Missing teeth can impact your appearance and your ability to eat, speak, and chew comfortably.  At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, a leading dental practice in Provo, we understand the challenges associated with missing teeth and offer a variety of personalized solutions to restore your smile and confidence.

The Impact of Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your life.  Some of the consequences to consider include:

  • Aesthetics: Missing teeth can detract from your smile and self-confidence.
  • Oral Function: Chewing and speaking can become difficult, affecting your overall well-being.
  • Jawbone Health: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, impacting the structure of your face and potentially affecting neighboring teeth.

Dental Solutions for Missing Teeth

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several effective options to replace missing teeth and restore a healthy, functional smile.  At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we will work closely with you to understand your needs and recommend the most suitable solution, which may include:

  • Dental Implants: These titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots, surgically placed in the jawbone. Implants provide a strong foundation for a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture, offering excellent long-term functionality and aesthetics.
  • Dental Bridges: Bridges are fixed restorations that anchor to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They are a strong and stable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth.
  • Dentures: Traditional dentures are removable appliances that replace a full arch of missing teeth. They are a cost-effective option but may require some adjustment to get used to. Implant-supported dentures offer improved stability and comfort.

The Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Difference

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health to determine the best course of treatment for replacing missing teeth. We utilize advanced technology and techniques to ensure a comfortable and successful treatment experience.

Taking the First Step Towards a Complete Smile

If you are missing teeth and considering replacement options, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile’s function and beauty.

Let us help you regain your confidence and enjoy the benefits of a complete smile once again.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

How Is Snoring Different From Sleep Apnea?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

sleep apnea dentist Provo

It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life.

Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many people who snore also have sleep apnea. However, the conditions are not always present together. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can determine if your sleep apnea is related to your oral health in Provo.

Why Is Sleep Apnea So Dangerous?

Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—not surprisingly—serious problems can occur. Even death.

Sleep apnea sufferers are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This makes ordinary activities overwhelming. Untreated sleep apnea lowers the quality of life.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.

Wondering if your health issues are a result of sleep apnea?

If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor right away. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders.

Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic.

If your physician diagnoses your condition as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, don’t assume that there is only one treatment.

Sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery.

If your medical doctor believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist who specializes in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

is tooth sensitivity a dental emergency? Provo

You can experience tooth sensitivity when the enamel of your teeth starts to thin. Or when nerves in your teeth become exposed. You may feel pain only when you drink hot or cold liquids. Or it could take place any time you chew.

Is tooth sensitivity a dental emergency?

If tooth sensitivity comes on suddenly, it may be a dental emergency, or at least an urgent dental issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

Either way, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we can establish the cause and treat it if it’s dental-related. If we can’t treat the underlying condition, we can refer you to a specialist.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by:

  • A cavity
  • Gum recession
  • A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • An abscess
  • Thinning enamel due to teeth grinding, bulimia, acid reflux, an acidic diet, vaping, or a bite condition
  • Teeth whitening treatment

Of course, the treatment for tooth sensitivity depends on the cause.

If you experience sudden tooth sensitivity, request an appointment at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Dr. Hammond will determine the cause of the sensitivity. If the sensitivity is due to thinning enamel, Dr. Hammond will recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste. A high-fluoride toothpaste formulated for tooth sensitivity lessens tooth pain after several applications. However, some patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments.

If the sensitivity is caused by an abscess or a cavity, we will take care of that issue as well. We perform root canals, fillings, and inlays/onlays.

These habits can weaken or diminish your tooth enamel:

1. Chewing on hard foods

We’re looking at you Unpopped popcorn kernels and hard candy.

2. Chewing on hard possessions

This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.

3. Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk about it with your dentist. An appliance can guard your smile. Then seek appropriate treatment for the underlying cause. Dr. Hammond can recommend medical professionals who specialize in treating teeth grinding.

4. Eating too much sticky food

Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can chip teeth.

5. Drinking anything besides water frequently

If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks habitually, you are asking for dental dilemmas.

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most kids are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all but rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage teeth and cause gums to pull away. Remove food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.

8. Ignoring dry mouth

Saliva is important. Saliva is necessary to neutralize acids and rinse bits of food off of teeth. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to tooth decay. Talk to your dentist if you have a dry mouth repeatedly.

9. Using teeth as tools

Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a Nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.

10. Ignoring bad breath

Bad breath is often related to bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)

11. Ignoring jaw pain

If you notice inexplicable jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. There are a number of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for chipped or cracked teeth.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Overlapping Teeth Can Be Corrected for a Beautiful Smile in Provo

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

how to fix overlapping teeth Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide advanced cosmetic dentistry. That means we correct all types of smile shortcomings.

Overlapping teeth are fairly common. And while many individuals don’t mind a slight overlap, others feel self-conscious and would like it corrected.

What causes teeth to overlap?

Genetics or thumbsucking as a toddler can bring about overlapping teeth. Of course, some kids have teeth that just came in that way.

The mouth may be too small to fit all the teeth properly. Or having upper and lower jaws that don’t fit together can be a factor. In addition, an injury can knock the upper and lower jaw out of alignment. In some cases, missing teeth or extra teeth (such as wisdom teeth) can lead to an overlap.

Unfortunately, overlapping teeth can cause oral dilemmas.

When does it become important to correct overlapping teeth?

  • Overlapping teeth cause a lisp,
  • make chewing or speaking difficult,
  • result in jaw pain,
  • trigger tooth grinding or clenching,
  • and cause the person to bite their inner cheeks.

Certainly, there are benefits to fixing overlapping teeth in addition to cosmetic reasons.

How can you fix overlapping teeth? There are several methods for correcting overlapping teeth. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Discuss them with your dentist or orthodontist.

Are traditional braces the only way to fix overlapping teeth?

There are a few different types of braces available for correcting overlapping teeth:

How long does it take to fix overlapping teeth?

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the overlap and other factors. However, in most cases, it can take at least one year to fix overlapping teeth, depending on the treatment.

Are overlapping teeth causing you oral issues?

If overlapping teeth cause complications such as tooth or jaw pain, difficulty speaking clearly, or damaging oral habits, it is wise to consider correcting them. Correcting overlapping teeth can help eliminate bad habits like tooth grinding, clenching the teeth, and biting the cheeks.

Another thing to keep in mind is that teeth continue to shift with age. Therefore, if you fix an overlap as a child or teen, you will likely need a retainer to maintain the teeth’s position.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Straightening Smiles at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

Straightening Smiles and Crooked Teeth at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Crooked teeth are known in the world of dentistry as “malocclusion.” Malocclusion can impact the aesthetics of your smile and may affect your overall oral health and enjoyment.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Orem area, we understand the significance of addressing crooked teeth to ensure our patient’s smiles are healthy, confident, and functional.

Understanding Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can result from various factors, including genetics, inadequate jaw space, early childhood habits (such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use), or trauma to the mouth. Regardless of the cause, crooked teeth can lead to several oral health issues including:

Difficulty Cleaning: Misaligned teeth can create tight spaces and crevices that are challenging to clean effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Even floss can be hard to get between crooked teeth, and sometimes this can cause pain that reduces motivation to floss.

Uneven Wear: Crooked teeth may experience uneven wear due to improper biting and chewing patterns, leading to premature wear and tear on tooth enamel and potential jaw joint problems.

Impaired Function: Malocclusion can affect bite alignment, causing difficulties with biting, chewing, and speaking properly. This can lead to discomfort, TMJ disorders, and even digestive issues.

Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can help you assess your options for a range of treatments to address crooked teeth and achieve straighter, healthier smiles.

For example:

Orthodontic Treatment: Traditional braces or clear aligner therapy can gradually shift misaligned teeth into proper alignment, correcting bite issues and improving overall oral health and aesthetics.

Dental Appliances: In some cases, dental appliances such as retainers or space maintainers may be used to guide teeth into proper alignment, particularly in children whose jaws are still developing.

Cosmetic Dentistry: For mild cases of crooked teeth, cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be recommended to enhance the appearance of your smile and create the illusion of straighter teeth.

Regardless of which one is best for you, we can help you with a starting assessment and recommendations.

Benefits of Straightening Crooked Teeth

Straightening crooked teeth offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics, including:

Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Enhanced Functionality: Straight teeth promote proper bite alignment, improving chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and overall oral function.

Boosted Confidence: A straight, attractive smile can enhance self-esteem and confidence, positively impacting personal and professional relationships.

Crooked teeth can impact oral health, function, and self-confidence, but with modern dental treatments and techniques, achieving a straighter smile is more accessible than ever.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Orem area, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to address crooked teeth and help our patients achieve the healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve.

If you or a loved one are concerned about crooked teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

lip piercings Provo

Let’s get right to it; while tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are “so in” right now, here are five reasons from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears:

  1. Excessive drooling—YIKES!
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Broken Teeth

Another vital reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue, is because having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping. Or even while playing with said piercing.

Do you already have a tooth that’s compromised? Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.

Small chips in a tooth can be filled, or crowned. But often patients with piercings come in with more serious dilemmas. These may require a root canal or tooth extraction.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to watch the pierced area. Your mouth is a bacterial zoo, so to speak. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting appropriate brushing habits can lead to infection. As well as touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most men and women. (Stock up on plastic utensils!)

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still in jeopardy of the other risks discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of irreversible nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t turn you off, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, like if you can’t stop playing with the piercing, it can become permanent.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

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affordable teeth whitening Provo

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the vital first step is to settle upon a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist in Provo
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Orem area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Dr. Hammond urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is essential to only trust your smile to cosmetic dentistry professionals.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with their Provo dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Don’t Let Poor Oral Health Take You Out Of The Game

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Categories: Dental Health

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

It’s hard to win a gold medal if you have a toothache. A recent study cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explored how poor oral health affects athletic performance at the elite level.

“More than 40% of athletes were bothered by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance.”1

The dental troubles experienced by Olympians and professional athletes are not any different than those found in the general population: tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal disease, and inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth. It’s vital to note that these troubles are largely preventable.

Athletes are also at risk for mouth injuries suffered while competing or training.  Tooth trauma can prevent injured athletes from competing in the short term and cause ongoing complications down the road.

Whether you are an Olympic runner or a busy working mom who seems to be running all the time, dental health affects your overall health and quality of life. Don’t let your performance suffer because of poor oral health.

If it has been a while since you have had a dental exam, we invite you to schedule a check-up and cleaning by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo, Utah. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including dental implants and porcelain veneers. You can read more about our services at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/patient-services/.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070

1Ashley, Di Iorio, Cole, Tanday, Needleman, “Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 11, 2014, http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/11/11/bjsports-2014-093617.full?g=w_bjsm_open_tab, accessed on December 19, 2014

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

esthetic smile design Utah County

It is no secret that a beautiful, pleasing, healthy smile can be your most revered physical attribute. After all, people notice your smile first thing. How do you know if your smile is detracting from your appearance?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; if you look at your smile in the mirror and believe it is unattractive, it doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks. But what if you are not sure?

There are many problems that are generally considered to detract from brilliant smiles. Missing teeth is a biggie. People who are missing teeth in the back of the mouth may mistakenly believe that the gap doesn’t show. They are usually wrong. When smiling, talking, laughing, or eating, a missing tooth definitely shows – even if the missing tooth is the very last molar.

Yellow or gray teeth diminish the appeal of a smile – even one that is perfectly healthy and aligned – and crooked teeth are usually considered unattractive.

There are a few unique smile characteristics that some people proudly show off and others wish to change. For instance, a gap between the two front teeth can become your trademark. True Blood star Anna Paquin, actor Woody Harrelson, and singer Seal have retained their spaces. Perhaps the most famous gap-toothed smile belongs to seventy year-old model Lauren Hutton who has proudly flashed it throughout her fifty-year career. Other celebrities such as Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, and Keith Urban weren’t happy with gaps so they transformed their smiles with unprecedented cosmetic dentistry.

If you want an objective aesthetic evaluation of your smile, how can you do this? You can’t see your smile from every angle when you look in the mirror. If you want an expert opinion on the attractiveness of your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist. There are a surprising number of design principals that are used in cosmetic dental smile makeovers. These include size, shape, alignment, proportion, color, and translucency. Furthermore, cosmetic dentists also consider the characteristics of the gums, lips, and facial features.

When you have a cosmetic dental consultation, you will be able to see how the critical elements work together to create a natural-looking, unforgettable smile. Bottom line? If you want to change your smile, you can! Schedule a consultation today by calling 801-374-0070.