Finding a new dentist can be a daunting task, especially when you’ve moved to a new town or need help in a hurry. So how do you know which dentist to choose? While getting recommendations from a trusted friend may land you with a good fit, your needs may be vastly different. Knowing what your new dentist specializes in is a good place to start your research.

To start, if you’re tripped up on abbreviations, then here’s some information. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the letters that come after the dentist’s name, DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine), recognize the same degree, it just depends on what the dental school calls the degree.

Beyond that distinction, the ADA recognizes several specialties, like endodontics, those who specialize in the health of the dental pulp (i.e., root canals); oral and maxillofacial pathology, radiology and/or surgery (to include aesthetics and function of the mouth, face and jaw); orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, who deal with misalignment and skeletal issues; periodontics, who treat gum disease; and prosthodontics, who address the function, comfort and aesthetics of missing or malfunctioning teeth.

While a family dentist primarily focuses on your oral health and maintenance, a cosmetic dentist (who may fall under any of the specialties recognized by the ADA) may perform some of those tasks, like filling cavities, while improving the look of your smile through aesthetic approaches like crowns, veneers, bonding, dental implants and more. To ensure good results, your cosmetic dentist keeps the health of your teeth and gums at the forefront.

Beyond specialty, be sure to choose someone who listens to your concerns, takes the time to answer questions thoroughly and provides you with options that fit your needs and budget. If a smile makeover is in your future, asking to see before-and-after photos of previous patients can give you a good idea of what your results may look like too.

There is a lot of information out there about getting and maintaining your best smile. Some of it is really great info. Some of it is, for lack of a better (politically correct) word, baloney.

If you’re considering a smile makeover with veneers, you better be able to separate fact from fiction. Here are four common myths that deserve some good old-fashioned busting.

Myth 1: Veneers are a one-time procedure.
Every case is different, and veneers last from five to 12 years in average, but in some cases, veneers have lasted as long as 20 years. “There is a limited life expectancy on every restoration,” says Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS. So, you’ll have to replace them at some point.

Myth 2: Veneers only alter the look of the teeth.
Fact: Veneers can be used to build out the back teeth, making the cheeks appear fuller for a more youthful appearance overall.

Myth 3: All veneers are the same.
There is a big difference between regular and no-prep veneers, which require no tooth removal; however, only those who have pretty straight teeth without heavy stains qualify for them. Your teeth alignment has to be pretty close to ideal.

Myth 4: Once you get veneers, you’re stuck with them for life.
Fact: “In most cases, this is true, but in cases where only small adjustments were made such as tooth contouring, no-prep veneers can be applied, and they can be removed later on,” says The Woodlands, TX, cosmetic dentist Guy M. Lewis, DDS.

You may not realize it, but a little plumpness is a good thing. Especially when we’re talking about the face, as you can see in actress Elizabeth McGovern’s photos, the image on the left taken in September 2011 and the one on the right last week.

Fat naturally adds the volume and support to the face that keeps wrinkles at bay and our skin looking youthful. However, we start to lose facial fat as early as our 20s, and it’s a downhill slide, literally, from there.

Facial fat deteriorates naturally with age, but weight loss and hormonal changes can speed up the process. When this happens, we start to see less definition around the face, including sunken temples, forehead and brow wrinkles, the corners of the mouth turned down, hallowing around the eyes, flatter cheeks and slack skin around the jaw.

There are three ways to restore facial volume and achieve smoother skin. Here’s how:

Fat transfer: This is good option if you’d like long-term results, but can endure some downtime (up to two weeks). You will first undergo a micro liposuction procedure to remove fat from another area of your body, then it will be prepared to be injected into your face. It’s also a good option if you are wary of injecting other types of fillers into your skin. The fat is your own, so your body will not reject it.

Fillers: Fullness can be restored through a variety of fillers including temporary (like Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane), long-term (Sculptra Aesthetic and Radiesse) or permanent (Artefill). Injecting fillers is a non-invasive option that gives an immediate result. The cheeks, temples, chin and jawline are the areas best suited for fillers, and Restylane was recently given FDA approval for use in the lips. Some of the non-permanent fillers can last up to five years, but most need additional treatments.

Implants: If you’re considering a facelift, your plastic surgeon may also suggest implants to restore volume, particularly in the cheeks or chin. These are a good option if you don’t have enough body fat to harvest for fat transfer. Implants are used less these days, as fat transfer and fillers have become the methods of choice. However, implants are a permanent solution and can help define facial features since they build up the bone structure. Seek an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the right option that will give you the results you’re after.

“I am very happy with my new smile and very pleased with the entire experience in your office. It was great from the 1st appointment until the very last one.
I would strongly recommend the procedure to anybody who wants to improve not only their appearance but also their way of life.
It only takes 4 appointments (including the whitening), it’s not expensive ( my regular doctor…..I found out this weekend that he also does this….would have charged me 30% more for the Non-prep veneers and it did not include the whitening) and you get great results, as long as you go the best doctor.”

“Words cannot describe how the Lumineers have changed my self image. I am 56 and for the first time in 45 years, I like what I see when I look in the mirror. Dr. Harnois and the staff at Your Lifesmiles have given me something to smile about, for the rest of my life. I recommend this very simple and painless procedure to anyone who wants the confidence that comes with a million dollar smile..”

911 North Elm Street, Suite 230
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: 630-323-4468

Email: info@yourlifesmiles.com
Website: www.yourlifesmiles.com
Website: www.hinsdaledentistry.com

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“I have never been overly concerned with my smile, but with Dr. Harnois’ advice, I was able to make my smile more appealing. I also strengthened and protected my teeth with LUMINEERS, ensuring a great looking smile for the rest of my life.”