6 Remarkable Ways To Get A Smile Makeover

Ever seen a hot model on the cover of a magazine? Of course you have. The seductive pose, the trendy outfit (or part of it) and often, a dazzling smile.

Have you stopped to think why that model, male or female, has beautiful white teeth?

Because it’s attractive and it sells.

Granted most of us will not be making the next cover of Glamor, but what if you’re single and looking for that special someone? Or if you’re hoping to ace that job interview? Or maybe, when you look in the mirror your smile doesn’t make you look as young as you feel?

Ladies and gentleman, the eyes may be the window to your soul but your smile holds the key.

A beautiful smile is by no means the only deciding factor, but it sure does make you–and your case–a whole lot more appealing. Study after study reports people with an attractive smile are perceived to be more friendly, intelligent and successful.

So how do you get there? These days, there are several options available, at all cost levels. Whether you’re a busy teacher, a high level executive or a parent who chauffeurs his kids to the orthodontist every month and forgets about himself, check these out:

1. Teeth Whitening

From over-the-counter whitening strips to home whitening kits to in-office treatments, teeth whitening has never been so accessible or affordable. With proper follow up (yes, you do have to do that) and use of a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne) for sensitivity, whitening is the simplest place to start. It may be the only boost you need for a brighter smile, fresher smile.

Add an electric toothbrush to your regimen for daily stain removal, and get double the benefit.

2. Cosmetic re-contouring

Minor chips at the edges of front teeth can leave your them looking ragged, and often they’re too small to place fillings. But some quick and snazzy smoothing can make them look better in just a few minutes. This also works in some cases where teeth are uneven in height and the discrepancy is minor. Ta-daah! Talk about a quick, easy and painless fix.

3. Clear aligners to straighten teeth

Had braces years ago but a few teeth have shifted slightly? Our clear aligner system can get your teeth back in line, usually in a few months without traditional braces.

4. Cosmetic fillings

The days of silver fillings are (mostly) behind us. That silver tooth will end up in the white range in most dental offices today. In my practice, rarely do I hear the words “I miss how dark my tooth use to look!”. Okay, never.

5. Porcelain Veneers

For resistant or internal dark stains that have nothing to do with drinking red wine (so drink away), or misaligned front teeth that would rather bypass braces, porcelain veneers are a great option. You can change the shape, size and color of your teeth and a couple of weeks later, end up with a brand new smile.

Caveat: you have to be a good candidate, or else these will not be successful long-term.

6. Cosmetic crowns (“caps”)

Despite my almost daily offer to add bling to teeth, I have yet to see any takers. I could easily add a diamond or a blinking LED light to that front tooth and virtually guarantee a one-0f-a-kind smile that stands out.

Surprisingly, my patients prefer beautiful, tooth colored crowns. And because they do, we have porcelain crowns to match and blend in with the rest of your pearlies.

As you can see, there are several ways to get a nicer, brighter smile without breaking your budget. While a full makeover is optimal for some, most times a few small or short term treatments can get you smiling bigger, brighter and look your best. Remarkable!

Want to know more about cosmetic procedures, or ready to start on your best smile?

Call or email us today!

(214) 522-3110                  www.raodentistry.com

The Key Element Of Irresistable Personal Style

Think of all the things you do to look and feel good:

You exercise to stay in shape

You eat well to stay healthy

Get your hair done, and use make up to turn it up a notch

The right clothes that flatter your shape (Hel-lo)

You style it up with the right scarf, spiffy tie or that haute handbag

Don’t forget the shoes! (I LOVE shoes )

But what about your smile?

You know it’s part of your look right? The one you use to show confidence, greet a friend, show respect. You pull it out when you’re happy, but stop using…..a split second before you burst into laughter.

The one you wouldn’t be complete without.

Honey, you can be the whole package, the cat’s meeeeowwww, the apple of someone’s eye

But when you smile….

You are your best YOU.

This Smile-O-Gram was brought to you by: www.raodentistry.com         (214) 522-3110

We remind you to smile for better health and happiness. If your smile needs to get back on your list, call or email us for an appointment today.

Image source: Stuart Miles

A Ridiculously Simple Way To Improve Your Smile

Do you feel that, as an adult, you’ve missed the boat on straight teeth?

Maybe you never had braces growing up.

Or you did, but never wore retainers (oops!) and things have shifted since.

What if having straight teeth didn’t matter then, but it matters to you…now?

The simple answer that your teeth may be looking for is Clear Braces.

Clear Braces are the modern adult’s straight teeth solution.

They are:

• esthetic
• convenient
• removable
• effective

As an adult, you get to decide what your perfect smile is. If you’ve discussed porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding with your dentist, and decided those are not the way to straight teeth for you, orthodontics may be the option ‘X’ that marks the spot.

Being clear on what you want

If you know your goal–and you very well should–is to dot every “i” and cross every “t”, perhaps traditional braces are the way to go, because they offer more control and can do more.

Heck, if your bite is off kilter, using clear braces to correct it is like using a tugboat to pull a tanker. Getting a proper diagnosis and deciding which one you’re a better candidate for is KEY.

When the solution is clear

Now, if want to improve what you’ve got, to correct a relapse from previously having braces, especially if your front teeth look like drunken sailors trying to prop each other up……well, clear braces may be the perfect solution to get them looking like the guards at Buckingham Palace instead.

The popular brand making airwaves is Invisalign. While it’s a great system (and we have it available), we work with one called Red, White and Blue. Same principles, similar method, half the cost, great results.

If you think your ship has sailed on straight teeth and a confident smile, you may want to do a double take. There’s another one in the harbor, clearly waiting just for you.

Did I get you hooked? Call or email us and we’ll get you straightened up in no time (well, almost):

(214) 522-3110                            www.raodentistry.com

Photo credit: chokphoto

7 Ways To Whiten Your Teeth, Without Professional Help

Your precious teeth. You know they’ve got the right to be as white as they can.

You’ve looked and looked in the mirror…..then looked some more, willing them to be their whitest.

But, to no avail.

Actually, the answer may be a lot easier than you’d expect.

There are two paths to a whiter, brighter smile–

• slow, steady, continuous–things you can do to improve your smile
• faster, as-needed (or wanted)–whitening products and whitening options dental professionals can provide.

Your results will be better and last longer if you do both.

Here are the “slow and steady”, but very effective, ways:

1. Use an electric toothbrush

A good quality electric toothbrush will not only clean your teeth and gums more effectively, it will also remove stain better than a manual toothbrush (unless you’ve got sonic hands), especially when combined with a whitening toothpaste.

2. Floss

There just doesn’t seem to be getting away from this one, is there?

If keeping plaque and gum-disease away are not enough motivation, think of it this way: with last night’s dinner still stuck between your teeth, how are your toothpaste and toothbrush bristles going to remove stain?

3. Modify soda and other dark liquid consumption

Dark liquids may excite your taste buds, but in terms of stain (and many, to your general health)–they’re doing you no favors. One solution is to use a straw to drink them, which reduces exposure to stain.

Of course, it’s not exactly a classy way to enjoy a glass of red wine (the waiter at Chez Paree might frown), so try a different solution–sip some water right after, and be sure to brush as soon as possible.

It also helps to drink your sodas and ice teas in a few minutes rather than sipping on them for hours.

4. Curb/quit smoking

If vanity can ever be the final straw, let it be for white teeth. Smoking will take your teeth nowhere but the dark side. Cut back on (or cut out) smoking and the stain will go with it. Pipe stains can be especially tenacious.

5. Eat raw fruits and vegetables

The most delicious tip of the bunch. Crunchy foods like raw apples and celery, and fruits like strawberries have natural stain-removal properties. If you eat these foods anyway, give yourself bonus points!

6. Keep up with your dental visits

Those dental tools may not be much to look at but boy, in the right hands–like your dentist’s or dental hygienist’s–not only do they provide better oral health but get to nooks and crannies you can’t.

Stay on schedule with your teeth cleaning and check up appointments and they’ll get your pearlies spruced up before stain gets out of hand.

7. Start early

Don’t shoot the messenger, but……age definitely contributes to staining of teeth. With the exception of internal stain due to antibiotics or other developmental reasons, external stain is a factor of our oral care and diet, and gets more stubborn over time.

Start good habits (as listed above) early, and maintain them, and you’ll reap the fruits of your labor for years to come.

Ready for a brighter smile? Then get started on these tips today. Combine them with professional whitening, and you’ve not only got a winning combination, but a winning smile too

Call us: (214) 522-3110         Visit us: www.raodentistry.com

Who’s Falling In Love With Your Smile?

February 14th, the day of Valentine,

A time to gift, to romance, to dine oh-so-fine.

To celebrate this lovely day in style

No look is complete without a fabulous smile

To that end, I offer you 3 tips

Fresh breath, white teeth and soft, kissable lips

Easy to do just a few days ahead

Brush and floss super well for minty fresh breath

White, bright teeth look so sexy oh yes!

Never do they ever fail to impress.

As for the lips, to smooth and soften

Drink lots of water, and do it often

There you go, a perfect smile

Just in time for Valentine

But if you need more, more oomph, more “WOW”

Don’t hesitate to call Dr Rao

CAREFUL! If things go too well, ahem….just remember

Two may turn into three by November!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

(214) 522-3110        www.raodentistry.com

Spread the love! Share this post via email, Twitter or Facebook!

Easy Tips to Keep Your Smile Holiday Happy and Healthy

Temps in the 60s. A light sweater. Tamales. Pecan pie.

In other words, Christmas!

That’s how we do it in Texas.

The anticipation builds for months, and for a few days we get together with family and friends to celebrate one of the (if not THE) happiest times of the year.

With much food, drink and merry-ing, you’re bound to use your teeth at some point. Maybe to chew, to smile, perhaps even to open a beer bottle. Don’t smirk…it happens.

Having a dental difficulty is hardly convenient in everyday life, let alone the holiday season. While it helps if you’ve been keeping up with your regular check-ups, it makes good sense to prevent getting into a pickle.

Here are some easy tips to keep your teeth out of holiday hoopla:

From yummy to crummy

Peanut brittle, peppermint bark, toffee chunks–as delicious as they may be, they’re not kind to your teeth, especially if you have a lot of old fillings. These hard treats can chip or break them quite easily. Bite carefully, in small portions and be mindful while chewing.

Floss schmoss

If you’re gonna do the crime, you gotta make the time….to floss. Sugar consumption goes way up during the holidays, and so should your flossing. Don’t skimp on brushing your teeth either.

Glam ‘em up

Holiday time means lots of pictures. Don’t be caught with anything less than your brightest smile. Be sure to touch-up your teeth whitening at home a few days before and you can show off your pearlies with confidence. 

Get a handle on these handy tips and any of you city-slickers will enjoy a family hoedown without any tooth trouble on the horizon.

Yee-haw.

Happy Holidays, y’all.

(214) 522-3110         www.raodentistry.com

Get in the holiday spirit! Share this post with others on Facebook or Twitter!

Are Veneer Or We Far? Your Porcelain Guide Is Here

99 porcelain veneers on the wall, 99 porcelain veneeeers……

take one down and pass it around, 98 porcelain veneers on the wall!

Yikes! This song makes no sense whatsoever. You can’t put porcelain veneers on a wall.

They go on your TEETH.

And for a lot of people, veneers have given them the smile they’ve always wanted.  

Luckily, no human has ever been discovered with 99 teeth, so the good news is that they’re quite achievable. In fact, they can be a reality.

Your reality.

If mother nature did not bless you with naturally straight, even, white teeth (the nerve!), what is a guy or gal to do in the 21st century? If a prettier smile is what your heart desires, well, modern cosmetic dentistry can offer you some options.

Might you be a candidate for braces or Invisalign? It may take some time but getting your teeth all lined up may do the trick. Perhaps add a dash of whitening to glam them up.

Not enough? Well, next step up might be some tooth colored fillings or minor re-shaping that you’d be amazed could make a major difference.

If you need to make some bold changes, however, it would be advisable to have a sit-down chat with your dentist about veneers.

But what are veneers, aka “laminates”?

Veneers, my friends, are thin shells of porcelain (or sometimes tooth-colored filling material, called “resin veneers”) that are placed on your front teeth to improve their appearance.

If you have healthy but misaligned, severely discolored, chipped or uneven teeth, veneers could be a GREAT choice.

Typically, a minimal amount of enamel is removed from the front of your teeth, and 2 to 3 weeks later, veneers are bonded to your teeth. They can be made to match any tooth shade, and once placed; voila! Straight, even, white teeth are yours.

Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 5-10 years, sometimes longer, and are much less invasive than crowns. They look very natural, and your smile becomes a thing of beauty once again.

Before you decide on an option, a pro/con discussion is always advisable.

If your teeth have decay, you have gum disease, you clench or grind your teeth, you chew ice, or your bite is off kilter, you may need to drop veneers off your list.

Smile transformations are possible; miracles, perhaps not. Be sure not to force it, or else you’ll find yourself in the land of lamination damnation. *Shudder.

Costs vary, and most insurances don’t cover them. And no, you can’t skimp on brushing and flossing. If they chip or break, repairs are rarely possible, so you may need to wear a night guard to protect them.

Be honest, and realistic, with yourself and your dentist so you both pick what’s best for you.

But be careful; if you make the RIGHT choice, you may end up with a smile better than you’ve ever imagined, and won’t be able to help yourself giving it away, perhaps 99 times a day.

If you have questions, we have answers! Feel free to ask in the comments, or visit our website, or give us a call. See, lots of options!

www.raodentistry.com     (214) 522-3110

7 Pearls Of Transcen’dental’ Wisdom

1. The fastest way to brighten your day: SMILE. 

2. Beauty without health is like a song without a melody.

3. The Floss Police does not exist (but do it anyways).

4. Everything you do to take care of your body, matters. Even the little things.

5. You can speak “smile” in any language.

6. Conquering your fear: priceless.

7. No smile is too white for that delectable glass of red or a lovely cup of coffee

Do you have more pearls to add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!

(214) 522-3110     www.raodentistry.com

OMG! Did She Just Say Those Aren’t Real?

I’m talking about teeth, of course. What else?

Every now and then teeth have the audacity to fail on you. They can split, fracture, or just plain decay into the nether regions where no amount of heroic effort can bring them back to live the good life. Time to say adios, amigo.

But before you send your tooth on to tooth heaven, you may want to decide what’s next-how to replace it (or not).

Once the tooth has been declared a goner . . . ahem . . . “non-restorable”, talk to your dentist about your options, and the pros and cons of each. In some situations, a replacement may not even be necessary.

Of the options available today, the latest and the greatest is the Dental Implant. The implant, when restored, comes closest to making the finished product look natural and blend in with your smile.

Dr William Dragolich, our friendly neighborhood periodontist, specializes in the placement of dental implants, and has treated many of our patients, with great success.

Here is a great overview about implants by Dr Dragolich:

There is a lot of talk these days about implants. Mostly the references are to “cosmetic enhancements”. But, let’s talk about dental implants.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. It can also stabilize a loose or uncomfortable denture. Dental implants are an ideal choice for people in good general oral health and of all ages, who have lost one or more teeth.

Implants serve to support replacement teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth. In addition to keeping your smile attractive, you’ll find that with dental implants, bone health can be maintained. With a bridge or denture, some of the bone that previously surrounded the missing tooth starts to deteriorate. The loss of the jawbone can result in collapse of the cheeks and wrinkling. Excessive loss of the jawbone could increase the risk of a fracture. A dental implant keeps the jawbone healthy and intact by stimulation of the bone similar to a natural tooth.

Now, let’s look at another benefit of dental implants; they allow the remaining teeth to maintain their integrity. Because an implant stands alone, the replacement does not depend on the support of the neighboring healthy teeth. With a conventional tooth-supported fixed bridge, the adjacent teeth are ground down to support the cemented bridge. If these ground-down teeth suffer additional damage such as tooth decay or gum disease, the support of the bridge is compromised and may be lost. In addition, the teeth supporting the bridge may also be lost. Studies also indicate that a tooth anchoring a bridge is 3 times more likely to need a root canal.

Bothersome problems of dentures are also avoided with dental implants. By anchoring the denture to implants, there is less movement, less discomfort and better chewing function. In addition, confidence is gained in social settings knowing the dentures are secured while talking.

When considering implants, it should be noted that the start-to-finish timeline is a few weeks longer than conventional treatments, while the cost remains comparable to the fixed bridge option.

The success of dental implants is achieved through comprehensive evaluation and thoughtful planning by your general dentist and periodontist (gum doctor). Dr. Rao and Dr. William Dragolich, working together, will provide you with the information you need to decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.

Questions? Feel free to comment, call or email us and we’d be happy to answer them!

(214) 522-3110   www.raodentistry.com  raostaff@sbcglobal.net

5 Tips to Eat And Drink Your Way to Whiter Teeth

Whoa! Hold the peroxide, mister.

I bet you didn’t think you could get whiter teeth by eating and drinking, did you?

Well, you can.

But here’s the trick: it’s all in the what and the how.

Let’s begin, shall we?

1. The crunch with a punch

Next time you grab a celery stick or an apple wedge, not only are you stocking up on essential nutrients, your teeth are chewing up on some of nature’s very best stain removers. The chewing action stimulates saliva production and the fibers act as tiny scrubbers to help dissolve stain. Ditto for carrots and cauliflower.

2. Let’s draw straws

You might as well face it-those 3 o’clock sodas may be a good pick-me-up at work, but you’re not doing your teeth any favors. That goes for the diet ones too. But if you must . . . . stick a straw in it and make it a short affair. A straw channels the beverage past most teeth, and drinking it fast prevents prolonged contact.

3. Berry Time

Strawberries! Who’d have thunk it? This yummy fruit holds the dynamic duo-Vitamin C and astringent. The C helps keep gums healthy and controls plaque, while the astringent aids stain removal. She’s a smart one, Mother Nature.

4. Our old friend H2O

Ahh . . . water. We go waaaaayy back. Chances are you do too. After any meal, that fine glass of wine, that morning cup of joe or afternoon tea, make it a point to either rinse with or drink a glass of water. Water helps flush out food particles between your teeth, cleans up after dark beverages and lessens their stain impact.

5. Chew on this?

Okay, so technically chewing gum is not a food or a drink, but it’s whitening claims are thrown left and right. While the whitening part is (mostly) hype, chewing gum does stimulate saliva, and helps clean up food particles and plaque-causing bacteria. If it rocks your boat, however, pick the sugar-free kind with xylitol.

Now remember, stains usually tend to get on teeth faster than off; such is life.

The foods listed above, while effective, work at a slow pace. For faster results, man-made intervention is often necessary, via over-the-counter or professional whitening products.

For the best cosmetic results, you can do both.

In conclusion, I will add that one of the most effective ways to stay stain free and keep those pearly whites gleaming (and healthy) is brushing and flossing effectively. Daily. (Come on, you knew I couldn’t possibly skip that one, did you?) And if you’re a smoker, you’re going to have to work a little harder.

If you are considering teeth whitening and have questions, call us at (214) 522-3110 or write us a comment; we’d love to hear from you!

www.raodentistry.com