At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges helps patients decide which teeth shape looks more flattering on them and which cosmetic dentistry techniques can help them achieve their goals aesthetically. Here, we go over three considerations when deciding which shape your teeth should be that may come up during your initial consultation. 

Consider Face Shape

Facial recognition scientists define nine distinct face shapes, and knowing yours can help you look and feel your best. As a rule of thumb, go for a tooth shape opposite your natural face shape.

For instance, if you have a more angular (such as a heart or square-shaped face), round teeth may look more suitable when you smile. Conversely, consider square teeth if your face is more soft and curved (including oval or round face shapes).

Use the Golden Ratio Method

Discovered by the ancient Greeks, the golden ratio is a mathematical formula that describes two numbers (a and b). The sum of (a+b) divided by the larger number (a) must be equal to the ratio of the larger number divided by the smaller number (a divided by b). 

Sometimes nicknamed the “divine proportion,” the golden ratio frequently exists in the natural world and is often showcased by the number of petals on a flower, the seed pattern in a sunflower, the number of sides in an unpeeled banana, and more.

Dentists can incorporate the golden ratio into your smile by using it as a tool to assess the widths of the anterior maxillary teeth and to create a more natural-looking, proportionate smile.

Incorporate Your Personality Into Your Smile

You might not realize this, but how your teeth are shaped may subconsciously convey certain personality traits when you smile. 

As people get older, teeth tend to experience more wear and tear, so square teeth can come across as more mature or weathered. Conversely, people with round teeth are generally perceived as more gentle and feminine. Furthermore, the incisors of younger patients tend to be more rounded, so round incisors can appear more youthful.

Square or Round Teeth? We can help you decide.

Although there’s no wrong or right answer, consider what will make you feel the most confident about your smile and your cosmetic dentist’s opinion. When it comes to changing the shape and size of your teeth, here are some services offered at our Duncan, OK location that can dramatically transform your smile:

• Porcelain and composite veneers are paper-thin shells adhered to the top of the teeth that can add dimension and hide minor imperfections (such as gaps between the teeth).
• Dental bonding will do the trick and can smooth out small flaws when bonded to the existing teeth.
• Tooth contouring can address minor cosmetic imperfections by gently reshaping the tooth.

Should your teeth look rounder or more square? Find the answer to this question by scheduling a cosmetic dentistry consultation by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online.

The post Square vs. Round Teeth: What Shape Should My Teeth Be? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Reasons for Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding benefits the appearance and health of a smile by repairing chips and cracks that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Dental bonding also improves discoloration, fills gaps, and lengthens shorter teeth.

Benefits of Tooth Bonding

Patients who have damaged teeth are much more likely to suffer from oral health issues and experience tooth loss. Tooth bonding protects teeth from decay, disease, further damage, and tooth loss by sealing up and strengthening the outer part of the tooth.

A beautiful smile also has its benefits. For example, people who are happy with their teeth feel much more confident at home, work, and in social situations. Additionally, these people smile more often which boosts their mood and the mood of those around them!

Downsides to Dental Bonding

There are no major risks to dental bonding, but there are some downsides to this treatment option.

For starters, composite resin isn’t as strong as natural teeth or other dental materials like porcelain or metal. Therefore, the bonding material is likely to break or chip and need to be replaced. To avoid breaks and chips, don’t eat hard candy or crunchy foods and seek treatment for teeth grinding.

Composite resin is also susceptible to discoloration, especially for people who drink a lot of coffee or tea or people who smoke.

The Tooth Bonding Procedure

Patients who need dental bonding can expect to be in and out of the office in under an hour. This is a simple outpatient procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia.

The first step in the tooth bonding procedure is to choose a composite resin color that matches the patient’s natural tooth shade. Once that is determined, the dentist roughens up the tooth’s surface and applies a glue-type agent to create a strong bond between the tooth and composite resin.

Then, the dentist applies the composite resin, shapes it, and, finally, hardens it with an ultraviolet light.

Alternative Treatment Options

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are suitable alternatives to dental bonding. Patients with cosmetic issues may be candidates for porcelain veneers. These are thin, porcelain shells that cover the front surface of a tooth to hide imperfections.

Dental crowns are necessary when a tooth has endured damage or decay. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire tooth. It can be made from several materials, but most patients prefer resin, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).

Tooth Bonding and More in Duncan, OK

 Have a chipped, cracked, or stained tooth that needs to be restored? Dr. Matthew L. Bridges offers dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns for all your oral health needs. To schedule an initial consultation, contact our friendly dental team today at (580) 255-4880.

The post The Dental Patient’s Guide to Tooth Bonding appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Smile imperfections occur to just about everyone. They range in levels of severity. While some struggle from yellow, lackluster teeth, others may be dissatisfied with teeth that are asymmetrical or unevenly shaped. While cosmetic dentistry used to be only something Hollywood elites could enjoy, more and more dentists today are offering cosmetic dentistry treatments at affordable pricing so anyone can achieve the smile of their dreams. Your smile is one of the first features noticed by those around you, and we want you to be proud of showing yours off.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments for those living in the Duncan, OK area. Read on to learn five ways you can improve the aesthetics of your smile with one of these treatments, or simply contact our office today online or by calling (580) 255-4880 to schedule your consult.

Teeth Whitening

Dull, lackluster teeth can occur from the natural age progression. Teeth can also lose their sparkle as a result of the foods you eat and the habits you keep. Although durable, enamel is porous and can be affected by the consumption of certain foods and beverages, or even discolor from smoking and chewing tobacco. If you drink large amounts of coffee, tea, or dark sodas and notice teeth that are yellow or stained, it may be time to consider professional teeth whitening. We offer both in-office Zoom!® teeth whitening and take-home trays that can be paired with Opalescence® whitening gel. Professional teeth whitening delivers more effective results than the kits found at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Tooth Contouring

Misshaped teeth can make your smile seem unbalanced or even give the appearance that you have large fangs in the front of your smile. Over time, the edges of teeth can chip, especially if you have bad habits, such as biting nails or chewing on pen caps. Dr. Bridges can shape your teeth with a procedure known as tooth contouring or enameloplasty. During this procedure, your natural enamel will be gently trimmed and reshaped to create a more symmetrical smile. No anesthesia is required and results can be delivered in less than 30 minutes.

Dental Bonding

When teeth are severely misshaped, chipped, gapped, and permanently stained, composite resin can be used to cover the flaws. Composite resin is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. Before applying the composite over your teeth, Dr. Bridges will tint the mixture so that it matches your natural enamel. To deliver an even more dazzling result, teeth whitening can be performed beforehand. Dental bonding provides a quick and cost-effective approach to treating a variety of cosmetic imperfections.

Porcelain Veneers

Much like dental bonding, porcelain veneers are recommended to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, such as cracks, severe discoloration, and uneven spaces. While similar in their approach, porcelain veneers offer a longer-lasting alternative. Each veneer is fashioned from durable, realistic-looking porcelain to match the natural aesthetics of your smile. The veneers will be permanently bonded over the front surface of your teeth to conceal any concerns.

Enhance Your Smile Today

Just making a few simple smile adjustments can improve your overall appearance and enhance your self-confidence. Talk to Dr. Bridges today about the cosmetic dentistry treatments we provide at our Duncan, OK practice and how they can benefit you. You can reach us by contacting us online or calling (580) 255-4880.

The post 4 Ways to Transform Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry appeared first on Chisholm Trail.