Today’s guest blogger is Dr. Bilus Poles.  Dr. Poles has training, education and experience in providing treatment options to help patients to transform their smiles. Dr. Poles practices general dentistry at our locations in Elgin and Fox Valley.

Transform Your Smile

A healthy smile is an important component of a healthy body.  In our previous post, we outlined how strong teeth and healthy gums are the building blocks of a beautiful smile.  Studies have even shown that the quality and quantity of a person’s smile can predict their future happiness and successes in relationships and career.

We know how important it is to have a healthy smile, but what about the importance of having a smile that gives you absolute confidence to want to show it off all the time?

At 1st Family Dental, we like to ask our new patients not only what brings them into the office, but also how they feel about their smile overall.  Many patients are satisfied with the way their smile looks.  Others have mentioned changes that they would like to make to help them feel more confident about their smile.  Here are some examples of what our patients have told us, and some of the treatment options available to help transform your smile:

“I really wish my teeth were straight.”

Having straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw goes far beyond just appearances and can impact overall health.  See our recent post about what our dentists are looking for during your regular checkup.  Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and can reduce the chances of cavities and gum disease with proper home care.

Proper jaw alignment can also help reduce the incidence of teeth grinding (bruxism) and also other related issues such as TMJ and headaches.  Having straight teeth can also affect the entire shape of your face.  Incognito lingual braces and Invisalign® are two options we offer at 1st Family Dental to straighten your teeth effectively and discreetly.  Lingual braces attach to the inside (lingual side) of your teeth and straighten your teeth similar to the way conventional braces can.

Invisalign® straightens your smile through a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that virtually no one can tell you are wearing.  Invisalign trays are removable for cleaning and changing to a new set as your teeth move and straighten over time.  As an added bonus, Invisalign trays can also be used with at-home and overnight teeth-whitening systems.

To learn more about more discreet methods for straightening your teeth, call your nearest 1st Family Dental office or book an appointment online anytime for a free consultation.

“I wish my smile was more even.”

Teeth with chips, gaps, short or uneven lengths, or discoloration that can’t be corrected with whitening can have a big impact on self-confidence and how someone feels about their smile.

Veneers are one treatment option that can completely transform your smile.  Veneers are made by creating an impression of your teeth.  Veneers are fabricated in a lab to fit exactly over your existing teeth.  Your dentist will then prepare your teeth using an etching process, and will bond each veneer to your tooth, one-by-one.  Your dentist will then make adjustments if needed to ensure your bite is even.  Many people are familiar with the Lumineers ® system, which is one type of veneer.  To learn more about veneers, book a free consultation with any 1st Family Dental doctor.

“I would like my smile to be whiter and brighter.”

Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and regular cleanings at the dentist’s office. However, if you decide you would like to go beyond regular care to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.

Professional in-office teeth whitening as well as follow-up home whitening can be a very visible and cost-effective way to transform your smile to it’s brightest.  1st Family Dental offers several options for teeth whitening, including ZOOM® and Venus White®.  Each system offers both in-office and at-home treatment options.  You can learn more about how each works by visiting the informational sites as well as by speaking with any 1st Family Dental doctor.  A consultation is required before in-office whitening to ensure effectiveness.  This consultation can usually be completed at the same time as the whitening treatment.  At the consultation the doctor will check the health of your teeth and gums, and discuss the available whitening treatments with you.  In-office whitening usually takes around 1.5 hours, which includes time for the exam and preparing your teeth for the treatment.

During the treatment, you will be able to see the progress, as well as the WOW factor after the treatment is complete and your smile has been transformed to its whitest and brightest!

A beautiful, bright smile is a very powerful asset.  If you would like to learn more about available treatments and methods to help transform your smile to its fullest potential, give us a call or book an appointment online anytime.