By Dr. Eric Wolfe
For many, the holidays evoke feelings of renewed hopes and dreams. The 1994 holiday film Miracle on 34th Street reminds all of us, “You’re never too old to wish upon a star.” As the gift-giving ramps up, you may be considering giving yourself the ultimate gift of self-love – a renewed smile. But often, our patients like you hesitate, wondering, “What will my final smile look like?” Let’s unwrap that together.
What are the Options?
There are several ways to renew your smile, all under two umbrellas: cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. Here is a brief overview of all your options, each of which you can discuss with us next time you are in the office:
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening: Brightens stained or discolored teeth for a more radiant, confident smile.
- Invisalign® Braces: Clear aligners that discreetly straighten teeth without the look of traditional braces.
- Porcelain Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth to correct chips, gaps, or discoloration.
- Smile Design: A personalized plan using digital technology to create your ideal smile before treatment even begins.
Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Implants: Permanent replacements for missing teeth, anchored securely in the jawbone.
- Dentures: Removable or fixed solutions that restore multiple missing teeth and improve chewing and speech.
- Crowns and Bridges: Crowns repair and protect damaged teeth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth by attaching to neighboring teeth.
- Root Canals: A treatment to save infected or damaged teeth by removing the pulp and sealing the tooth.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Natural-looking fillings that repair cavities while blending seamlessly with your smile.
- Fixed Hybrid Dentistry: Implant-supported restorations that offer a secure, long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures, restoring both function and aesthetics.
What are the Outcomes?
When you choose cosmetic or restorative dentistry, one of the first steps is a Digital Wax Up. This is a precise digital rendering of your teeth, showing how your new smile will look once treatment is complete. It’s like trying on the results in advance. Every contour and proportion is carefully designed to suit your face, ensuring that your smile is as unique as you are.
Next comes Smile Design, a highly personalized process in which we work together to map out the shape, size and brightness of your teeth, all tailored to your facial structure, skin tone and personality. Think of it as choosing the frame for a priceless work of art – your own smile.
Then, with a Mock-Up, you get to take your new smile for a “test drive.” Using temporary materials, we replicate the design directly on your teeth. You can see it in the mirror, feel it when you talk, and share it with those closest to you. Many patients find this step deeply reassuring – it’s the moment they realize they can embrace change while still looking like themselves, only brighter and more confident.
Together, these steps allow you to experience the outcome before the procedure even begins. Instead of wondering or worrying, you’ll see your future smile come to life and you’ll know with certainty that the reflection looking back at you will still be unmistakably you.
This holiday season, center your focus on your own inner glow and radiance and to spread joy to others. As Andy Williams sings in his 1963 holiday song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year… hearts will be glowing.” Here’s to you and yours!