For almost two generations, having straight teeth has been a cosmetic imperative. Straight teeth today are no longer enough in itself; Americans are now demanding teeth that are sparkling white. Standards of what constitutes an attractive smile have changed according to Dr. Kenneth Hilsen of Ridgewood Dental Associates. What used to be considered too white or "fake" looking is now considered very desirable. The whole dental industry has readjusted its thinking, and shade guides from dental laboratories have added lighter shades to their collections.
People emulate what they see in movies and television whether it is weight, clothing or teeth. The bright white teeth of Regis Philbin and the actresses on soaps have become the desire of mainstream America. Today, there are many dental options available to achieve the look that a person desires depending on what their natural teeth look like.
If a person loves the shape of their teeth but they are slightly yellow or gray from heredity or age, an in office bleaching process may be all they need. According to Dr. Samani, "patients com to our office, sit back and relax and in one hour walk away with their teeth as white as they can be. It's like a spa for their teeth." If a person has solid teeth but is unhappy with the shape or color, in two visits, they can have laminates applied. This process allows the patient to choose his or her own color from a chart and a thin porcelain layer is applied to the tooth. Even people with missing teeth can make their smile dazzling in a few visits by having a combination of crown and bridge, laminates and whitening.
It's amazing what dentistry can do to enhance a person's smile. But whatever one chooses to do with their teeth, they will probably be shades lighter than years ago.