The Center for Esthetic Dentistry Blog | Dr. Charley Varipapa

Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty of the profession of dentistry. Many people who market themselves as a cosmetic dentist may not have had significant training in the science and techniques of cosmetic dentistry. The Seattle Institute (www.seattleinstitute.com), The Pankey Institute (www.pankeyinstitute.com) and the Kois Center for Dental Excellence (www.koiscenter.com) carefully integrate the Science and Art of Cosmetic Dentistry. I have attended and completed studies at these institututes and have attended the Las Vegas Institute which is world known for training in cosmetic dentistry. One size does not fit all however. People are different and their bites are different and subsequently they need different remedies for treatment, that is why I have extended my training to include all of these institutes and learn what is best for our patients. Guests in our practice can be certain that they will be treated individually and there are no cookie cutter plans, all the same for everyone.

Veneers were initially used as an esthetic restoration but now we use them to restore even broken and misshapen teeth. They can be a tooth strengthening restoration in these cases and provide a beautiful natural restoration because they allow light to reflect through the tooth and back out creating a natural appearance. The edges are much more bio-compatible than a cemented crown because they can be integrated to tooth surfaces and porcelain laminate veneers can improve health and tissue appearance. Beautifully prepared veneers that are polished and finished can be undetectable from natural healthy teeth.

Natural smiles have a golden proportion that is pleasing to the eye. While there are scales to calculate this it is usually best to develop a natural smile that is specific to each individuals, these formulas only serve as guides. To function properly teeth need to be the proper length and 'communicate' with the lower edges od the teeth when speaking or in function. you'd be surprised how often incisal edge position is ignored in so called 'COSMETIC DENTISTRY" practices.

The word restore means the return to natural form function and beauty. Imagine spending the time, money and energy to restore your beautiful smile with cosmetic veneers or porcelain crowns and never being able to bit e a cuticle again! A simple thing but a comforting thing to be able to do again. I will be happy to discuss your choices to restore or enhance your smile here in DC. Many times your treatment can be easy for you and very conservative. Not everyone needs 20 veneers or a full mouth rehabilitation to have a comfortable headache free bite that outlasts poorly planned and executed dentistry.