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Some gentlemen prefer blonds while others go for brunettes; some women go for muscular physiques while others favor lankier builds... The attributes that attract one person to another may be as varied as human beings themselves, but a recent study by the online dating site Match.com has revealed some common must-haves that adult males and females of all ages typically look for in a date or a partner. Topping the list? Good teeth! Pearly whites even beat out hair, which ranked third for both sexes.

Match.com's third annual “Singles in America” survey polled nearly 5,500 unattached adults (never married, divorced, widowed or separated; not in a serious relationship) age 21 to 70-something regarding how they judge a potential date and what they deem to be the most and least essential attributes in a potential partner. Teeth came first — 58% for men and 71% for women! Hair garnered 51% among men and 53% among women.

Good dental hygiene — regular brushing and flossing at home using proper techniques, avoiding acidic and sugary foods that can promote bad oral bacteria, and visiting our office for periodic checkups — constitute the front line in maintaining a healthy smile. Yet even with diligent attention to the oral environment, some people may have certain concerns about their smile that go beyond hygiene such as tooth color or alignment, gaps or overlapping teeth, or excessive wear. Cosmetic dentistry has advanced to the point where there's a potential solution for virtually every concern. For example:

• Professional whitening (bleaching) — This can remove most deep (intrinsic) stains and surface (extrinsic) ones that don't respond to normal brushing and professional cleanings.
• Porcelain veneers and crowns — Thin ceramic veneers adhere to the front surface of a tooth and essentially replaces the tooth enamel. Crowns cap entire teeth and essentially replace the enamel covering all around. Both techniques are excellent for changing tooth color and shape, and helping fill gaps. Crowns are especially good for hiding extensive decay and trauma.
• Orthodontics — These techniques can improve tooth alignment and bite. They include traditional braces as well as clear aligners, retainers that are hidden behind the teeth, and a number of other options as well.

You now know teeth are No. 1 and hair is No. 3: Are you wondering what attribute(s) ranked second among men and women in terms of “deal makers” or “deal breakers”?... It's grammar — 55% among men and 69% among women! Dentistry can't really help with grammar, but improving your smile could make you more comfortable and ready to smile and engage in conversation so you can demonstrate your grammar!

If you would like more information about cosmetic dentistry, please contact us today at 518-237-0019 to make an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cosmetic Dentistry.”

Once you've decided to make over your smile, you're embarking on an exciting journey to restore your smile and your confidence. As experts in cosmetic dentistry, you should consider us partners on this journey, here to help not only fulfill your vision, but also answer any questions while making you feel at ease throughout the process.

Today there are many options for making over your smile, and when we meet for an initial consultation, we'll discuss many of them with you. Until then, you might have some questions about cosmetic dentistry.

What is a cosmetic dentist?
We are restorative dentists who are experts in the art of smile design. We have put a great deal of emphasis on studying the concepts of smile design and the innovative materials used for a smile makeover. We have made it our life's work to remain up-to-date on the latest innovations in dentistry.

What is the difference between cosmetic and restorative dentistry?
There is some overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry. However, a cosmetic dentist goes beyond restoring your teeth to their proper function — our goal is to achieve the most optimal esthetic result and satisfy the vision that you have for your smile.

What can I expect at the initial consultation?
Before you come in for the initial consultation, ask yourself some important questions:

• Do you dislike the color of your teeth?
• Do you have chips or cracks that need to be fixed?
• Do you have crooked teeth or spaces between teeth that you would like eliminated?

The goal of this first appointment will be to determine exactly what you want out of your smile makeover. We suggest that you bring in photos to show us what you would like your future smile to look like. We will also conduct a thorough examination to determine if your cosmetic issues are the result of any underlying health issues. During this examination, we'll be doing a Smile Analysis, studying all of the elements of your smile, from teeth to gums and jaws. From there, we'll walk through treatment options, including pricing and timelines, and develop a plan of action.

If you would like more information about cosmetic dentistry and the procedures we may recommend for your smile makeover, please contact us today at 518-237-0019 to make an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cosmetic Dentistry.”

Your self-image has a lot to do with how you feel about your appearance — and particularly your smile. If you are unhappy with the way you look, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer to your problems.

1. What do we mean by cosmetic dentistry? The word “cosmetic” refers to beneficial changes in appearance. Thus cosmetic dentistry is all dental work that restores or improves a person's appearance.
2. What is a cosmetic dentist? Every dentist learns to do procedures in a way that conserves or improves a patient's appearance. Some dentists continue to study and specialize in procedures that are done specifically for the purpose of enhancing a person's appearance.
3. What is a smile analysis? The first step to improving your smile, this analysis involves a study of all the elements of your smile — teeth appearance and alignment, gums, jaws — and also your facial features and how they all fit together.
4. How can I choose the right cosmetic dentist? Ask your dentist about his or her training and experience. Ask for photos of previous work. You may need to select more than one person, working as a team to take best advantage of each one's experience, skills, and training.
5. What can be done to improve a smile using 21st century techniques? We are fortunate to live in times in which numerous options are available. These include making teeth whiter; altering their size, shape, balance, color, and alignment; filling in parts of teeth that are missing because of decay or injury; and even replacing teeth that are missing entirely.
6. How can chipped or discolored front teeth be restored? This can often be done by bonding with composite resin.
7. How can damaged back teeth be restored? Back teeth with cavities or traumatic injuries can now be repaired with non-metallic tooth-colored material that bonds to the tooth substance.
8. What techniques can be used to correct more severe problems? Porcelain veneers, thin layers of porcelain material, can be used to change the appearance of misshapen or undersized teeth. Porcelain crowns can be used to replace the part of the tooth that rises above the gums.
9. How can we change the position of teeth that do not meet together well? Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting malocclusions (bad bites). They use traditional braces or clear aligners to move teeth into more attractive and functional positions.
10. What if some teeth are missing? A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A porcelain crown that looks just like a natural tooth can then be connected to the implant.

Contact us today at 518-237-0019 to make an appointment to discuss your questions about cosmetic dentistry. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cosmetic Dentistry: A time for change.”

If you are dissatisfied with the way your smile looks, and your dentist is unhappy with the way your teeth fit together — but you don't like the idea of wearing braces — clear aligners may be your best solution. How much do you know about this teeth-straightening alternative? Below are some FAQs on the subject.

What do we mean by clear aligners? Clear aligners are a system for straightening teeth that uses clear plastic removable “trays” that fit over your teeth. As the teeth move to fit the trays, new trays are substituted that are designed to continue to move your teeth into the desired position. This system is an alternative to the traditional system of brackets and wires known as braces.

How can teeth be moved to new positions? The connection that holds a tooth in place in your jaws — the periodontal ligament — is not immobile. It constantly changes its position based on the normal forces of your bite. As the ligament is pushed on one side and pulled on the other, the living cells of your mouth respond by depositing bone and cementum (the protective covering of the tooth's root) on one side and dissolving it on the other. Normally this happens in a balance, maintaining your teeth in their position. We can manage these slight changes by applying constant light forces to move teeth in a predictable way.

How long does it take to move teeth to their optimum position using clear aligners? As with braces, the process is gradual. Total treatment time can range from six months to two years.

Do the trays have to be worn all the time? As you move through the sequence of trays, each is worn for 20 hours per day for two weeks. They may occasionally be removed for important social occasions.

How does an orthodontist design the sequential trays that are used? The trays are designed using a computer, based on an assessment and images of your mouth, teeth and jaws.

What kinds of problems can clear aligners correct? This method works well to correct mild to moderate crowding or spacing. If your back teeth already fit together as they should, the system may be ideal. If you have an extreme overbite or underbite, braces might work better.

Are clear aligners an alternative for everyone? Clear aligners are recommended for adults and recently, teenagers. They are not usually recommended for young children.

Why is it important to have your teeth straightened? Besides the obvious benefit of feeling better about yourself and your appearance, straight and well-aligned teeth work better. You will experience a better-functioning bite and can improve your oral health.

Call us today at 518-237-0019 to make an appointment to discuss your questions about orthodontics and clear aligners. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Clear Orthodontic Aligners” and “Moving Teeth With Orthodontics.”

Of major importance in all wedding day plans is to ensure that you have your special day captured on film. And it is that fact that influences most brides and grooms to take a long and hard look in the mirror to observe their smiles. Not only do wedding dates motivate many brides and grooms to address concerns regarding their smile, it also serves as the perfect time for their parents to pursue their smile makeover dreams so that they too feel good about themselves in your wedding photos.

A proper smile makeover should have a two-fold design plan that ensures you obtain optimal functionality and oral health while creating the cosmetic look you want. Starting with the basics, a thorough dental cleaning is the least expensive way to remove stains and freshen both your smile and breath. We will also use this consultation to learn about your concerns, goals, expectations, and wedding day timeline to create the action plan for future treatments in reaching your smile makeover goals. You may also want to discuss whitening your teeth during your appointment, as whitening teeth is an effective way to brighten your smile a few shades in as few as 1 to 2 appointments plus whitening while at home.

If your smile makeover is a bit more challenging, relax. There are a wide variety of tools and techniques available that include bonding, veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants for restoring your smile. Or we may work closely with a specialist such as an orthodontist to straighten your teeth or a periodontist for periodontal plastic surgery that can alter your gum tissues and their relationship with your teeth. The most important tip to remember is to schedule your first dental appointment soon after you become engaged so that you have plenty of time prior to the big day to attain your picture perfect wedding day smile.

Want to learn more?

Call us today at 518-237-0019 to discuss your smile makeover questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor article, “Planning Your Wedding Day Smile.”