Cosmetic Dentistry Orange County | Huefner Sensational Smiles Blog

Serving Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Santa Margarita, and Surrounding Areas Of Orange County, California

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Porcelain Veneers Used to Correct Crooked Smiles by Dr. Huefner, Orange County Cosmetic Dentist

There have been many interesting studies with regard to the perception of facial beauty and what they determined was that facial symmetry was much more important than individual features. Since teeth and the person’s smile are the strongest focus area (where your attention is drawn when speaking to or looking at), the symmetry of a smile is incredibly important!

Unfortunately, most people have at least some inherent asymmetry: one eye might be slightly higher than the other, the nose might be off center, and sometimes one side of the face is longer than the other. With regards to the smile, lips that move higher or lower on one side than the other or show more teeth on one when the person speaks or smiles is an important thing for the cosmetic dentist to be aware of prior to beginning any smile enhancement procedures like porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Most of the time this isn’t a significant problem, but for others, like this patient of mine, her crooked smile really bothered her.

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Note how the teeth all point down to her lower right (her right is on the left of the photo), as seen from the five black lines. Also, that the bottom edges of the teeth cant (lean to one side) as well, as seen on the red line. Together, these all threw off her smile and detracted considerably from much of the beauty of her face.

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To make things more interesting, this patient had some old dentistry that she didn’t like. The teeth and gums appeared as having different lengths. She wanted a whiter, brighter smile that would be even and symmetrical and offset her facial asymmetries. So, taking all aspects and features of her face in consideration here is the beautiful result we achieved with porcelain veneers and a new all-ceramic bridge (replacing her old-fashioned porcelain-to-metal bridge).

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I can’t emphasize enough that in order to create a superb smile and result like this necessitated I pay particular attention to all of her facial features. I fine tuned the gum symmetry and length, shape of the teeth using provisional (temporary) restorations, which allowed her to “test drive” her new smile first. After achieving her full approval at this stage I was able to give my ceramist very specific and precise instructions on how to complete the final porcelain veneers and bridge. End result: A VERY SATISFIED AND HAPPY PATIENT!

Dr. Norman Huefner, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Laguna Niguel, CA

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posted by Dr. Norman Huefner at 9:21 AM

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Short, Spaced Teeth Transformed into Beautiful Smile with Porcelain Veneers by Dr. Huefner

Anna had worn her teeth down over the years and was increasingly becoming self conscious about her smile. Her teeth also had spaces between them and they were much darker than when she was younger. She is a successful businesswoman and realized that her appearance is important when dealing with people. What could she do to improve her smile and look younger and more professional?


Anna's smile and teeth before cosmetic dentistry

When a new patient comes in for a cosmetic dentistry consultation the most important thing that a cosmetic dentist can do is carefully listen to their concerns. What is it they want? What don't they like about their teeth and smile? Why are they wanting cosmetic dentistry? Why do they want it now, as opposed to earlier or later? What color teeth do they want? How does their teeth and smile effect them with business or interpersonal relationships? Do they only want a minimal improvement or high expectations, wanting an absolutely perfect smile? There are many questions that are asked to the new patient and Dr. Huefner spent considerable time discussing these things with Anna.

It was ultimately realized that Anna wanted a younger, more feminine smile. Teeth that would help her look her very best. And yes, she did want a "perfect smile" if that could be achieved.

Weighing all her conerns and the condition of her teeth and mouth, Dr. Huefner recommended porcelain veneers for Anna's upper and lower teeth. He strongly felt that would be the most conservative way of achieving her goals of obtaining a "perfect smile". At that time she wasn't sure if she wanted to do all her front teeth, so left being undecided. She felt this was a big decision, so she consulted with several other cosmetic dentists before deciding to go forward with Dr. Huefner's recommendations.


Anna's new smile after porcelain veneers and cosmetic dentisry by Dr. Huefner

Dr. Huefner treated Anna in three phases. First the upper front ten veneers were placed. The second phase was doing the lower ten veneers. The final phase was restoring several of her back teeth. The end result for Anna was excellent, as all her objectives were achieved and she was extremely happy with her new smile.

Dr. Norman Huefner, Cosmetic and General Dentistry, Laguna Niguel, CA

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posted by Dr. Norman Huefner at 9:23 AM

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