Love in the Language of Cosmetic Dentistry

They say that Josephine Bonaparte’s teeth were horrid. But I suppose if you’re married to an Emperor, especially one who loves you deeply, teeth do not matter. But for the rest of us, in one way or another, appearance does matter. Physiological and psychological aspects of social interrelations suggest that a beautiful smile—and not one clamped behind your hands—tops the list of self-confidence boosters. And this is where cosmetic dentistry comes in handy.

About Cosmetic Dentistry
If people can have a fashion make over, who says you cannot have a smile makeover as well? These days, having healthy teeth and gums are not enough. Dr. Harmik Derhartounian, a licensed cosmetic dentist and owner of Flintridge Dental Studio in La Cañada believes that “if your smile looks good, you feel good.” For this dentist, it is not enough to maintain a patient’s oral care, but to enhance, if not restore, the aesthetic aspect of a patient’s teeth. And that is the power of cosmetic dentistry: to merge art and science to enhance dental health, beauty, and function.

New Developments
In his clinic, Dr. Harmik uses new technologies that are not as costly and painful as cosmetic surgery since many of these developments are non-invasive.

Whitening
“[T]here are different types of whitening, you know, and everybody is aware of that,” says Dr. Harmik. Referring to way back when dentists employed laser to whiten teeth, Dr. Harmik shares that there have been more sophisticated technological advances in this area. One of these is the so-called Kör Deep Bleaching. This bleaching method is guaranteed as the surefire remedy for whitening the worst stains, including tetracycline discolorations. After three visits with a 30 to 45-minute procedure, Dr. Harmik utilizes “this particular technology to give [his patients] a bright smile.”

“It does take three visits, but the sensitivity is reduced, [patients] feel much better, and they get a beautiful result,” adds Dr. Harmik.

Alignment and more
Other developments include lumineers and veneers. As a far better upgrade from braces, veneers and lumineers do not only align teeth but whitens it, too. These tools are used to give a dazzling smile “in as little as two visits.”

Veneers are made of thin porcelain, used as perfect fit cover over the teeth and bonded thereafter. They take the appearance of your natural teeth, except that these veneers comprise “the most advanced dental ceramic available.” But veneers require shots and possible drillings. Lumineers, on the other hand, are more recent developments. According to Dr. Harmik, lumineers use a “different technology.” Using lumineers “does not even require any reduction of the teeth,” Dr. Harmik added. He said what he usually does is “take an impression of [your] teeth and set it off to the laboratory.” The next time you come in, it will be put in your teeth. These can help whiten and align your teeth perfectly—minus the inconvenience that comes with traditional veneers.

Even Dr. Harmik firmly believes that “your smile does say a lot about you,” especially if you see it for the first time. That is why he encourages his patients to take advantage of the new developments in cosmetic dentistry. Napoleon Bonaparte may be too far gone to notice it, but your teeth—sans the clamoring attention you will most likely get from people—will unconditionally love you for the new makeover.

Flintridge Dental Studio is located at 4542 Rinetti Lane, La Cañada. For more information or to make an appointment call (818) 495-4969 or log onto www.flintridgedentalstudio.com.