Makeover Mania
By Dr. Linda Niessen -- Baylor College of Dentistry STORY: MAKEOVER MANIA SCRIPT # 512 SHOOT: 6/12/03 AIRDATE: Monday, June 30, 2003 DHC Master #18 Timecode: 1:30 For inquires: Dr. Lee Fitzgerald 670 West Campbell, Suite 120 Richardson, TX 972-231-5301
Monday, June 30, 2003
Are healthy, functional teeth more important than an attractive smile? Most dentists say yes. But cosmetic dentistry has become so popular, many patients turn to cosmetics hoping to solve all dental problems. Dr. Linda Niessen sets the record straight on smile makeovers in today’s segment of Dental Health Check.
For years, Karen Tonnesen has admired picture perfect teeth in magazine photos. She hoped cosmetic dentistry would improve her own smile.
“I don’t like my smile, never been happy with it. You know, from the tetracycline, my teeth always just looked dark to me. But I also feel my teeth stick out.”)
Karen found out her problems were more serious. She needed orthodontic braces to correct an overbite. Karen was not a good candidate for a smile makeover using cosmetic dentistry only.
“About 70 percent of the people we see can have most of their problems corrected without the need of orthodontics or oral surgery,” says Dr. Lee Fitzgerald.
You might be a candidate for a smilemakeover if you have:
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gaps between your teeth
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chipped or broken teeth
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discolored teeth , or
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existing dental work you want to improve.
You may NOT be a candidate if you have teeth alignment or jaw alignment problems.
Claus Eimer was a perfect candidate for a smile makeover. But he didn’t want perfect teeth. “My challenge I gave to Dr. Fitzgerald was don’t make it perfect, just make it natural.”Claus had a dramatic change in his smile.
So did Sandra Paradise. “It’s a confidence thing, meeting new people or in a setting have a photograph taken, and now I’ve got a great big smile along with everyone else,” Sandra said.
Even cosmetic dentistry has its limits. If you need braces or jaw surgery, no amount of cosmetic work can fix the underlying problem. You should consult an orthodontist, oral surgeon or both before making any decisions. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A & M System, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen.
Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.
