Smiles. They have gotten me in trouble, and helped me out of hot water. They have started a conversation, and ended an argument. They have been captured for eternity, and shared in secret. They are free, but have the power to make you feel like a million bucks.
I have always been a little shy about my smile. My two front teeth overlap a bit, and I (believe it or not) am not a fan of having my photo taken. But I still love to smile.
I recently found a new dentist in my town, Dr. Alia. I have the worst track record with dentists and before I met her was fairly terrified of going. I am SO THRILLED to have found Dr. Alia, and even more excited that she set up what I would call a dental boutique (because it is absolutely charming) right in my home town of Wilmette. I received my first cleaning a couple of weeks ago, and it was more like chatting with a favorite girlfriend than traditional dental despair. My kids will be going there next, and they can’t wait! Here they are at the grand opening, posing for the newspaper photographer 🙂
 |
| Photo: Jill Dunbar/ Winnetka Current |
Here are some shots I took of her office…Netflix, noise-cancelling earphones, pink furry pillows, a chandelier, a delicious candle burning and a dentist with serious style? Welcome to the next generation of dentist offices!
I asked Dr. Alia to give me some great tips on getting the most out of your smile from a dentist’s perspective, and I then gave my top smile tips from a beauty blogger’s perspective.
From a Dentist’s Perspective…
- Studies
have shown that it is most effective to brush your teeth when you first
wake up, before consuming coffee, or eating anything. That way the
fluoride can be absorbed by your teeth and you get the maximum strength
available from the fluoride toothpaste. - Drinking soda or tea or coffee through a straw definitely helps
eliminate stain on your teeth. I usually tell patients to do this after
they have had a tooth whitening, so that they maximize the benefits and
see the best whitest results. - I
think the best way to minimize tooth stain is to brush your teeth with
water after you have had some tea, coffee or soda. What people
don’t realize is tea stains your teeth even more than coffee. - See if Invisalign is for you. Invisalign can inform us if you are good
candidate by sending them models and pictures of your teeth, and estimate of how long the treatment
would be. - Seek treatment if you are clenching or grinding teeth at night. If you wake up with sore muscles in your jaw line area, this might be a sign. People have
even complained of headaches, or pain upon opening their mouths. People
also notice a clicking or popping noise in their TMJ area. - There
really isn’t a bigger benefit to whitening at home or in the office in terms of professional whitening. We use the same percentage carbamide peroxide in the office or with the
take home whitening kit. - As for over the counter whitening products, studies show Crest White Strips are the most effective.
From a Beauty Blogger’s Perspective…
- Wear blue-based red lipstick. Orangey-red lipsticks can actually make your teeth look yellow, but blue-based lipsticks like MAC’s Ruby Woo can cancel out the yellow and bring out the white.
- Don’t open ANYthing with your teeth. I have a habit of using my teeth to pry open bobby pins. This can cause chips- specific packages of Conair Bobby Pins come with an opener attached to the package.
- Can’t whiten in reality? Whiten virtually. If you see a photo of yourself that you adore, except for your yellow teeth, change them! Use an app like Facetune ($3.99 iOS/Google Play) that allows you to digitally whiten your teeth like a pro.
I hope Dr. Alia and I helped you smile today! Since I know you are ready to finally have a fabulous dental experience and be pampered (yes, pampering can happen at the dentist), here is her info! BONUS- she accepts ALL major PPO plans and submits on your behalf to the insurance company.
Enamel & Root Dentistry
711 11th Street
Wilmette, IL
847-906-8676
Shop the post!
