Amazing Smiles
Through Cosmetic Dentistry By Albert J. Kurpis, D.D.S.
Dedication
To my best friend and love of my life, my wife, Judy, who is always there to provide me with never ending support.
And to my three children, Jonathan, Lauren and Brian, who have grown up to be very special young adults.
©2008 Albert J. Kurpis, D.D.S.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
FIRST EDITION
Production by StarGroup International, Inc.
West Palm Beach, Florida
(561) 547-0667
www.stargroupinternational.com
Edited by Shawn McAllister
Cover and book designed by Mel Abfier
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data pending Amazing Smiles Through Cosmetic Dentstry
ISBN 1-884886-7
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Table of Contents
Introduction Acknowledgements
Chapter One Cosmetic Dentistry from the beginning Chapter Two Factors that determine how your smile looks Chapter Three The Cosmetic Dentistry procedures
Chapter Four Miracles in Two visits: Porcelain Veneers
Chapter Five Before I buy-How will I know what I look like?
Chapter Six The Smile Gallery- How Cosmetic Dentistry can change your smile.
Chapter Seven What real people are saying about Cosmetic Dentistry? Chapter Eight Frequently asked questions about Cosmetic Dentistry Chapter Nine Now it is your turn
Introduction
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
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Welcome to the world of Amazing Smiles! For the very first time in human history, man has the ability to dramatically improve his appearance through the marvels of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry, simply stated, is the art and science of improving the appearance of a person’s teeth and smile, thereby changing someone’s entire appearance.
The field of dentistry developed in response to a human need. That need was to correct all ailments associated with teeth and gums. This included restoring or replacing broken or missing teeth.
Dentistry’s primary goal is still to restore a patient’s overall oral health. While physical health is always the main objective of dentistry, another need emerged concerning our teeth; we developed a desire to look more attractive.
We all want and need to feel good about ourselves. Nowhere is that more important than at the most apparent focal point of our faces… our smile. Our smile reveals so much about us. It communicates our intentions. It lets others know if we approve, if we like, or if we are attracted to what we observe. On the other hand, when we believe that our smile is a detriment, it can dramatically alter how effectively we are able to communicate. When we lose our ability to communicate, our life changes. Some people believe in their hearts that they never had the ability to communicate effectively because they never had an attractive smile. For these people, an unattractive smile can have incredible negative consequences that affect self esteem. An unattractive smile affects people both in social situations and in their job performance.
We are often not aware of how people around us react to our smile. Does anyone doubt that a smile is not that important? Imagine making an expensive purchase of an elegant product or high end service from someone with a horrific smile. How do you think this would affect you? Would it enhance or detract from this special experience? What would happen in a restaurant if you notice that your waiter has infected gums and horrible teeth? You just may lose your appetite. What about meeting that special some- one in your life? Your eyes meet. Then the subliminal smile says something… what would yours say if you did not like your own smile?
Unfortunately, people with unattractive teeth and gums tend to hide their smile. Some people with- draw from situations that could possibly expose their unsightly smile. Some lack the confidence to take the lead and/or project their views in front of others because they imagine that they may be judged by their smile. Often they are not as effective as they could be in business situations, social encounters or romantic relations. Some of these people become more introverted and, at times, depressed. They avoid social interactions for fear of rejection or embarrassment. Patients in their 50s and early 60s who have worn or dark teeth start to look and feel prematurely older than they really are. This may be the catalyst of a winding downward spiral into old age.
As sad as all this may seem, it does not have to be this way. There is hope and there are real solu- tions. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, a mouth can be restored so that any person suffer- ing from low self-esteem can become more confident. A bright, new smile can literally change one’s life.
This book will become an invaluable tool to anyone looking to benefit from a better looking smile.
But first, there are some things you must know.
Welcome to the life changing field of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is that area of dentistry that not only restores teeth to a state of health, but also emphasizes and improves the appearance of a smile. Cosmetic dentistry should be regarded both as an art and a science with the objective of making one’s smile more beautiful. With the aid of the latest materials and techniques, cosmetic dentistry can change and create a better looking smile more comfortably than ever before.
The following chapters provide the rules that govern how smiles look, show the procedures that can be used to attain an attractive smile, demonstrate real life examples of these procedures and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding cosmetic dentistry. My intention is to inspire you or someone important in your life to get on the road to a healthy and amazing smile.
Acknowledgements
There are so many people who have contributed
to making this book possible. I particularly want to thank Brenda Star, President of Star Group International for encouraging me
to go forward with this project. I also want to thank her great editor, Shawn McAllister and talented designer, Mel Abfier.
As with so many projects, there are so many people in the background whose support I could always count on. They include my associates,
Dr. John Ianzano and Dr. John Varoscak. In addition, my great staff was always there to help with the details. Thanks Kristine, Liz, Karen, Francy, Alma, Barabara, Debbie, Nancy, Sarah and Katherine. A special thanks to my wife, Judy and my daughter, Lauren for all those countless hours they spent on editing my final draft. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work by Danny, Glen, CK, and all the other technicians at Americus Lab who made most of these cases possible.
And let us not forget the master ceramist, the late Yasuo Saita, the genius behind so many great smiles.
CHAPTER 0NE
