A bride-to-be wants everything perfect on her wedding day – the weather, her flowers, the dress — and even her smile.

According to a nationwide study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 96% of adults believe that a beautiful smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex. So if you have thought about enhancing your smile, the perfect time to do it is before you walk down the aisle.

Here’s some important things to consider before a smile consultation with an AACD member cosmetic dentist:

    * Expect the dentist to recommend a comprehensive examination before any treatment begins. The dentist should be able to assess all aspects of your dental health and the potential longevity of your proposed cosmetic treatment.

    * Be sure to find a dentist who will take the time to consult with you before treatment begins. Be prepared to discuss what changes you would like to make to achieve a beautiful smile.

    * Ask to see the dentist’s before-and-after photographs of actual patients.

    * Make sure the dentist is an active member of the AACD, and ask how they keep up-to-date with new techniques and technology.

And then get ready to smile and enjoy your wedding day!

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An interesting thing happened to me last week at my dental office.  I was emailing a colleague during a snack break when a new post showed on my  ‘in’ box.  I had been forwarded a plea about someone seeking help for a serious toothache.  The woman didn’t have a regular dentist, and was afraid to call a dentist with whom she was not familiar.

Then she had the idea to Twitter her fellow Twitter acquaintances.  (Are they called Twits? I am not quite “hep” on the Twitter phenom.)  Anyway, one of her contacts referred her to my office with the assurance that I would take good care of her.  That I read her message within seconds of her posting was extraordinary. I called her immediately and arranged for a visit that afternoon.

It worked out well because she indeed had a true emergency and I was able to help.  What an amazing world we live in! I did not really know that Twitter worked in the way that it does.  That day it certainly did well for us both!

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First it was Atkins, then it was South Beach, now it’s the White Smile Diet. Daily home care and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In addition, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth. Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.

A recent survey show that whitening treatments have increased more than 300% since 1996. With so many people wanting to brighten their smile, Gregory J. Daniels DDS, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD) has a few easy tips that will help his patients to maintain their beautiful white teeth after treatment.

• Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.

• Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
• Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.

• Baking soda helps remove stains. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.

• Raw veggies are not only healthy, but they clean your teeth and remove topical stains.

• Chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva and clean teeth surfaces. Not recommended for patients with TMJ.

Tags: dental care, gregory j daniels, hinsdale cosmetic dentist, hinsdaledentist, white smile diet, american academy of cosmetic dentists, aacd, whiter teeth, teeth whitening treatment