Maybe you’re already in possession of your perfect smile. If you love the way your teeth look, then that’s great – and we’re here to help you keep your grin healthy and strong. Unfortunately, the majority of us aren’t thrilled with the appearance of our teeth, and we’re looking for changes.

But exactly what will those changes be like? It’s tough to take an outside look at your own smile, and decide what you feel is missing. As your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kim Okamura can help you take the step toward a confident grin – but you’ll need to do a little homework, too. Once you have an idea of what you’re hoping to achieve with treatment, you’ll be ready to engage in detailed, open conversations about your aesthetic dreams with your dentist. And the end result will be a smile that fits exactly what you’ve imagined.

Read on for some ideas on making this happen, as well as a few tips from Dr. Kim on how we can help you achieve your new teeth. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always here to help!

Determining Your Ideal Smile

cosmetic-dentist

If we don’t love our teeth, we can readily recognize our unhappiness – it’s pinpointing the cause that proves problematic. Follow these steps to move toward recognition of the flaws, and an understanding of what you’d like to change:

  • Spend some time looking in the mirror and identifying what you like and dislike about your smile. Remember, your gums are a part of your smile’s display as well – are they showing too much or not enough or your teeth? Take a look at different aspects of your teeth (whiteness, straightness, symmetry) and decide what’s important to you.
  • Look to those around you for grinspiration! Whether you’re checking out the pearly whites of friendly and family, celebrities, or role models, consider how each smile makes you feel. Does it convey confidence? Happiness? Friendliness? What would you like your smile’s message to be?
  • Talk to Dr. Kim about your grin. Cosmetic dentists have spent their careers becoming experts on what looks right for each patient. Dr. Kim will be able to recommend treatments that enhance your natural features, and gently mask aesthetic concerns.

Common Smile Makeovers

While you’re an individual, and your treatment will reflect this, there are some common treatment options that a large group of patients find fulfilling. By browsing some of these choices, you can see if any sound especially promising, and start doing some research into what they entail.

  • Whiter smile – If your stains are external, in-office teeth whitening will lift entire shades. If they are internal, bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers might be the right step.
  • Straighter teeth – Dr. Kim is a proud Invisalign provider, and has helped teens and adults pursue straightening without the burden of metal braces.
  • Longer teeth – Porcelain veneers lengthen teeth damaged by ongoing erosion or teeth grinding.
  • Covering cracks or chips – Bonding and veneers both hide superficial damage to perfect a tooth.
  • Improving symmetry – A broader smile makeover will address every aspect that you’re hoping to change, and result in a final grin that looks ideal while still representing you (and your personality). Talk to Dr. Kim about what this treatment process could mean for you.

Whenever you’re ready to make a dental change, we’re ready to act as your allies. You should possess a confident smile – there are so many benefits that follow. If you’re hoping to learn more, simply contact us online or at (206) 362-3200.

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Dr. Kim Okamura

I'm Dr. Kim Okamura and this blog is a product of my love of dentistry. I dedicate it to all the patients I have served so that they may better understand my craft. The information here will give you and others the power to maintain and protect one of your most priceless gifts ... your SMILE.