What’s the first thing you notice when you look at someone’s smile? Their teeth, of course! Your teeth may be the star of your smile, but several factors contribute to its aesthetic beauty. Park Ridge, IL cosmetic dentists Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas have dedicated their lives to and caring for and enhancing patients’ smiles. Before you can improve the appearance of your smile, however, you must ensure its health.
Your Gums Affect Your Smile
Gum disease, which accounts for the vast majority of lost teeth, is an infection that destroys gum tissue and bone. When plaque and tartar are allowed to remain beneath the gum line, they produce acids and toxins that irritate the gum tissue. This causes the tissue to become swollen, red, and prone to bleeding while brushing. As the gums swell, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly clean your teeth–a vicious cycle. The gum line may appear asymmetrical, or it may make your teeth appear longer, throwing your smile off balance.
Framing Your Smile
Once you’ve achieved the healthy, attractive teeth and gums you’ve always wanted, it’s easy to think of your smile as a work of fine art. Like any other exquisite artwork, your teeth should be framed beautifully. After all, you wouldn’t display a Picasso in a cracked or poorly constructed frame! Loukas Dentistry is one of the few dental practices in the Park Ridge area to offer Botox, which we use to gently treat marionette lines–lines that appear vertically on either side of your mouth. Juvederm, a dermal filler, can also be injected around the mouth.
Lovely, Lovely Lips
Is there anything more lovely than a plump pout? As we age, the lips may become dry, cracked, and thin in appearance, making us look older than our years. If your lips could use a touch of volume, you may be an excellent candidate for dermal fillers. Restylane, which lasts as long as a whole year, subtly plumps your lips, making them appear full and youthful. The best part? Results are immediately visible.
Last but Not Least, Your Teeth
If you aren’t content with the side, shape, or color of your teeth, you have several options. Teeth whitening, the most requested cosmetic dental treatment in the country, offers subtle to stunning brightening at home or in our office. Your dentist will help you choose which whitening method is best for your needs. If your teeth have several cosmetic flaws, consider porcelain veneers. Popular among celebrities, veneers do everything from fill in gaps to cover discoloration and cracks.
Questions about cosmetic dentistry near Chicago, IL? To learn more about our smile-enhancing dental services, or to request an appointment with Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas, contact us at (847) 696-1919. We offer restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dentistry to patients living in Chicago, Park Ridge, and throughout the 60068 zip code.