Archive for ‘Cosmetic Dentistry’

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January 20, 2012

Smiling is Good for You

Psychologists and physiologists have been studying the science behind smiling. Smiles increase your perceived attractiveness, enhance personal relationships, and help you in all aspects of your life. Non-verbal communication is an integral part of our daily lives and smiles are one of the most powerful forms of unspoken interaction between people. With just a simple smile, you can make others feel happier and more comfortable around you. Below are a few facts about smiles.

Fun Smile Facts

  • It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. Being grumpy is more work!
  • Smiling is universal among people throughout the world.
  • When you smile, your body releases endorphins which boost your mood and energy.
  • Females tend to smile more often than males.
  • Newborn babies are even able to smile.
  • People with a pleasant smile are more likely to be promoted in their careers.
  • Forcing a smile can lower stress levels which then positively affects your immune system and blood pressure.
  • If you smile often, people will smile back. Psychologists believe we mimic the behavior of people around us.
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October 26, 2011

5 Reasons to Smile!

A simple smile can make a big difference. Smiling helps you live longer, improves your attractiveness, and reduces stress levels. People love to be around happy folks, and smiling is good for the soul.

Why Should I Smile?

1.       Smiling changes our mood. When you’re feeling blue, have you ever tried just smiling? Putting on a simple smile can trick your mind and body into being in a better mood. So turn that frown upside, and you will have a better day.

2.       Smiling relieves stress. When we are stressed, it shows all over the face and body. The jaw starts to clench, lines appear on the face, muscles tense up, and we looked tired and worn. A smile can relieve that tension and help you relax. Sometimes, when dealing with stress, the best thing to do is take a moment to smile and calm down, and you’ll realize that everything is going to be alright.

3.       Smiling makes you look younger and more attractive. We are all searching for the Fountain of Youth to maintain vibrant, youthful beauty forever. Smiling big can do the trick– the muscles we use to smile lift our face, so it’s like having a natural face lift. People are also drawn to others who emit warmth and kindness, so wearing a smile can also make you popular.

4.       Smiling helps you stay positive. It’s hard to think negatively when you have a smile on your face—just try it. When your body looks happy, but your mind is thinking unhappy thoughts, it’s hard to continue to stay negative. Keep depression and negative thoughts away by smiling.

5.       Smiling makes you look successful. We all strive to be successful and taken seriously. Right now, finding a job is hard enough because of the poor economy. Put a big smile on your face when you go in for that interview, and you’ll improve your chances of making a great impression. Smiling will help you stand apart from the other applicants. Your future employer will be impressed if you have a genuine smile.

Smiling can make differences in your life. It can help you become happy, healthy, and confident, so why not get the best treatment for your smile? If you’d like brighter, bolder, more attractive teeth, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA, today. Call 404-266-9424 to find out what he can do to increase your face value.

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October 25, 2011

Straight Teeth at Any Age!

straight teeth adult braces

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. Showing off a smile with straight and healthy teeth boosts your confidence and self-image. Not only can your pearly whites make you feel better about yourself, but it can positively impact how other people see you. Many employers confirm that a nice smile is an advantage for potential job candidates. A vibrant smile speaks to one’s care for his or her health and an even row of teeth is indicative of dedication to personal appearance. If you want straighter teeth, you turn to your dentist or orthodontist for braces.

It used to be that wearing braces was something only children went through. We all probably know someone who had to wear them during their early teenage years, or you may have endured this ordeal yourself. If you had braces, you may remember the hassles of cleaning your teeth and the restriction on certain foods like candy and bubble gum. Perhaps you even dealt with some teasing from other children. That can be a lot to tolerate for straight teeth!

Today, teenagers aren’t the only ones who wear braces. Many adults are opting for orthodontic work.  Braces are much more popular. Technology has made great advances for cosmetic dentistry and has improved the techniques for how braces are applied. What’s more, there are braces that are not only essentially invisible, but can be removed for special occasions like weddings or family photos. One of the leaders in this type of orthodontia is the Invisalign approach.

Invisalign works against the inside surfaces of your teeth. The Invisalign system is made up of a series of clear aligners that can be removed if needed. Invisalign patients speak of the comfort and rave about the convenience. Fortunately for Buckhead and surrounding Atlanta residents, Dr. Peter Pate has been successfully straightening smiles with “invisible braces” for years.

If you have dreamed of a new smile, but have thought you’re too old or you cringe at the thought of a metal mouth, think again! There’s no reason you can’t have that award-winning smile. No one understands the importance of straight teeth and a beautiful smile better than Dr. Pate. Contact our office today at 404-266-9424 to schedule a consultation to explore your options. New patients are welcome and convenient financing solutions are also available.

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June 6, 2011

Celebrities go to the dentist, too!

With constant media exposure, celebrities feel the need to maintain “perfect” smiles. However, not all celebrities started off that way!  Here are some who turned to cosmetic dentistry to improve their confidence and their careers:

Tom Cruise: Do you remember his misaligned teeth in Risky Business and The Outsiders? At age 39, he decided to sport a near-perfect smile, which included Invisalign braces and whitening treatments.

Victoria Beckham:  As a child, she was quite embarrassed by her crooked teeth and prominent gap. Beckham reportedly perfected her smile with porcelain veneers and teeth whitening treatments.

Ben Affleck: Prior to cosmetic dentistry, Affleck’s teeth were small and unevenly spaced. He received crowns, veneers, and extensive teeth whitening treatments.

Zac Effron: This High School Musical star contended with a wide gap in his top front teeth at the beginning of his career.  Now, Effron sports a beautifully white, “perfect” smile after Invisalign braces and teeth whitening treatments.

George Clooney: The former Sexiest Man Alive had a nasty habit of grinding his teeth, which made his smile rough and uneven. He is reported to have undergone laser gum treatment and had porcelain veneers placed to give him his new devilish grin.

Demi Moore: While she had naturally straight teeth, she was never quite satisfied with her smile, so she has veneers and underwent laser whitening treatments.

If you want to achieve a smile like the stars, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate, of Dentistry in Buckhead. A radiant smile can open professional and social doors.  Did you know people with beautiful smiles are deemed  more intelligent, attractive, and successful?  Contact my Atlanta dental office at (404)266-9424 to improve your smile.

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June 1, 2011

Teeth Whitening Has Never Been Easier

 

Did you know that methods of teeth whitening have been around for thousands of years?

The Egyptians beat the world to the invention of toothpaste, and used wine as one of the major ingredients. We know now that wine easily stains our teeth.

Believe it or not, the Romans used human urine as the main ingredient in their toothpaste! In fact, Roman toothpaste was so popular among Roman aristocracy that human urine was imported from Portugal. As disgusting as it sounds, the Romans were onto something. Ammonia has lightening and brightening qualities and is the main chemical found in human urine.

Luckily, we don’t have to use any ancient methods to whiten our smiles these days. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a dentist in Atlanta, GA, and I am proud to offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions to my patients.

Zoom! Whitening is the leading in-office teeth whitening system, which can remove discolorations and lighten your teeth 8 to 10 shades. The entire process takes only a few hours. You will feel good and look great with brighter, whiter teeth after your in-office whitening appointment!

If you prefer to whiten your teeth at your own convenience, I offer take-home whitening kits. Just fill the custom trays with the whitening gel that we provide and wear them for the specified time over a period of two weeks. You will see gradual results and end the process with a luminous, white smile. Bleaching trays are great for occasional touch-ups and can be used following in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures.

Call my dental office at (404) 266-9424 to find out more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment.

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May 20, 2011

HPV: Strong Link to Oral Cancer!

We’ve heard a lot lately about the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV. Usually this is introduced to us by our physicians as it relates to our reproductive health.  HPV is most easily transmitted through sexual contact, and is strongly linked to cervical cancer.  However, there is new evidence that connects HPV to declining oral health as well.  Would you believe that the HPV positive group is the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population?

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead.  It is important that you understand the dangers of HPV and what it can mean for your oral health. I recommend that you first become familiar with the characteristics of the virus and the way it is transmitted, and then learn how to best prevent you and your loved ones from contracting this destructive bug.

Although over 120 different versions of HPV have been identified, the most common strands are HPV-16, 18, 31, and 45. The virus is most easily spread through unprotected sexual contact. All of these HPV strands wreak havoc on the skin and mucosal linings of body tissues and results in an attack of the cells which can lead to various forms of cancer.

Specifically in the mouth, HPV-16 seems to be the culprit for the increasing rates of oral cancer in young adults. The virus manifests itself primarily in the back regions of the oral cavity like the base of the tongue, the back of the throat, and the tonsils. The double stranded DNA virus comes in contact with these areas in the mouth and infects the epithelial cells of the mucosa. The infected cells in the mouth can degrade and mutate to become squamous cell carcinomas (oral cancer).

So, how do you keep from getting HPV? The easiest and most effective way to safeguard yourself is to abstain from unprotected sexual contact – including oral sex, which is what causes the oral cancer we just discussed. Secondly, most physicians offer the HPV vaccine that can be administered at ages as young as 10 years old. This vaccine is thought to offer protection against the most harmful types of HPV, including HPV-16.

Now that you know what HPV is and how it is spread, I would like to remind you that it is vital that you continue your regular hygiene visits. In addition to the examination and cleaning, we screen for any signs of oral cancer. If you are due to visit us, schedule a thorough checkup and cleaning with me, Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead. Contact my Atlanta dental office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment.

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May 12, 2011

Catch Your ZZZ’s to Prevent Disease!

 

At times sleep can be elusive, but it is important to overall health and oral health. Sleep impacts your memory, curbs inflammation, spurs your imagination, sharpens your attention, lowers stress levels, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and slows the progression of periodontal disease.

Your mind and body are very active during sleep. While sleeping, cells repair themselves, and hormones and the immune system reset. With an out-of-whack immune system, the body can’t fight illness or disease effectively.

When you feel worn down due to sleep deprivation, your body’s immune system is suppressed. Then the body is slower to produce the antibodies needs to fight infections. The less sleep you get, the weaker the immune system becomes.

A recent study in Japan revealed that people who slept less than seven hours a night stood a greater chance of developing periodontal disease than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. Researchers concluded that the lack of sleep weakened the immune system, causing the gum disease to progress more rapidly.

Several factors may affect your sleep: stress, medications, diet, your mattress, or obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block the airflow during sleep.

If you experience sleepless nights due to sleep apnea or snoring, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead. I can determine if you need treatment for sleep apnea or require a snoreguard to keep your airway open as you sleep. Call my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule a consultation. We gladly welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, and surrounding areas.

Posted in Children's Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Stop Snoring | Leave a Comment »

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April 16, 2011

Healthy Sweet Substitutes

As people become more health conscious, desserts continue to present a problem. Your sweet tooth will not let you rid your life of sugary treats, but with some smart substitutions, you can find balance.   Try these simple culinary tricks and you will find that you can have your cake and eat it too!

  • Use apple sauce in place of cooking oil
  • Try whole wheat flour instead of white bleached flour
  • Use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa for every ounce of sweetened chocolate
  • Substitute evaporated skim milk for cream – or better yet, experiment with non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk
  • Bake with xylitol instead of sugar
  • Add vanilla extract or lemon zest to compensate for reduced sugar
  • Use egg whites or egg substitutes instead as opposed to whole eggs
  • Skip the top crust and use fresh or frozen berries in pies
  • Sprinkle cookies, cakes, or brownies with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar instead of frosting

These healthy tips will help control your sweet tooth, while setting you on the road to a healthier diet. Be sure to maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well! Remember to brush two times a day, floss once a day, rinse after meals, and keep your semi-annual dental visits.

If you have concerns about the health of your teeth and gums, or need a thorough cleaning, call me, Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead, at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. We care for families from Buckhead and throughout Atlanta. Don’t let your sweet tooth cause you pain!

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January 17, 2011

Why Teeth Discolor (And How to Bring Back the Beauty)

Are your teeth yellow, grayish, brownish, or just plain dingy?

In cosmetic dentistry, we use porcelain to create natural-looking restorations, like crowns and veneers. Porcelain looks and acts a lot like natural tooth enamel. Like porcelain, our teeth are porous. If you’ve ever had a white porcelain kitchen sink, you’ve probably watched it stain over time. The dark pigments in coffee, tea, red wine, and many foods such as berries, soak into the porous porcelain and cause discoloration. Unless you use a cleanser with bleach or a very harsh scrubber, like steel wool, the stains are virtually impossible to remove.

I do not recommend you use bleach or steel wool on your teeth!

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January 7, 2011

Turn a Few Heads with a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

It has been said that a person’s smile is the first thing others notice. I am Dr. Peter Pate and, as a dentist in the Atlanta area, I couldn’t agree more.

It has been proven that people tend to base their first impressions on the quality of your smile. In fact, people who have bright, healthy-looking smiles tend to achieve more in almost all aspects of their lives, especially professionally.

Many of my patients are surprised to hear this. It seems like in our modern day and age, people tend to obsess over their weight, hair color/style, skin tone, clothing, and other aspects of their physical appearance. The truth is, when it comes to first impressions, a beautiful smile says it all!

My team at Dentistry in Buckhead is here to help. Obviously, a healthy, beautiful smile can take you far. The mouth is often referred to as the window to the body because oral health has such a large impact on overall health. A healthy mouth that functions properly helps to ensure the overall health of your body.  Let’s face it, healthy people tend to be happier. Speaking of faces, having a well constructed smile affects more than just your mouth. Your whole face will benefit from a beautiful smile — including your eyes, which are the second thing people notice about a new acquaintance.

I offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options if you feel that is the best way for you to achieve a sparkling smile. I will be happy to sit down with you at a consultation to discuss your dental goals and possible treatment plans.

Make it your new year’s resolution to achieve a healthy, dazzling smile, and you’ll be unstoppable. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact my office at (404) 266-9424.

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