Facelifts are making a comeback, according to new data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), while soft-tissue fillers (used primarily for lip augmentation) ranked #2 in the list of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Here’s what you may not have known: Plumper lips, elevated cheeks, and fewer fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth can also be achieved through a smile makeover.
The anti-aging secret? Cosmetic dentistry >>
Why porcelain veneers trump fillers and facelifts
Over 130,000 facelifts were conducted in 2016, up 4 percent from 2015. Facelifts are intended to enhance the appearance of the face and neck by minimizing sagging, drooping, and wrinkling. Simply enough, people want a more youthful-looking face. A CNN report about the ASPS stats quoted Dr. Brian Wong, a facial plastic surgeon at the University of California, Irvine, who said that fewer patients are requesting procedures that remove extra skin. Instead, patients want something that plumps their skin with fillers.
Did you know that porcelain veneers have the ability to boost a person’s lips? While veneers and Lumineers are as thin as contact lenses (though exponentially stronger), they are carefully situated on top of a patient’s natural teeth and bonded in place to create a stunning cosmetic dentistry enhancement. This procedure, by default, makes lips plump out a little bit. While the pout may not be quite at a Kardashian level, it will be far more natural and longer lasting. Fillers must eventually be refreshed, unlike porcelain veneers which, if well taken care of, can last for decades.
3 reasons age has nothing to do with a smile makeover >>
Replace missing teeth for a more youthful appearance
Have you ever noticed the celebs who’ve gotten bad facelifts or overdosed on fillers? Of course you have. You could probably name a few off the top of your head, like Priscilla Presley, Daryl Hannah, Mickey Rourke, and Meg Ryan. Sometimes people go too far with cosmetic procedures in an effort to fight aging and maintain the youthful looks for which they are known, but we believe that aging gracefully is possible.
If your teeth are aging you, then the solutions are accessible and – in many cases – painless. A smile makeover can transform your entire face, but still leave you looking completely natural – just an improved version of yourself, no plastics involved.
For instance, if you have jowls, drooping cheeks, or a compressed appearance, the first question would be: Are you missing any teeth? A missing tooth or teeth will change the shape of your face by altering the bulk of your jawbone and, thus, the shape of your jawline. Your appearance can be drastically altered by missing teeth and make you look much older than you actually are.
The solution? There are actually three:
- Dental implants: One of the most effective methods of replacing missing teeth, dental implants are secured in your jawbone. They remain in place permanently while also stimulating your jawbone and preserving it. With dental implants, your jaw has no opportunity to sag because of missing teeth and roots.
- Dentures: We know, we know – if you’re trying to make yourself look more youthful, the last thing you want is to wear dentures and deal with adhesives. Modern dentures can be combined with dental implants for a secure and natural look (so you don’t have to feel old or be forced to take your teeth out every night).
- Porcelain fixed dental bridges: Bridges are used to close a gap by adding a porcelain tooth attached to hidden clasps which are then secured to the teeth on either side (both of which sport a porcelain crown). Bridges cannot be removed once put in place.
Make yourself look younger with a smile makeover
If your face is starting to show your age, revitalize your appearance with the most obvious, effective and natural-looking fix first: a smile makeover. “Patients are captivated by instant improvements to the face. It’s evident in the popularity of apps and filters that change how we can shape and shade our faces,” said Dr. Debra Johnson, president of the ASPS.
Some people would rather go under the knife than sit in a dentist’s chair. Anxiety about dental procedures is very real, and we take this affliction seriously. Our Manhattan dental office provides sedation dentistry for the patients who need help relaxing during their cosmetic dentistry procedures, or for patients who will be undergoing multiple treatments at one time.
Make an appointment with Dr. Michael J. Wei’s Manhattan dental office. Learn how you can take years off of your appearance with a smile makeover.
