NPD Blog

While it’s hard to believe actress Charlize Theron was once less than gorgeous, the South African-born star recently told The Sun the ugly truth about her childhood.   “I had no teeth until I was 11,” she told the British newspaper. “I had these fangs because I had jaundice when I was a kid, and I was put on so many antibiotics that my teeth rotted. They had to cut them out.”

According to Dr. Ryne Johnson, director of Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, a recognized leader in dental aesthetics in the Boston area, “many people who take antibiotics as a child have intrinsic staining (discoloration within the tooth structure) with their adult teeth.  Often, tetracycline is the culprit and can lead to misshaped teeth or teeth that are gray in color.  I have helped many professionals address this problem  and it can truly transform one’s self-confidence”.

Known today for her stunning looks and award-winning career—sparked after being discovered by a modeling scout at 16—Theron attributes her present strength to the awkward years she spent pretending to have a normal smile in school pictures.   Perhaps that’s how she managed to pull off her unglamorous role in the 2003 film “Monster,” unrecognizable as serial killer Aileen Wuornos, for which she took home an Oscar.

“Generally, the only predictable repair for this affliction is ceramic dentistry (either crowns or veneers).  Sometimes, in milder cases, we’re able to bleach the teeth for an acceptable result” says Dr. Johnson, who has been regarded as a pioneer in ceramic CAD/CAM dentistry and performs cosmetic dentistry makeovers on many of Boston’s most recognized figures.
 
If you’re considering addressing your cosmetic, dental challenges, see a specialist….the difference will make you smile.  A prosthodontist has advanced training and expertise in these matters.

Visit NewtonWellesleyDentalPartners.org for additional information.

Original article Celebrity, General

A recent survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) finds 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset, with 74% believing an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chance for success. This belief is engrained in the American culture. Patients should research cosmetic dentists before undergoing any procedure like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or dental implants.

Since 2006, teeth whitening procedures have increased by 300%, and porcelain veneers by 250%.  According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, he’s noticed that more and more patients undergo cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, or multi-phase dental procedures and full mouth restoration. 

Research and knowledge is the best tool patients can use to ensure quality service and pleasing outcomes. Patients who research procedures, cosmetic dentists and prosthodontists beforehand end up being happier in their dental treatment experience and being happy with the results of their smile makeover. When patients are engaged and invested in making decisions, in addition to checking dentists’ experience and credentials, the results are generally better.

As the AACD study highlights, more patients are undergoing cosmetic dentistry because they believe their smile is important, both in their social and professional lives. For more information about cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry you may visit two valuable web sites: www.NewtonProsthodontics.com or www.Prosthodontics.org.

If you want to enhance or “fix” your smile and demand excellence, contact Dr. Ryne Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics.  Remember, “See a Specialist...The Difference will Make You Smile”.

Excerpts from SFGate