When I heard that Boomer’s theme this issue was “restore,” it touched me in many ways — both personally and professionally.
Having reached my mid-60s, I understand how important it is to review your life priorities and consider how to maximize every day, both spiritually and physically. And, as a dentist with 42 years of experience and having seen many oral conditions, I have a sense of how our health plays a major role in how we move forward.
Good Teeth, Good Health
Our teeth and mouth need to be in great shape. Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers are called “restorations” by the dental community. They restore teeth to their original conditions, before cavities or fractures. In this way, the patient has the ability to masticate (chew) food and break it down into the various nutrients needed to sustain life. Ask any person with a lower denture if they enjoy eating and most will tell you that it will never be like it was when they had their own teeth. Implants help with stability, but the force is still greatly reduced and the acrylic and/or porcelain changes the taste of food.
From an emotional standpoint, having a nice smile is very important to one’s presentation and outlook. The first thing we see when we have an encounter with someone else is their teeth and smile. Having focused my practice on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, I can tell you that the most gratifying thing we can hear in our office is a patient’s comment that the veneers and/or crowns we placed on their anterior teeth have “changed their life.”
As we continue to live longer, which may include working longer and dating at a more mature age, our smile plays a more important role. Just recently, a patient whose daughter was getting married and another who was attending her high school reunion wrote us that they kept getting compliments about how wonderful they looked; both were convinced that their teeth and smiles were the attention-getters.
So, whether you want to enjoy eating and/or smiling, dental restorations can play a major role in how you live your life. The benefits of good dental care can keep you healthy and optimistic as you move into your Boomer years.
Dr. Steve Marsh focuses on cosmetic dental procedures and general dentistry. Visit ClevelandSmiles.com for more information.
