Due to daily use and the forces we place upon our teeth, it is not uncommon for a person’s teeth to age faster than the rest of the body. Very flat, worn edges with all the front teeth having the same length are signs of an older looking smile. When we are young the two upper front teeth are longer than the two adjacent teeth. The longer front teeth create an arc that follows the curve of the lower lip when we smile which makes for a attractive look. As teeth wear and age the smile line of the teeth flattens. As the smile flattens the wear actually accelerates because as the teeth get shorter the contact pattern of the teeth changes as the teeth lose the shape they were intended to have. This process gives the smile a much older look. Sometimes the wear is so severe the teeth don’t show at all when smiling. This creates functional as well as esthetic problems.

Before the wear process gets very advanced we can prevent damage with customized bite guards. We know that most clenching and grinding occurs at night so we can slow the wear process down by having our patients sleep in guards. Also Botox is showing some promise to diminish the extreme forces some patients put on their teeth. ( I will share more about that in a future post)

After the wear has occurred and the tooth structure is lost, the teeth can be returned to their youthful length and beauty with veneers or crowns. Our modern materials and techniques can take years off your “smile age” and give your facial appearance a brighter more youthful look in just two weeks.

If you would like a more youthful looking smile, call for a free consultation to discuss the possibilities.

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Jeff Efird

About Dr. Efird

Dr. Jeff Efird has practiced dentistry for over 20 years. His love and respect for the dental profession continues to grow as he sees patients positively affected by proper oral health and quality treatment under his care. Dr. Efird understands a relationship with a dentist is a lifelong endeavor and values the respect and trust his patients extend.

Dr. Efird began his training as an undergraduate at UNC Chapel Hill. He attained a degree in chemistry before continuing his education and graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1987.

Dedicated to expanding his own knowledge and that of his practice, Dr. Efird has completed over 1000 hours of continuing education since graduating from dental school. Over the last decade he has focused most of his education of advanced restorative techniques and implant restorative solutions. Much of the training has been associated with the renowned Spear Education center in Scottsdale.

A member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, and Buncombe County Dental Society, Dr. Efird is committed to providing outstanding quality care to patients in Western North Carolina. He lives in Asheville with his wife and son, and loves to fish and build handcrafted boats.

Carolina Mountain Dental Hendersonville office will be CLOSED Monday February 15th due to inclement weather and Asheville office will OPEN at 10 (pending weather) on Monday. Emergency call # 828-252-6541) and Hendersonville office (Emergency call # 828-697-6000). If you are a pt of record and have a dental emergency during the time the office is closed, please call number listed.

Over the past few years our office has been getting more and more inquiries about treatment for snoring and sleep disorders.  You may have read my previous post on how our office can help patients who snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.  (see my May 4 th 2015 post on the web site under What’s New for treatment information) Anyone who suspects they have a sleep disorder should speak with their physician or a sleep specialist. A simple screening tool to determine who should seek sleep disorder counseling is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EES).

The test is a short questionnaire that measures daytime sleepiness.  The EES rates the persons likelihood of falling asleep during the day.

If you are curious as to whether you may have a sleep disorder, take the Epworth test below.

Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:

                                                                          0 = would never doze

                                                                          1 = slight chance of dozing

                                                                          2 = moderate chance of dozing

                                                                          3 = high chance of dozing

 

                                                                   Answer each question as best you can

Situation                                                                                                        Chance of Dozing

Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol __________________________       _____

In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic ___________________       _____

Sitting and reading _________________________________________________________      _____

Watching TV _________________________________________________________________      _____

Sitting, inactive in a place (e.g. theatre or a meeting) _________________       _____

As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break ___________________       _____

Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit _____     _____

Sitting and talking to someone ______________________________________________     _____      

                                                                                                      Total score      _____

THE EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE KEY

1 – 6            You are getting enough sleep

7 – 8            Your score is average 

9 and up     Seek advise of a sleep specialist for further investigation

If you scored 9 or above on the questionnaire it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist for further testing and proper diagnosis.  It is important to note this questionnaire is only a screening tool and is not meant to imply a diagnosis. Only a medical doctor should be diagnosing your condition.

I hope this information is helpful and encourages those with sleep disorders to seek help for this serious condition.

Sincerely

Jeff Efird DDS

About Dr. Efird

Dr. Jeff Efird has practiced dentistry for over 20 years. His love and respect for the dental profession continues to grow as he sees patients positively affected by proper oral health and quality treatment under his care. Dr. Efird understands a relationship with a dentist is a lifelong endeavor and values the respect and trust his patients extend.

Dr. Efird began his training as an undergraduate at UNC Chapel Hill. He attained a degree in chemistry before continuing his education and graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1987.

Dedicated to expanding his own knowledge and that of his practice, Dr. Efird has completed over 1000 hours of continuing education since graduating from dental school. Over the last decade he has focused most of his education of advanced restorative techniques and implant restorative solutions. Much of the training has been associated with the renowned Spear Education center in Scottsdale.

A member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, and Buncombe County Dental Society, Dr. Efird is committed to providing outstanding quality care to patients in Western North Carolina. He lives in Asheville with his wife and son, and loves to fish and build handcrafted boats.