I was getting ready for a girls night out, a long-anticipated evening of friends, fun conversation and frufru cocktails. I was still at home, waiting for my friend to pick me up, thinking that I had cleaned up pretty nice—especially given the fact that just an hour earlier I had paint stains on my shirt from doing a craft project with the kids, my hair was piled in a tangled mess on my head, and dog hair clung to every inch of my yoga pants. Now that my locks were actually washed and I was sporting a new pair of heels, I was ready to shed my mommy skin and tackle the grown-up world. I was feeling pretty good.

Then the doorbell rang and in walked my friend. I looked at her and in two seconds realized she had a powerful new beauty tool in her arsenal, and I was jealous.

“Uh, exactly what is happening south of your eyebrows?” I asked her. … //READ MORE

It seems like everyone these days wants whiter teeth, including most of the patients who walk through the door of my dental practice. Teeth whitening is currently the most ubiquitous cosmetic dental procedure performed, and it’s no surprise considering the look is constantly emphasized by celebrities and their perfect white teeth.

I like to encourage most people to go for a natural look when seeking out lightening methods. There is such a thing as taking it too far, with some patients whitening like mad. However, it is nice to wipe away years’ worth of coffee, tea and food stains, and to remove discoloration that comes with age. A brighter smile can actually make you look years younger!

There are so many whitening methods available these days, from over-the-counter products and at-home remedies, to more potent in-office procedures. Most of these processes are safe and effective, as long as the steps are tailored specifically for you. How do you know which approach is best for you? Read on and find out … //READ MORE